Chapter 149: The Return of Qingli

During the days Qingli was missing, Qin Yu remained in the laboratory, focused on developing an antidote, occasionally sustaining herself with rations from her spatial storage. She turned a blind eye to anyone who came to call for her. Although Zhao Zhen and the others were anxious, they were helpless and could only pray in secret for Qingli’s swift return.

Within the base, life continued as usual, and no one noticed Qingli’s disappearance. For those who were inquisitive, Xue Qi provided the excuse that Qingli was busy with his partner, Qin Yu, working on their "family planning." While some were skeptical, they could not gain access to Qingli’s villa and had to accept Xue Qi’s explanation for the time being. Yet, Xue Qi and the others knew this ruse would eventually be exposed. If Qingli did not return by then, Qin Yu would face "questioning" from the base’s top military officials.

The prayers of the group were finally answered. On the fourth day after the mutant animals vanished, Qingli returned. Covered in wounds, he appeared inside the villa without a sound. Hearing the news, Qin Yu rushed to the living room, only to find the others standing two meters away from Qingli, who was slumped on the sofa. He sat with his head slightly bowed, his clothes mottled with blood. He looked disheveled and profoundly dejected.

Seeing this, Qin Yu felt a pang of heartache. She addressed the group, "Why are you just standing there? Quickly, treat his wounds!"

Zhao Zhen replied with a mournful expression, "Xiao Yu, it’s not that we don't want to, but we can't get near him. Any ability Xia Cheng uses is simply deflected back."

Hearing this, Qin Yu hurried to Qingli’s side. Sensing someone approaching, Qingli lifted his head and stared at her, as if trying to identify who stood before him. He took a deep breath, caught the familiar, comforting scent, and managed a faint smile before losing consciousness in her arms.

Supporting half of his weight, Qin Yu remained silent, her lips pressed tight. Yet, the heavy, oppressive aura radiating from her made everyone in the room shiver. She glanced at the others, then hoisted Qingli up with her right arm and slowly guided him toward the bedroom upstairs. Only when they disappeared from sight did the air in the room seem to lighten.

Zhao Zhen tugged at Xia Cheng’s sleeve, whispering in horror, "Xiao Yu looked so terrifying just now!"

Xia Cheng tenderly took her hand and said affectionately, "Don't be afraid, I'm here." Zhao Zhen nodded, offering him a bright smile. Nangong Yao, witnessing this, shook off his goosebumps and walked away in disgust. It seemed Qingli’s injuries were severe; he needed to check if he had any medicinal pills in his stash. As for the others, they were so accustomed to such public displays of affection that they simply pretended not to see.

Back in the room, Qin Yu carefully removed Qingli’s clothes. She discovered numerous wounds, the most severe being a deep gash on his abdomen that revealed the raw flesh beneath. She couldn't identify the cause; it wasn't from a blade or the claws of a beast. Her expression turned grim.

Using her water-based ability, she meticulously cleaned the wounds. When droplets of water seeped into the flesh, Qingli let out a muffled groan. Hardening her heart, she finished cleaning, then reached for anti-inflammatory medication and gently applied it. Frowning at the sight of his wounds, she stood up to go find Xia Cheng, hoping his healing abilities might be effective.

In her anxiety, Qin Yu failed to notice that as she turned away, Qingli opened his eyes. He watched her retreating back, a tear falling from the corner of his eye and trickling into the wound on his chest. He struggled to rise, but the pain across his body was unbearable. His recently dried wounds tore open again, fresh blood spilling out. Yet, he ignored the agony, trying to sit up over and over, failing each time. Within minutes, he was once again drenched in blood.

When Qin Yu and Xia Cheng entered, they saw him covered in crimson, still frantically trying to sit up. Qin Yu was furious, yet fear took precedence. She rushed to his side, shouting, "What are you doing? Do you have no regard for your life?"

Qingli stopped at the sound of her voice. He stared at her with unfocused eyes, as if seeing a scene that had driven him to this state. Gradually, his gaze sharpened, and looking directly at her, he suddenly burst into tears. "Wuwuwu... I thought you didn't want me again!"

If anyone wondered what it was like to see a "god-like" man become a crybaby, Qin Yu could tell them now: a Qingli like this was simply heartbreaking.

Qingli sobbed, "Don't leave me, I’m very useful! I can cook, I can act cute, I’m gentle, I can make money, and I can warm the bed! Wuwuwu... please don't abandon me!"

Qin Yu stroked his head, comforting him. "Alright, alright, I won't abandon you." As she spoke, she gestured for Xia Cheng to begin the treatment. Xia Cheng, finally snapping out of his stupor, hurriedly channeled his healing ability. Under his influence, the bleeding gradually slowed, but it stopped there. The deep, terrifying wounds remained.

Xia Cheng withdrew his power and shook his head at Qin Yu. "I’ve done my best. His ability level is far higher than mine; this is all I can do for now."

Qin Yu nodded, "Thank you." Xia Cheng smiled, waved his hand, and turned to leave, thoughtfully closing the door behind him.

Qin Yu looked at Qingli, who continued to mutter in her arms, feeling a bitter ache. She couldn't remember—she didn't recall ever abandoning him. Her memories of him were sparse, yet the love and trust for him embedded in her soul were more honest than her own body.

At that moment, she desperately wanted to know what had happened in the past. Why had she lost her memories? Why was it that she could recall things when triggered by related objects, yet when it came to him, she could never remember? Had she truly abandoned him once? And for what reason? How much pain had this man endured during that time to cause him to weep and beg her not to leave like this?

Lost in thought, her hand continued to stroke his hair, and she unconsciously began to hum an unknown melody. Qingli gradually calmed and drifted into a peaceful sleep. In his dreams, he saw his Yu’er wearing a pristine white wedding dress, walking toward him with a look of pure happiness. Many people were gathered around, laughing and offering their blessings. But in his eyes, there was only her—everything was so beautiful.

Alas, a dream is only a dream.