Chapter 20 Bergen
Over ten hours in the air.
I slept on the longest leg.
No real tiredness when I landed.
Only anticipation.
Night had swallowed Bergen by the time I reached the villa.
A caregiver in an apron led me through the courtyard, the hall, then gently opened the door.
Liang Sheng sat in a wheelchair by the window.
Thin blanket over his legs.
The wheelchair turned slowly at the sound.
He saw me.
Spread his hands, helpless smile.
“Wanted to meet you at the airport.
Wound tore open a few days ago—had to get stitches.
So I waited here instead.”
I blinked hard.
Grinned back.
“Smart choice.”
I walked to him.
Knelt in front of the chair.
“You waited like a good patient.
So I came.”
His smile warmed.
We looked at each other.
I lost the fight.
Tears fell.
I bowed my head.
Fingers shaking on the blanket.
“Does it hurt?”
Gentle voice.
“No.”
I didn’t believe him.
How could it not hurt?
A bullet.
I sniffed.
“Why rush it?
Sixth Uncle was stepping down.
The old faction would have collapsed on its own.
You had time.”
If he had waited…
He chuckled low.
Lifted my face with both hands.
Serious eyes.
“My heart hurt worse.”
“Fang Mu.
That day you told me—so casually—why you came to me…
You know what I thought?”
I stared.
“What?”
“Not enough.”
“Luo Sha worked for Uncle Hong.
Every choice he made tied back to him.
You only settled with him.
How could that be enough?”
“Then I remembered the shot I put in you at Yi An.
Remembered you gritting your teeth in pain while the wound healed.
I thought—I owed one too.
That shot needed returning.”
I covered his mouth fast.
Don’t.
Not while you’re covered in wounds.
I wiped my face.
“You’re stuck in that chair with a bad leg.
Call it even.
We’re done with that.
Page turned.
Got it?”
He blinked.
Nodded.
I let go slowly.
He opened his mouth again.
I almost covered it a second time.
He caught my hand.
Eyes helpless.
“Something else.”
“…Go on.”
“Last time in Lincheng I left too fast.
I said I’d chase you.
Only got halfway.”
He paused.
“When we’re back from Norway—”
“No need.”
I smiled.
Cut him off.
“I agree.”
I hooked my arms around his neck.
Rose up.
Kissed him.
Words muffled against his lips.
“Who made me love you this much.
I can’t wait anymore.”
He wouldn’t know how relieved I was the instant I saw him whole.
Alive.
Able to say my name.
Able to hold me.
Relieved enough that the snow-covered roads from the airport and the iced harbor felt like peace.
He answered the kiss.
Hand at my nape.
Deeper.
Fiercer.
I let everything else go.
We had time now.
Plenty of it.
To keep walking this road.
To keep loving each other.