From afar, Dan Qing could be seen walking briskly towards them. For someone who had just undergone major surgery, Dan Qing's recovery speed was several times faster than normal, thanks to the Profound Lady Heart Scripture. This Heart Method differed greatly from his Nine Yang True Scripture, focusing on internal adjustment.

It didn't offer much help to one's internal breath unless there was already a foundation for breath enhancement, in which case it could aid in personal cultivation.

His old man handed over the Heart Method of the Nine Yang True Scripture to him after his successful experimentation, but as a child, the real understanding came from being amidst a pack of wolves, where life's survival challenges activated his potential. This was the Xiao Family's unique training method, treating him not as a person, but as a machine.

He chuckled to himself when he thought about it. Xiao Lin considered himself lucky, as fate still favored him.

"What did the check-up say?" Dan Qing's pale skin had a hint of blush. Already a mother, she had the maturity and steadiness of a lady. Perhaps due to her cultivation, she appeared much younger than her actual age, like a young woman in her early twenties. Her slender frame was complemented by her two full breasts, perfectly accentuating her S-shaped curves, neither feeling weak due to her slender waist nor fake because of her ample chest.

"They said the recovery was pretty good, but there's still some malnutrition, needs supplementation." Having grown accustomed to Xiao Lin's way of life, Dan Qing was much more relaxed than before, no longer treating Xiao Lin as her benefactor, and spoke much more frequently. Paired with her excellent cooking skills, she thrived in farm life, adding a splash of color to her life as her personality gradually transformed.

Xiao Lin naturally noticed this and felt pleased from within, a smile in his eyes. Dan Qing had a certain independence others didn't, possibly due to her long-term lifestyle of raising a child on her own without relying on others. He liked such women. In some ways, she was similar to Wu Shuang, though Dan Qing was steadier and more tactful than Wu Shuang, reflecting the difference in survival at the social bottom.

Societal interactions at the upper and lower layers were completely different. The sophistication at the upper levels doesn't apply to the lower, but a slight change at the lower can allow one to stand firm at the upper. Thinking of this, Xiao Lin had another idea.

"How could there be malnutrition? Didn't they give you meat?" Joking half-seriously, Xiao Lin was already driving out of the school hospital. Yu Zhengbo didn't make things difficult for him; of course, making things difficult wouldn't be of much use. He didn't need to make things awkward for both sides.

"No, not at all!" Hearing Xiao Lin's seriousness, Dan Qing waved her hands. "Shao Qing and the others bring over fish and meat every day, how could there be no meat?"

Seeing Dan Qing's previous tension resurfacing, Xiao Lin laughed more happily. Occasionally, Dan Qing's identity tension made her worried about misspeaking seemed cute.

Dan Qing's face instantly turned red, realizing she fell for the trick again, a youthful shyness turned her gaze towards the window. Already at her age, she still held a youthful affection, what a shame.

"Then it's a lack of vitamins!" Xiao Lin decided to stop teasing her. "Right now, all the men living at the farm love eating meat. Would you like to set aside a piece of land to grow vegetables to pass the time?" Xiao Lin didn't blame himself for this oversight, naturally moving past it.

"I've already planted some fruits and vegetables they like eating in a patch in the backyard, but it'll be a while before the harvest." Dan Qing smiled, feeling easily satisfied. "I wanted to let you know earlier, but haven't come across you, and Qing Yi has been out and about recently, so..."

"There's no need to tell me. The farm is your home; you can do anything you like. Did I not leave you a card? If you need anything, have them drive you to buy it."

"Xiao... Xiao Lin, may I ask, why are you so kind to me? We're not related by blood or anything." Dan Qing hesitated to speak. Because she understood, she realized such a question shouldn't be voiced. Yet, it still bothered her, making her uncomfortable. Even though she could face these extraordinary people with calmness, internally she often felt incapable of aligning naturally, not because her displayed persona was fake, but because the underlying struggles prevented genuine openness.

"A sense of responsibility, perhaps!" Xiao Lin instinctively placed a hand on Dan Qing's slightly dry hair due to medication. He didn't understand Dan Qing's subtle emotions well, but he comprehended the self-esteem of those living at the bottom level; Dan Qing struggled to truly integrate because of her inferiority. She needed time. He wanted to tell her this, but he knew it could never be a convincing reason for her. "Since I saved you from the streets, you've been my responsibility. Fate or anything like that—I can't utter such words, because I see Niu Niu as my sister. I hope she can live and grow in a carefree environment."

