Noah respectfully pushed Aiden’s door open, then turned to Madeline, and said, “Ms. Larson, please come in
The room wasn’t very well–lit. Beside the bed was a simple table, on which sat a illuminating the open book on the table
The nearby bookshelf held numerous ancient books, all looking quite worn.
a plain lamp. Its soft orange glow resembled a tiny orb, gently
Aladeline wasn’t in the state to pay much attention to her surroundings–her head felt like a muddled mess.
Aiden opened a medical kit, took out a thermometer, and handed it to her. “Take your temperature”
Madeline looked at the thermometer in front of her. Aiden’s hand was pale and slender, making the thermometer seem more valuable.
She quickly took it, saying, “Thank you.”
The room was sparsely furnished. Madeline sat on a small, low stool, silently wanting for the temperature reading.
She closed her eyes, utterly exhausted and feeling unwell.
Hugging her knees, she wrapped her arms around herself.
The room was filled with a light incense–just ordinary agarwood, but it smelled quite pleasant.
A narrow wooden bed was placed against the window on the other side.
The patterned wooden window was propped open with a bamboo stick
In the chill, a small plum blossom branch peeked through the window, its beauty captivating.
Madeline couldn’t help but think that this environment was perfect for the cultivation of inner virtues.
Her fever had already reached 1013 degrees Fahrenheit.
Noah sighed. “Ms. Larson, you really do have a fever and a cold. It’s freezing up here. When I first came here, I couldn’t handle it either. Look at your face–it’s so red!”
Madeline was at a loss for words.
“It’s okay,” Aiden said, sitting on the stool, appearing completely serene and unworldly.
He gave a faint smile, and the small mole under his eye only added to his quiet allure.
‘No wonder he always wears a hat when he goes our Madeline thought to herself before asking. “Do you have any fever medicine?”
Noah smiled. “Mr. Bennett only uses herbal medicine because his good friend sends a lot of it here. That man is really skilled in medicine.”
Aiden glanced sideways at him. “Mind your words”
Noah pouted and covered his mouth. “Alright.”
Aiden handed Madeline some medicine. Take this and get some Tesch
Madeline took the medicine and noticed the rosary beads on his wrist. It was long, wrapped around his wrist nice, with the rest hanging under his wide sleeve.
She said. Thank you, Mr. Benner, I’ll donate some money tomorrow. Then she left with the medicine.
She hadn’t walked far when she heard footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw Noah running toward her.
Looking further, she spotted Aiden standing under the caves, with the bamboo swaying gemily around him. He looked like a figure from a painting, untouched by the world.
“He’s so beautiful Madeline thought to herself. She immediately pursed her lips, scolding herself for her improper thoughts
“Ms, Larson, Mr. Bennett said that it’s dark and the path is slippery, so it’s unsafe for you to walk alone. He asked me to escort you back.” Noah said
with a cheerful smile
After all, he was just a kid, naturally lively and energetic.
Madeline didn’t refuse. After all, it was late, and if she got lost, she might not be lucky enough to meet
eet someone to guide her again.
Chapter 220
She said, “Well, thank you th
kyou then.
Noah grinned and hopped along in from of her.
Madeline couldn’t resist asking Noah, “Do you know Mr. Bennett’s real name!”
I don’t.” Noah shook his head and explained. “We’re of a lower rank, so we can’t interact with Mr. Bennett often. Besides, he’s very quiet, spending most of his time reading or sweeping. Sometimes he wanders through the mountains. He doesn’t talk to us much. But he has many impressive Invends who often visit him”
“I see. Madeline nodded. Is it fun living in the mountains?”
Noah b
“It’s not fun at all Noah blurted, then quickly coughed to cover up. “But priests shouldn’t be thinking about fun every day. I’m here to focus on my spiritual practice!”
Noah had only recently joined the chapel. His parents had consulted a fortune teller, who said that due to his frail health, he might not survive if he stayed home, so they sent him here for safety. He was well aware of this
Noah stopped talking and quietly led the way.
The mountain was shrouded in heavy mist at night, and with the dark sky, the path was indeed difficult to navigate.
When they finally arrived, Noah handed Madeline the hot water he had just brought. “Here’s some hot water for you, Ms. Larson.”
Madeline took it and thanked him again.
“Mr, Bennett asked me to give you this.” Noah pulled a set of rosary beads from his pocket. It was threaded with red string and looked quite pretty
Madeline immediately thought of the rosary beads Caleb wore
His, however, were more about seeking redemption. As a Christian, he was somewhat devout, but not very commited.
“These are rosary beads Madeline said
Noah nodded. “Yes, Mr. Bennett recently got some rosary pea seeds and made this. This one has been blessed; it’ll keep you safe”
Madeline slipped the rosary beads onto her wrist and smiled. “Mr. Bennett is very kind,”
“Not really? Noah thought for a moment and said, “Lots of people have asked for them, but Mr. Bennen hasn’t given any away”
Then he chuckled and continued, “Ms. Larson, maybe you’re destined to have a connection with Christianity, so Mr. Bennett gave it to you. Get
some rest. I head back now,”
He then headed back to the inner courtyard.
As he walked, he couldn’t i
In’t help but think, “Mr. Bennett is stunningly handsome, and Ms. Larson, despite her sickly appearance, is unmistakably
korgeous too.
Thinking of this he happily went back to sleep…
With the rosary beads on her wrist, Madeline carried the warm water into her room.
As soon as she entered, she saw Harper lounging with her chin in her hand, watching her leisurely.
Harper grinned and said, “Maddie, I thought you got lost on your way to the bathroom. I searched for you all over, but couldn’t find you in the guest rooms. So, did you go see that handsome priest? It’s so cold outside. You shouldn’t have gone out in the middle of the night. Look at you, your face is deathly pale.”
at my pale face isn’t from the cold?” Madeline said helplessly. “I have a cold
“Could it be that i
Harper quickly jumped up and touched Madeline’s forehead. “Oh my, you’re burning up! What should we do?”
“Don’t worry, I, sh. I met a handsome priest, and he gave me some fever medicine.” Madeline had already taken the pills on her way back.
Harper’s eyes lit up, her attention immediately drawn to the handsome priest once again.
She said. “Wow, you caught your fever at just the right time!”
Madeline was shocked and couldn’t help but think. She is such a bad friend”
Harper grabbed Madeline’s hand and felt the roury beads on her wrist before saying. These are so pretty! A souvenir? I’ll get one tomorrow too
“Sure,” Madeline said, planning to donate some monry tomorrow.
