After I Am died, You Tell Me This Is A Life Simulation?
Chapter 20 - The Hasty Passing of August

Chapter 20: The Hasty Passing of August

After about two quarter-hours, the two had just about finished eating.

During that time, Fang and Cheng spoke softly and warmly about everyday matters, their bond growing noticeably closer.

They didn’t linger long in the inn. After escorting Cheng Lingsu back, Fang Han left, under the subtly curious gaze of Old Zhen.

As for the grandfather and granddaughter he had seen at the inn, Fang Han didn’t pay them much mind.

Or rather, while he did notice them, right now…

…this wasn’t the time to interact. He ought to restrain his thoughts and live a quiet, disciplined life.

Everything would wait until eight months later—his second chance at the life simulation.

Meanwhile, over at Wangyue Pavilion.

Qu Yang was sipping wine and snacking leisurely, while his little granddaughter occasionally refilled his cup and served him dishes. It was a rather carefree scene.

But in his heart, he was thinking: “Brother Liu sent word he found an ancient musical score—how could I not go see it and talk it over with him? Thankfully, affairs within the sect… there’s still ample time.”

Qu Feiyan had already finished eating. She didn’t have much of an appetite, nor did she drink. Aside from serving her grandfather wine and food, she had nothing to do. Sitting at the table, swinging her legs, she was visibly bored.

Suddenly recalling something, she giggled and said to Qu Yang: “Grandpa, those two who were sitting by the window earlier were quite interesting—one looked like a scholarly gentleman, but had oddly short hair; the other seemed like a country girl, yet acted with refined manners. The two of them together—such a strange pair~”

In truth, Fang Han’s hair wasn’t that short anymore—after all, it had grown for several months and could barely be tied back with a hairpin. As long as one didn’t look closely, it wasn’t all that noticeable.

It’s just that the little girl was sharp-eyed—he hadn’t escaped her notice.

Hearing this, Qu Yang’s hand paused mid-air with the wine cup. He didn’t answer his granddaughter, seemingly lost in thought.

Seeing this, Qu Feiyan pouted and said: “Grandpa~~ I’m talking to you! Why aren’t you answering me?”

Qu Yang snapped back to reality and, seeing her displeased, quickly soothed her: “Just now I was thinking over what you said, Feifei.”

Seeing his granddaughter gazing at him with wide eyes, Qu Yang pondered for a moment, then shook his head slightly and said in a low voice: “I couldn’t figure out their background either. Both of them have some inner strength. That man indeed appears to be a scholar—this inn’s owner even called him ‘Mister,’ so that likely checks out.

But you saw it too, Feifei—he has somewhat short hair. Scholars are particular about preserving their bodies and hair, as it is a gift from their parents. So it doesn’t quite fit. Truly, I don’t know what to make of him.”

“As for that girl, just now when she passed by, I vaguely smelled some medicinal scent. Likely a country herb-gathering lass.”

Still bored, Qu Feiyan asked a few more questions.

Qu Yang raised his hand helplessly: “Alright, alright. Your grandpa isn’t a fortune-teller—how could I know all that?”

And with that, the topic of Fang Han and Cheng Lingsu was dropped.

They met in passing, hurriedly—yet remained strangers still.

From then on, Fang Han’s life entered a state of complete calm, undisturbed by waves.

He practiced diligently each day, and his inner cultivation had reached complete harmony of mind and body, attaining true perfection.

His internal energy had grown nearly twofold in strength.

Each morning, he trained in martial arts, strengthening bones and sinews.

He repeatedly practiced and refined his sword technique and long fist forms.

After that, he would sit in the clinic, treating illnesses for the county’s people, regardless of status. Whether they were commoners, wealthy clansmen, or simple farmers from a nearby village, whoever came, he treated them equally.

Among the patients were the occasional wandering martial artists, suffering sword wounds or internal injuries. He never asked questions—if they could be treated, he treated them.

Even so, as time passed, his reputation as a benevolent physician grew increasingly well-known, especially among ordinary folk, by whom he was held in the highest esteem.

After all, for the wealthy and powerful, he wasn’t the only option for treatment. But for the poor and struggling, he was like a living bodhisattva—a divine healer who hung his gourd and brought medicine to the world.

How could such a man not be deeply respected?

No one knew who started it, but folks from Lijia Village began calling him “Mr. Fang.” Before long, other townsfolk picked it up, too.

Thankfully, it hadn’t escalated into some ridiculous nickname that would leave Fang Han both laughing and crying.

On this day, counting the time, another August had passed. It marked the completion of one full year.

Thinking this, Fang Han felt somewhat distracted.

“Brother Fang.”

A clear voice reached him. Fang Han blinked back to focus and looked at Cheng Lingsu.

At this moment, Cheng Lingsu appeared striking enough to daze the eye.

Over the past seven or eight months, she had grown, blooming into her features, truly affirming the saying, “A girl changes greatly as she matures.”

Her once pale, sallow complexion had turned fair and rosy, glowing with vitality. What once seemed like an unremarkable face now shone with brightening brows and features, growing more upright and charming. She had also grown taller, no longer the tiny thing she once was. She now carried a graceful, delicate charm, like a young lady in full bloom.

“Brother Fang~”

Seeing Fang Han silent and just staring, Cheng Lingsu stomped her foot lightly, calling again with a hint of playful complaint.

Yet in her heart, a quiet joy was blooming.

Fang Han chuckled. For some reason, seeing the little girl before him now grown fair and healthy, he felt an inexplicable sense of accomplishment.

Yes—over these past few months, whenever he had spare time, Fang Han would take her out for good food and treat her to snacks and little delights.

At last, her complexion had been fully restored.

Though the change in the girl was dramatic, in truth…

Her foundation was always there. It was just that, at first glance, she didn’t seem beautiful, because of poor nutrition and a frail, pitiful appearance.

But if one looked closely, her features were neatly balanced and elegant. Now that her body had been nourished and her complexion restored, with her brows and eyes maturing, she became bright and pretty all at once.

The most striking feature remained her eye, clear as spring water and brilliantly bright.

So beautiful it almost defied sense, filled with hidden vitality.

He reached out and gently touched her now glossy and smooth black hair—it carried a faint fragrance. Fang Han sighed, “Lingsu is becoming prettier and prettier~”

Cheng Lingsu blushed, lowered her head, and said nothing.

Fang Han smiled and asked, “What did you call me for just now?”

Hearing that, Cheng Lingsu tucked away her rising emotions, lifted her elegant forehead, and asked clearly: “Brother Fang, these past few days… you’ve seemed a little distracted. Have you encountered some trouble?”

Fang Han paused slightly, wondering: Am I really that obvious?

In truth, he hadn’t shown anything clearly. He’d always been cautious in demeanor and rarely let improper emotions show.

Even something like the second simulation chance, which lingered constantly in his mind, he had never shown outwardly.

That Cheng Lingsu had noticed—it was first due to her innate sharpness. In the original story, she was exactly such a delicate and clever girl. She could see through people and things—sometimes even their inner thoughts.

Even her Five-Poisons-trained martial uncle was no match for her tricks—once she made arrangements, he was doomed to be played.

And Hu Fei, in her presence, always had the awkward sense that his thoughts had been laid bare.

All of this was undeniable proof of her intelligence.

Secondly, she paid very close attention to Fang Han, so naturally she picked up on the subtleties.

She had indeed noticed that Fang Han had been somewhat absent-minded these days.

Concern rose in her heart, and so came the question.