"My husband, you've come."
By the time Zeke reached the eaves of Taixuan Mountain, the sun had climbed high in the sky, casting warm rays that illuminated even the quiet depths of the forest. Fu Hua, partially bathed in sunlight, had rolled up her sleeves, her hands delicately brushing through a bamboo tray filled with vibrant green leaves.
The lush foliage, contrasted by her slender, jade-like fingers, painted a serene and picturesque scene.
Bathed in sunlight, Fu Hua greeted Zeke with a tranquil smile, instantly soothing any restlessness and eliciting a similar response from him.
"What is this?"
"It's the perfect time to pickle spring greens. As Little Fuxi mentioned... ahem, I used to do this frequently during this season. With some spare time now, I thought it'd be nice to make some again."
Fu Hua smoothed out the vegetables on the bamboo mat before washing her hands in the nearby basin, her warm smile akin to the onset of spring.
In truth, the Book of Fuxi had suggested that engaging in her old habits might aid in recovering her memories. Fu Hua took this advice, personally handling every step from picking and cleaning to pickling. Throughout the process, she indeed felt a sense of familiarity and nostalgia.
Zeke overlooked Fu Hua's slip of the tongue, nodding as if he hadn't noticed anything amiss. He then picked up a small piece of green vegetable and popped it into his mouth.
"Crunch!"
"Very crisp and salty, but excellent for stimulating appetite and complementing meals." A gentle smile flickered in Zeke's ice-blue eyes, expressing his appreciation for Fu Hua's culinary skills.
Wiping her hands, Fu Hua chuckled softly, "Thank you for your kind words. If you don't mind, would you like to taste more once they're ready?"
"I'd be delighted."
"Then it's settled. So, about Kiana...is everything alright?" Fu Hua placed her hand over her chest, feeling somewhat uneasy.
Although her memories had not yet returned, after last night's explanations from friends who brought her immense comfort, she managed to grasp the general situation.
Oh, right—Mobius, sandwiched between Kevin and Elysia, was an exception. Despite her sweet smile, Fu Hua felt something oddly off about her. There seemed to be an uncanny mismatch with this charming friend's demeanor.
In any case, Fu Hua now understood that Kiana was also Zeke's wife, having established their relationship even before herself, and moreover, she was Fu Hua's own direct disciple... Well, it certainly made for an awkward situation.
Fu Hua couldn't quite comprehend how she ended up in such a relationship with her disciple's husband. But since it had happened, all she could do was accept it, harboring deep feelings of guilt towards Kiana.
Zeke rubbed his forehead, appearing somewhat troubled as he shook his head:
"Although I am indeed... In short, she's fine now. We'll have plenty of time to make amends gradually in the years ahead."
"I see. That sounds reasonable; we can offer proper apologies and compensation later on. So, don't you need to stay by her side today?"
"Worry about yourself first. You're weakened significantly, though primarily due to my actions, but still, you've been too reckless."
Zeke gently touched Fu Hua's forehead with his hand.
As Fu Hua caressed her forehead, her heart raced at this intimate gesture, a faint blush spreading across her delicate, flower-like face.
"T-Then, dear husband, promise me not to take such risks again in the future! Even allowing yourself to suffer qi deviation!"
"Hmm? Are you lecturing me now?"
"Right is right, and wrong is wrong; truth stands clear before us. My husband, do not be stubborn—especially as a ruler, prudence must guide your actions."
Zeke fell silent at Fu Hua's unwavering seriousness, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Moreover, he indeed had been careless this time, allowing the God of Honkai to sway his judgment—the mistake was undeniably his own.
"Sigh..."
Zeke conceded with a sigh and gently placed his hand on Fu Hua's soft hair.
"I appreciate your advice, but could you lighten up a bit? You're beautiful no matter what, but I prefer it when you smile."
