Chapter 13: Cleaning up the mess
Langtian slowly stood up, one hand braced against the wall to steady himself. His body still ached and throbbed, but at least he could walk now. The pill that Senior Sister had given him had truly worked like magic, though it did come with a few odd side effects.
He reached for the black robe she had handed him and gently unfolded it. The fabric was soft, cool, and surprisingly clean. As he draped it over his shoulders, it fell around him in flowing layers. It was a little too big—its long sleeves drooping past his wrists and its hem brushing his ankles—but it felt comfortable and sturdy. It was even infused with a faint, comforting scent of dried herbs and a hint of smoke, like a mix of medicine and firewood. The smell reminded him of an alchemist’s room.
Before he could adjust the robe properly, Yue Ling stepped closer. Without a word, she began fixing the robe for him. Her fingers were quick and gentle as she tugged the folds into place, straightened the collar, and tightened the sash around his waist. She even brushed off his shoulder, then gave his chest a little double tap—pat, pat.
She stepped back to admire her work. "Hehe, just as I thought—it looks good on you," she said with a bright smile.
Then her eyes widened with realization. "Oh wow! You’re even taller than me now!"
Yue Ling raised her hand and stood on tiptoe to measure the difference. Sure enough, Langtian was half a head taller than her. "I can’t believe the little boy from ten years ago has grown so much!"
Langtian’s face flushed red. "Th-thanks, Senior Sister Shangguan..." he stammered, quickly looking away.
Yue Ling chuckled and then turned toward the mess he’d made earlier. The shelves had toppled over, and various ingredients were strewn across the floor. Without a single complaint, she crouched down and began tidying up—setting the shelves upright and gathering scattered herbs and papers into a pile.
Watching her calmly clean up after his mishap made guilt churn in Langtian’s chest. "I-I’m sorry," he muttered, lowering his head.
"Don’t worry. It’s not your fault," Yue Ling replied gently, without even turning around.