Healing

Wang Ling's home stood in the heart of the Soul-Calming Office's town. When Lin Qing arrived, he gently knocked on the door.

The door creaked open. It was not Wang Ling, but a girl in a thin white shirt with her hair tied in a ponytail. Her face was unnaturally pale, though she had a sweet appearance.

"Are you looking for my father? He hasn't come back yet," the girl said timidly.

"Are you Lord Wang Ling's daughter?" Lin Qing asked.

"Yes. My name is Wang Xiaohui," she said.

Lin Qing noticed that her eyes darted away even as she spoke. She clearly had little confidence in herself.

He had heard that Wang Xiaohui rarely went out after falling gravely ill. There were spider eggs in her blood, and she feared infecting others. Others were terrified of her as well. Over time, she had grown increasingly withdrawn and closed off.

"Since he isn't here, I'll be going." Lin Qing turned to leave.

Just then, an old woman's voice came from behind Wang Xiaohui.

"You're Lin Qing, aren't you?"

Lin Qing stopped and looked back. A white-haired old woman stood behind Wang Xiaohui. Her face was lined with wrinkles, but her features and face shape bore some resemblance to the girl's.

"I am. And you are?"

"I'm Xiaohui's grandmother. Come in. My son just went out to get medicine for her. He'll be back soon," the old woman said.

"All right."

Lin Qing entered. A tall pear tree grew in the courtyard, bearing more than a dozen golden fruits shaped like ingots. When the wind blew, their fragrance filled the air.

Lin Qing's heart stirred. He recognized them: Heavenly Origin Pear Fruits. They nourished the body, prolonged life, calmed the mind, and relieved pain. They were rare treasures that money could