As Lu Zhixing advanced, Shen Xinghuai instinctively retreated.

Unlike others, Shen Xinghuai bristled at the rumors circulating in the capital about him and Lu Zhixing. He held no interest in men, much less in any sort of relationship with one. The youth’s aversion and disgust were plain on his face, yet Lu Zhixing seemed oblivious. Just as Shen Xinghuai was forced against the wall, Shi An intervened, stepping in front of him. “My Lord, the esteemed Divine Physician has been waiting at the manor for some time. We shouldn’t keep him waiting any longer.”

Shi An couldn’t fathom the source of Lu Zhixing’s deep obsession. Was it truly just because Young Master Shen had offered him a sliver of warmth during his darkest hour?

Jolted by Shi An’s reminder, Lu Zhixing withdrew his hand and composed himself. “I almost forgot,” he conceded with a nod. “Then let us return to the manor.” He’d assumed he held a special place in Shen Xinghuai’s heart, but the realization that he was no different from a stray cat or dog filled him with a bitter resentment. Lu Zhixing refused to acknowledge his own wishful thinking; moments ago, all he wanted was to seize Shen Xinghuai and demand the truth.

“Then I’ll take my leave,” Lu Zhixing said, his mind now clear, fearing he’d frightened Shen Xinghuai. He forced a smile, more painful than any tear. “I will visit the Shen residence tomorrow.”

Shen Xinghuai kept his head bowed, desperate to avoid Lu Zhixing’s gaze. More than anything, he yearned to be free of the man. “My Lord,” he began, “the manor is still under renovation. It would be best to visit another day.”

Shen Xinghuai had intended to follow his sister, Shen Ruoyu, suspecting she had discovered something. He’d been tailing her when he’d encountered Lu Zhixing, failing to catch up with his sister.

The young man in red practically wore his refusal on his sleeve, yet Lu Zhixing remained deaf to his words. If not for pressing matters demanding his attention, Lu Zhixing wouldn’t have let him go so easily.

His fist clenched beneath his sleeve, a flicker of unease crossed Lu Zhixing’s face. “Shi An,” he inquired, “what did the Divine Physician say? Can my condition be treated…?”

The implication of his impotence weighed heavily on Lu Zhixing, especially after Shen Ruoyu had learned of it and stifled a laugh, a sight that had stung him deeply.

“It will be, My Lord,” Shi An reassured him. “After hardship comes ease. Your wishes will be fulfilled.”

Lu Zhixing had always been frail. Since his return from Southern Yue, he’d lost all desire, experiencing nausea and trembling whenever he was near a woman. In severe cases, he would even break down in tears.

The old Divine Physician, a wandering soul, had been difficult to secure. Persuading him to treat Lu Zhixing’s impotence had taken considerable effort. Shi An hoped the old man might also cure the young lord’s aversion to women.

By the time they returned to the manor from the pear garden, the white-haired physician had been waiting for a considerable time. His large medical chest strapped to his back, the old man bowed with difficulty. “This humble one greets…”

Stepping into the warmth of the manor, Lu Zhixing shrugged off his heavy outer robe and raised a hand to interrupt the physician. “There’s no need for formalities, Divine Physician. I presume you know why I’ve summoned you.”

He dismissed the attendants with a wave and signaled to Shi An to close the door. Lu Zhixing valued his reputation; some matters were best kept private.

The physician, a shrewd man, glanced around before retrieving a small bottle from his medical chest and placing it beside Lu Zhixing. He leaned in, whispering, “These pills may prove beneficial, My Lord. After taking one, simply focus on amorous thoughts…”

Lu Zhixing rested his chin on his hand, his gaze fixed on the seemingly ordinary bottle. “Is it that simple? I must test it first to be certain.”

“Shi An, take the Divine Physician to the guest quarters to rest.”

Hearing the commotion within, Shi An promptly opened the door and escorted the physician away.

Alone, Lu Zhixing shed his elaborate robes, discarding them on the floor. Before taking the pill himself, he cautiously crushed it and administered it to a dog in the manor. Only after observing no ill effects did he hesitantly swallow the medicine.

“Ugh…” A sheen of sweat coated his back. Dizzy, Lu Zhixing gripped the table’s edge to steady himself. Exhaustion washed over him, and he let out a series of strained gasps.

Clinging to the table, he attempted to conjure amorous thoughts as instructed, but his lack of experience in such matters left his mind blank.

He furrowed his brow in frustration. Despite his efforts, there was no sign of arovsal. Even picturing Shen Xinghuai’s features proved futile.

“Hmm…what’s happening?” Just as he was about to give up, the memory of that day with Shen Ruoyu in the city’s dungeon flooded his mind.

A wave of dizziness struck him. He recoiled from the memory, bending over to retch.

A sudden pang of pain shot through his lower body, and he felt a stirring between his legs. Was this… a reaction?

“No…impossible…”