Water Lily

“If there’s no towel, it’s really fine. As long as Xiao Feng agrees, I could just use yours...”

“I have one! I have one!” Ye Feng hurriedly nodded, realizing now that Shen Mengli’s earlier implication might have been about needing assistance. After all, he was a man, and there were boundaries to consider.

“Oh... so you do have one...” Shen Mengli’s voice carried a hint of disappointment.

“Well then, could you pass me the towel, Xiao Feng?”

“Sure... but Mengli, are you really okay on your own? I mean, if you need help with anything, like pushing your wheelchair in or anything physical...”

“It’s alright, Xiao Feng. I’m used to doing things by myself. Though... I don’t have any clean clothes to change into. Could you help me find something to wear?”

“Uh... I don’t think I have anything suitable right now. How about you wear some of my new clothes? I bought them a while ago but never got around to wearing them.”

“I could... but won’t you need them? Then you won’t have any new clothes left.”

Ye Feng waved it off casually, gently guiding Shen Mengli toward the bathroom door.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s just a set of clothes—feel free to wear them. Once your new clothes arrive, you can change into those.”

“Since you’re so insistent, I won’t refuse. Thank you, Xiao Feng.”

A small thrill ran through Shen Mengli at the thought of wearing Ye Feng’s clothes. Though it was just a necessity, the fact that he was willing to lend them to her felt like a sign of trust.

If she could nurture this trust little by little... she might just gain an advantage.

“Mengli, wait here for a moment. I’ll go get the clothes and towel for you.”

“Okay.”

......

Splash, splash.

As the sound of running water echoed from the bathroom, Ye Feng sank into the sofa with a relieved sigh. His gaze landed on a small teddy bear lying on the couch, and he picked it up, turning it over in his hands.

“Guess we’re kindred spirits, huh? You’re called Xiao Feng, and so am I. Mengli’s pretty good at naming things... though sometimes I wonder if she’s teasing me...”

Oh, right—he still hadn’t checked the rewards from the mission where he rescued Shen Mengli. Might as well claim them now.

With that thought, Ye Feng summoned the system interface, navigating to the mission log with practiced ease to claim his rewards.

If he remembered correctly, this mission included a special reward—something mysterious. He’d never encountered anything like this before.

After receiving the rewards, the system fed the information directly into his mind. Along with a 30-day extension to his lifespan, he obtained something called a Marrow Restoration Pill.

Huh?

The moment he heard the name, Ye Feng’s eyes widened. Just from the sound of it, this pill seemed extraordinary—but at the same time, a flicker of unease crept into his chest.

Whether it was the antidote he’d used before or the Limit Break Capsule, every system-granted item had impressive effects... but they all shared one unavoidable flaw.

Side effects.

The Limit Break Capsule alone had nearly killed him from its backlash. And now, this Marrow Restoration Pill sounded even more potent.

Then again, the system had also provided items like the Master Key and Substitute Doll, which had no adverse effects. Even the False Death Pill he’d acquired earlier had no listed side effects. Maybe this one was the same?

Holding onto that sliver of hope, Ye Feng checked the pill’s description.

[Marrow Restoration Pill: Upon consumption, the user undergoes physical reconstruction—purifying the marrow and expelling impurities. The more debilitated the body, the greater the effect.]

“!!!”

Though the description was brief, easily memorized at a glance, to Ye Feng, this was nothing short of miraculous. It was basically a complete overhaul of one’s physique—and since the system didn’t specify a time limit, the effects were likely permanent.

At this thought, Shen Mengli’s image surfaced in his mind.

If she took this pill... would it mean her legs could be healed? That she might stand again?

The possibility sent a surge of excitement through him. If the pill worked, it could change the entire trajectory of her life.

Besides, he owed her. This would be a way to make up for what she’d suffered. And as her friend, wasn’t helping each other what friends were supposed to do?

Just as he resolved to offer it to her, however, he noticed a line of fine print beneath the pill’s description.

This... this was—!

Ye Feng’s breath caught. He knew exactly what those words implied.

[Side Effect: There is a small chance the user’s physique may undergo unpredictable changes. Discover the specifics at your own risk.]

Phy... physique changes?

What did that even mean?

The vagueness of the side effect doused his enthusiasm like a bucket of ice water.

System... are you just messing with me now? I get that your items work wonders, but do you really have to slap a side effect on everything?

No matter how much he complained, it wouldn’t change anything. He was just a swordsman controlled by the blade—the sword’s wielder, but not its master. All he could do was accept his fate and try not to let the sword harm those caught in its path.

So... should he use it?

Ye Feng slumped forward, elbows on his knees, staring blankly at the floor. This could have been Shen Mengli’s chance at a new life, but now it carried an unknown risk. If something went wrong, regret would come too late.

Maybe... he should ask Mengli what she thinks?

Slowly, he lifted his head, his gaze drifting toward the bathroom.

......

“Huh? Are you sure it’s okay?”

“Mhm! It’s fine. Besides, my hair’s too long—I’d need to stand to dry it properly, and well... you know my situation. So, Xiao Feng, could you help me dry it?”

Fresh from her bath, Shen Mengli emerged in Ye Feng’s oversized clothes, wheeling herself to the sofa. The sight of her, damp and radiant like a lotus after rain, nearly stole his breath away. Thankfully, he managed to regain his composure quickly.

Honestly, Shen Mengli didn’t need fancy clothes to look beautiful. No matter what she wore, she carried an effortless grace—perhaps that was why she kept leaving Ye Feng speechless.