Chapter 12: A Lifetime of Regret
Months later, within the bustling streets of the capital, the Jishi Hall, run by Shen Qingyi, was filled with a steady stream of visitors.
A faint scent of medicinal herbs lingered in the air, mingling with the coolness of early autumn, creating a sense of tranquility.
Late at night, when Jishi Hall had long closed its doors, a shadow slipped inside.
Gu Yun Ci hid in the darkness, watching as Shen Qingyi organized her herbs under the dim light.
Her figure had grown noticeably thinner, yet she appeared more composed, with a hint of weariness etched across her brow.
Gu Yun Ci's heart tightened painfully, an indescribable ache spreading through him.
He recalled the once innocent and carefree Shen Qingyi, now transformed into someone so unfamiliar.
“She has changed, all because of me.”
His heart was filled with guilt and regret.
He had personally destroyed their happiness and taken away Shen Qingyi's smile.
How he wished he could rush out and tell her how deeply he regretted his actions, begging for her forgiveness.
But he didn’t dare.
He feared the coldness and disappointment in Shen Qingyi's eyes.
He knew that he had lost the chance to make amends.
At that moment, a hurried knock on the door shattered the tranquility of the night.
Shen Qingyi opened the door to find a frantic man rushing in, cradling an unconscious child.
"Doctor, please save my child!" he pleaded.
Without a moment's hesitation, Shen Qingyi took the child into the inner room and began her examination.
Gu Yun Ci hid in the shadows, watching as Shen Qingyi skillfully administered acupuncture to the child, filled with admiration.
Once, she was the fragile woman who needed his protection.
Now, she had become a benevolent healer, saving lives.
And all of this was because of him.
Gu Yun Ci's heart ached even more; he felt like a sinner, forever unable to find redemption.
After finishing her treatment for the child, Shen Qingyi stepped out.
She saw Gu Yun Ci hiding in the shadows, her expression betraying no emotion.
"You've come."
Her tone was calm, as if she were addressing a stranger.
Gu Yun Ci felt his heart sink.
"Shen Qingyi, I..."
He wanted to explain, to apologize, but he didn't know how to begin.
Shen Qingyi interrupted him, "Young Master Gu, it's late. Please go back."
Her voice was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
Gu Yun Ci wanted to say something more, but then he heard a familiar voice.
"Yun Ci, what are you doing here?"
Gu Hongru stepped in, looking at Gu Yun Ci with disappointment in his eyes.
"Father."
Gu Yun Ci lowered his head, unable to meet his father's gaze.
Gu Hongru stepped in front of Shen Qingyi, concern etched on his face. "Shen Qingyi, are you alright?"
Shen Qingyi shook her head. "I'm fine, Uncle Gu."
Gu Hongru sighed and turned to Gu Yun Ci. "Yun Ci, you should go. Don't disturb Shen Qingyi's life any longer."
Gu Yun Ci's lips moved, but in the end, he said nothing.
Silently, he turned and left the clinic, his back appearing lonely and desolate.
He understood that he had lost Shen Qingyi forever.
The mistakes he had made would haunt him for a lifetime, leaving him with eternal regret.
Gu Hongru watched Gu Yun Ci's retreating figure, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.
He walked over to Shen Qingyi and gently patted her shoulder.
"Child, you did well."
Shen Qingyi looked up at Gu Hongru, her eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, Uncle Gu."
Gu Hongru smiled, "Silly child, you don't need to thank me."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Shen Qingyi, what are your plans for the future?"
Shen Qingyi's gaze was resolute and bright. "I want to continue to relieve suffering and save lives, to heal the wounded and rescue the dying."
Gu Hongru nodded with satisfaction. "Good child, I believe you will definitely succeed."
He knew that Shen Qingyi had found her direction in life, and she would live a more wonderful life.
As for Gu Yun Ci, he could only spend the rest of his days in regret.
Shen Qingyi returned to the inner hall to continue sorting the medicinal herbs.
Her expression was calm and determined, as if she had already let go of everything from the past.
She understood that there was still a long road ahead.
But she was no longer afraid, for she had found her path.
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