C5 Knowing the Cold and the Warm

"Alright, I understand." Buhui fought to suppress the anger boiling within him, striving to appear calm. Yet unbeknownst to him, his voice quivered as he spoke. To have an engagement broken off in such a manner was undeniably the ultimate disgrace.

Once he hung up the phone, Buhui pondered for a moment. He decided it was time to revisit the Almighty Immortal Cultivation System. Perhaps defeating a few more monsters would yield additional treasures. With enough wealth, he could easily overcome the challenges he was facing.

With this in mind, he quickly unlocked his phone and navigated to the Almighty Immortal Cultivation App. After launching it, he frantically searched for a way to enter, but found none. Anxiety crept in. Why hadn't he figured out how to re-enter after his last exit? What would he do when it was time to return?

"Almighty Immortal Cultivation System, please open the gate. I wish to enter," Buhui spoke into his phone, feeling somewhat foolish, yet willing to give it a try.

"Host's cultivation is at Grade One, and your body is a Mortal Body. You cannot forcibly open the teleportation gate. Almighty Immortal Cultivation System is in cooldown for seven days. The gate will only open after this period. Please wait patiently, Host."

Disappointment washed over Buhui. If he could just enter the system now and acquire some treasures, he could resolve his current predicament. It wasn't that he had been particularly eager for the marriage, but as a man, to be rejected in such a way was a profound humiliation.

With no immediate solution to his troubles, he informed his parents he needed a walk to clear his head. He carried too many burdens and sought relief in the open air. Buhui always aspired to present his parents with nothing but his most radiant and cheerful smile, rather than a face marred by worry.

Yet, shortly after stepping outside, he was startled by the sound of a pig squealing from the hillside. It struck him as odd. Had Dr. Hu not managed to herd the pig back to its pen after all this time? It didn't make sense. Dr. Hu had set out when the evening was just dimming, and now it was pitch black. The passage of time only added to Buhui's curiosity, compelling him to investigate the source of the noise.

However, he noticed the pig's cries were getting closer, which puzzled him even more. Could it be that his sow had come back home? Indeed, after advancing a few more steps, the beam from his phone's flashlight revealed a black and white sow charging towards him. The sow was moving so quickly that it nearly bowled him over.

Yun Buhui had seen this sow countless times, so he instantly recognized it as his own. While he stood there, bewildered, a voice came from behind: "You ungrateful pig, I kindly brought you back, and you run off, leaving me alone in the dark. How could you?"

Upon hearing this, Yun Buhui breathed a sigh of relief, a smile playing on his lips. He recognized the voice not as Dr. Hu's, but as that of Dr. Hu's daughter—Hu Feiyan. He quickly approached her and asked, "Feiyan, why are you walking the mountain path by yourself?"

Her sudden encounter with the voice made Hu Feiyan jump. She nearly stumbled as she asked, "Who's there? Buhui?" After her initial exclamation, she quickly realized who it was.

"Yeah, it's me. Are you okay?" Yun Buhui stepped forward to steady Hu Feiyan, who was on the verge of falling.

"Buhui, you scared me half to death. How can you walk so silently?" Hu Feiyan rubbed her slightly twisted ankle, grumbling about the scare.

"Sorry for frightening you. What brings you out here so late?" He helped Hu Feiyan sit down and began to gently massage her foot.

"Feeling any better?" Yun Buhui inquired.

"I'm fine, I'm not that fragile! Oh, and Buhui, I owe you an apology. My dad went too far. I gave him an earful, and he's realized his mistake. He was too ashamed to come himself, so he sent me to return your sow. Please don't hold it against him," Hu Feiyan explained, her voice tinged with remorse as she fought through the pain in her foot.

"We were in the wrong to begin with. Paying debts is a matter of principle. I'll help you take the sow back in a bit," Yun Buhui offered, understanding that Dr. Hu wouldn't be the one to regret. It must have been a quarrel between Hu Feiyan and her father that led her to return the sow at such a late hour.

"Buhui, you've changed. You used to listen to everything I said, but now you don't even heed my words. Have you forgotten your old friend just because you're engaged?" She feigned anger and pouted, and although it was too dark to see, Yun Buhui could still clearly sense it.

"Feiyan, I know you mean well. But I can't let you be put in a difficult position. You've already done so much for me over the years. Back in high school, if you hadn't secretly sold your sheep and lent me the money for tuition, I wouldn't have been able to afford my education."

Reflecting on the past, Yun Buhui felt an even deeper sense of gratitude for the girl before him. He owed her so much!

"Don't talk about debts; aren't we good friends?" Hu Feiyan said, attempting to stand, but as soon as her feet touched the ground, the pain was unbearable.

"Don't be stubborn, I'll carry you!" Without waiting for her consent, he hoisted her onto his back.

"First, make sure the pig gets home safely. Don't let it wander off," Hu Feiyan instructed, then settled comfortably on Yun Buhui's back, softly humming a tune. In that moment, Yun Buhui was transported back to his childhood.

People are indeed fascinating. Life's good and bad moments always seem to come hand in hand, prompting Yun Buhui to recall a saying: "Only the drinker knows the true taste of the water."

The sow had already found its way home and was now fussing over its piglets, lying down to let them nurse. Yet, despite their closeness, the piglets showed no interest in feeding.

Yun Buhui's parents thanked Hu Feiyan profusely, their simple nature leaving them at a loss for words beyond a heartfelt "thank you."

"Buhui, I'm starting school tomorrow. Could you see me off? It'll be months before I return, and just the thought makes me a bit sad." After spending some time with the Yun family, Hu Feiyan took her leave. Yun Buhui was concerned, knowing her foot was not yet fully healed, and insisted on escorting her home. Along the way, Hu Feiyan's words left Yun Buhui lost in thought.