Xiao Lin parked the car by the roadside. If they returned to the farm now, perhaps their conversations wouldn't be as open as they were. His free time was increasingly limited. "I didn't have a happy childhood, so I hope Niu Niu won't be like me."

"What can I repay you with?" It was the first time Xiao Lin spoke so candidly with her like this. She felt if she continued entangling herself with these thoughts, it would be an apology to Xiao Lin. As this idea emerged, her smile slowly transformed into a solemn determination.

"Live well, give Niu Niu a happy and carefree childhood, grow up well, and enjoy your happiness."

The fate seemed strange to Xiao Lin, who didn't say insincere words just to placate Dan Qing. His childhood was spent amidst fighting and killing, because he needed to understand not to kill adversaries who harm him.

Otherwise, he'd become food for others to consume; if he didn't absorb knowledge from various world perspectives, he'd be thrown back into the wolf cage among them. Besides, many more such "ifs" completely filled his childhood memories.

"I understand." Xiao Lin couldn't quite perceive Dan Qing's determination, as the feminine mind is as elusive as a needle at the bottom of the sea. He wasn't confident in fully comprehending.

"Let's go pick up Niu Niu now, let her come back a day earlier. I haven't seen her for a while."

"It's inappropriate. Schools have their rules, adults shouldn't break them casually. It might give Niu Niu the false impression she could receive special treatment." Dan Qing brushed aside the hair on her forehead. "I don't want her to lie around on the farm all day, not going to school. A parent naturally understands their child best, and these tough boys all spoil Niu Niu, almost agreeing to every request. Even buying gifts, as long as Niu Niu likes them, they're purchased regardless of price, treating her like a princess. In such instances, Dan Qing wonders if she earned such fortune through several lifetimes of good deeds."

"You're self-pitying again." Xiao Lin took her advice. He wouldn't interfere with child-rearing decisions. As parents, they always consider the best for their children. Suddenly, Xiao Lin felt Niu Niu was very lucky to have such a loving yet stern parent.

"No, just feeling blessed." She surreptitiously wiped away the tear at the corner of her eye with her finger, offering Xiao Lin a smile, at which moment she appeared exceptionally charming and seductive, causing Xiao Lin a brief daze. "Could we stop by the store ahead? We're short on household supplies at home. I'd like to pick some up on the way. You'll be eating there today, right?" Xiao Lin nodded. "Then I'll buy some good tea. I assume you'll have many details to discuss, and tea can be calming and restorative. Oh, also the gym mats need replacing; they're worn through."

Dan Qing's chatter made Xiao Lin smile. Recently, everyone seemed to be diligently cultivating, even she could sense an air of seriousness. "Don't you want to know the reason? Aren't you curious about what we're doing?"

"No need to ask, even if you're infamous murderers or robbers, what does it matter? As long as I believe you're good people, that's enough." Dan Qing never considered such questions; despite knowing they're extraordinary individuals possibly doing extraordinary things, what has it to do with her?

"You've been influenced by them, already joined their ranks." Xiao Lin parked in the underground garage, not the weekend, so parking was available early. "Sounds like you have a lot to purchase; as the only man present, I must protect you, the beautiful lady, and be your support."

Dan Qing playfully extended her hand from the car for Xiao Lin to courteously help her out, elegantly looping her arm through his, laughing together as they entered the store.

Xiao Lin maintained his usual posture beside her, his eyes continually scanning the surroundings. As soon as they entered, a tail followed them, mixed within the crowd, likely more than one. Whenever he attempted to locate the source, it vanished, only for another gaze to be found somewhere else.

"What's wrong?" Dan Qing sensed Xiao Lin's apprehension, and while linked to his arm, she felt his nerves tense.

"Nothing!" Xiao Lin emitted a soft 'hmm' in response to her meticulousness. "Is there anything else to purchase?"

"Almost done, just the gym mats left, which don't seem to be available here."

"I'll have someone send replacements over." At the checkout, Xiao Lin revealed his Bauhinia Card, prompting the young cashier to give him a once-over. (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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