"Eh? S-s-su...such words out of nowhere, during daylight hours, my husband—you're truly...truly improper," Fu Hua stammered, her face flushed red as she clutched tightly at her teal garments, feeling somewhat flustered.
Though she protested about impropriety, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curve upwards in a delighted smile.
Zeke smiled contentedly.
"Heh! Indeed, you look even more adorable like this...I must thank Little Fuxi and Elysia for that."
"Huh? What do you mean, my husband?"
"Oh, nothing. You'll understand eventually. Do you have any plans or wishes for now?"
In response to Zeke's question, Fu Hua pondered for a moment before shaking her head with a slightly bewildered yet adorable expression.
"For now, I don't have any specific thoughts."
"Would you like to explore Taixuan Mountain together?" Zeke extended his hand towards Fu Hua.
Her heart fluttered; despite feeling shy, she gently took Zeke's hand, accepting his invitation.
'Warm and comforting, this joyful sensation... Is this what it feels like being with my husband?'
Fu Hua couldn't see how beautifully sweet her smile was at that moment.
Zeke, gazing upon the girl who now belonged to him, tenderly squeezed her soft and delicate hand as he led Fu Hua into the warm sunlight.
Zeke and Fu Hua strolled through Taixuan Mountain's scenic areas, returned for lunch, and later rested under a shaded pavilion. With her head gently resting on Zeke's legs, Fu Hua peacefully drifted off to sleep.
A gentle breeze, dappled sunlight filtering through trees, the young man sitting quietly, and the slumbering girl beside him - it painted a serene picture.
In this tranquil moment, Zeke reached out and touched Fu Hua's fair forehead tenderly.
"There still hasn't been any sign of her memories recovering. It seems the situation is more challenging than anticipated."
His heart softened as he affectionately gazed at Fu Hua's sleeping face. A thread of mental energy cautiously delved into her body.
"Boom!"
Amidst thunder and lightning, under a shattered sky, Zeke traversed the void. With each step, floating debris automatically aligned beneath his feet, forming a straight path leading deep within.
At the farthest reaches of this fractured world, near a sunlit floating island, Zeke encountered Senti with her hands on her hips, wearing an exceptionally displeased expression.
"You still have the nerve to show your face here?!"
"How is she?"
"Damn you! As the one responsible for all this, who do you think you are questioning me? And who allowed you to deceive Old Antique? Did you forget I exist?!?"
As Senti's interrogations turned into furious roars, her figure materialized above Zeke. Surrounded by black flames, she unleashed a powerful punch aimed at his face.
"Explosion!"
Black energy radiated outward, annihilating countless suspended fragments of earth.
In the center of the clash, Zeke effortlessly held onto Senti's fist with just one hand.
"Let go! Let go of me!"
Senti strained to free herself but couldn't escape Zeke's grip.
Normally, she wouldn't be so powerless. Within the consciousness domain, as the Herrscher of Sentience, even Zeke would struggle to easily overpower Senti's available energy.
However, Senti had expended too much energy to mend Fu Hua's shattered consciousness. Despite her desire to teach Zeke a lesson, she found herself significantly weakened.
"Don't cause trouble here. Fu Hua needs rest; our conflict could further strain her condition."
"You... Who do you think is at fault?!" Senti gritted her teeth, responding angrily.
Zeke released his grip.
Senti silently withdrew her fist, showing no intention to escalate further.
Zeke said, "It seems her state has stabilized, but... the damage to her mental domain is severe indeed. No wonder she felt so frail."
"Stay out of it! I'll heal the Old Antique soon enough, and then you better watch your back! Just wait for me to burst out there and blow you away!"
"Agreed. As the Herrscher sharing Fu Hua's origin, you focus on repairing her mental domain. Meanwhile, I will assist with her overall recovery externally, striving for a swift restoration."
"...Hmph!" Senti's expression remained grim, but regardless of her dissatisfaction, Fu Hua's safety took precedence. She tacitly accepted Zeke's proposal.