Chapter 305

"If you truly wish to save your life, choose your face."

Xiao Lanyuan's chest tightened, but he made his decision quickly. He had never been one to hesitate.

"I'd rather ruin this face than lose the use of my legs." His voice was low. "At least I can still move freely. If you're ever in danger, I can reach you in time."

Fu Zhaoning frowned slightly.

What stood between them that would require such urgency?

His words sounded as though they might be separated in the future.

"Xiao Lanyuan, what do you mean?"

"Years ago, at the Grand Medical Conference, several renowned physicians discussed it." His gaze darkened. "If faced with an incurable poison, one could use internal energy to force the toxin into the legs. It would cripple them, but it would save a life."

Fu Zhaoning's fingers twitched.

"If you ever have to save me like that, don’t choose that path."

He would never accept being a cripple. Even if his face were ruined, at least he could still protect her.

"True, legs are more important than a face."

After a moment of contemplation, Fu Zhaoning nodded in agreement. Mobility was far more valuable than appearance.

"If we really use this method, will the entire side of my face be destroyed?"

Xiao Lanyuan raised his hand to touch his left cheek.

"Don’t."

Fu Zhaoning seized his wrist. "Your hands aren’t clean. Don’t touch the poisoned scar."

She had been extra cautious these days. His scar had begun to fester, requiring meticulous care with each dressing change.

"Is it that bad?"

Xiao Lanyuan smiled bitterly. She had taken away all the mirrors, even stopping him from glimpsing his reflection while combing his hair.

"A grown man like you, why care so much about your face?" Fu Zhaoning scoffed lightly. "It's not like you rely on it for a living."

She avoided answering directly.

But Xiao Lanyuan already understood. If the poison were forced into his face, it would likely ruin it completely.

Now, at least half of his features remained intact. If his face were completely disfigured, how could he stand beside her?

Let the world mock her for marrying a hideous cripple?

A dying man, no less.

"You're right." He suddenly laughed.

Yet in the days that followed, Fu Zhaoning noticed his growing distance.

Where they once shared a carriage, he now rode alone on horseback. Where they once stayed in the same room, he now booked separate quarters.