Zhou Xuan noticed the painter immersed in thought over the knife scars and gave a knowing smile: "Looks like he's been thoroughly tormented by it."
He didn't have the time to accompany the painter in studying this masterpiece of a past life. Tapping lightly on the tea table, he said, "Return the book to me first."
The painter was entirely immersed in the painting, his thoughts preoccupied, his actions appearing like simple instinctive responses—vaguely hearing Zhou Xuan asking for the book, he mechanically opened a drawer. His hand paused for a moment before groping around, finally retrieving the book and handing it to Zhou Xuan.
"Remember, three interventions."
Zhou Xuan reminded him.
The painter gave a distracted "Mm," unclear whether he even understood.
"We're leaving now." Zhou Xuan took the book and urged Lingzi, who was leisurely drinking tea.
Lingzi placed down the tea cup and bid farewell to the painter, "Hua Sichen, we're heading out."
