Chapter 64 You’re too bad, don’t come see me.

Xie Shenhong couldn’t help but freeze.

Prior to this, or rather, over the past week, Xie Shenhong had meticulously prepared himself to embody the role of “Xie Shenhong,” a person gradually regaining their memories, aligning with everyone else’s expectations.

He had simulated countless scenarios in his mind, envisioning how he would interact with people from his past.

Even potential obstacles had been factored into his elaborate mental rehearsals.

Yet, he never could have anticipated that the one obstructing him would be none other than Li Tianming, the very person who should have been most eager for his memories to return.

Furthermore, while Li Tianming claimed to be “imploring,” his tone was undeniably authoritative.

“What is your reason?”

“There’s no need for you, Lord Shenhong, to trouble yourself with such a minor matter; we subordinates can handle it.”

“This is hardly a minor matter. They openly attacked the city guards, and the perpetrator possesses the strength of a Martial Baron!”

“Precisely as Lord Shenhong stated, I implore you, do not put yourself in harm’s way!” Li Tianming’s voice sharpened. “The Knights already have a detailed plan to address this situation; your assistance is not required!”

“Then why was I brought here? Don’t tell me it was solely to meet Green Maple?”

“Indeed. Lord Shenhong, your task here is complete. Please return.”

Although Xie Shenhong had long known that Li Tianming’s deference was merely an act, being summoned and dismissed so casually ignited a rare spark of anger within him.

“And if I refuse?”

However, Li Tianming’s expression had already settled into a calm resolve.

“Lord Shenhong.”

He lowered his head once more, his face etched with an expression of guilt and distress, as if the entire predicament were his own fault.

“Perhaps your safety holds little concern for you, and perhaps you are eager to assist us with what you deem minor tasks, but this time, our adversaries are remnants of the Sakura Kingdom.”

“And what of it?”

“They are intimately familiar with Crimson Hawk.”

“Then why are you still impersonating him?” Xie Shenhong laid his cards on the table.

“It’s not that they are familiar with your appearance, but rather… they are all aware that Crimson Hawk suffers from post-war psychological syndrome.”

“…”

“Every single one of them is an adversary akin to Sima Le. Therefore… I beg you, Lord Shenhong, please reconsider.” Li Tianming, for once, spoke with genuine entreaty. “Even if you disregard our mission to protect you, please consider the feelings of Lady Duanmu and the others…”

Xie Shenhong longed to retort that it was merely a psychological ailment, easily overcome.

Yet, the words remained unspoken.

Since the Blaze Ship incident, he had never once attempted to listen to that specific phrase.

Not even by recording it himself and playing it back had he dared to try.

For the mere thought of it made him realize that this body still recoiled.

It actively resisted any attempt.

Should he genuinely encounter someone uttering that phrase in battle… he truly could not guarantee his own composure.

“I understand.”

Thus, even with Li Tianming resorting to such a distasteful tactic as emotional blackmail, Xie Shenhong could only silently acquiesce.

Even so—

“In the future, you will meet with a few other Seven Heroes. Your subordinate will inform you when the time comes.”

“And no matter what they ask of me, I’m not to interfere?”

“Yes, everything… please leave it to us.”

At this point, Xie Shenhong finally understood.

Until he truly became “Xie Shenhong,” these people would never allow him access to any confidential matters.

As he was now, he was deemed unworthy.

****

Fortunately, being looked down upon in such a manner served only to further motivate Xie Shenhong.

After all, recognizing one’s shortcomings was the first step towards continuous improvement.

Moreover, in honing his acting skills, merely meeting the Seven Heroes offered valuable insights… Green Maple’s demeanor, at the very least, suggested that the former “Xie Shenhong” had been an exceptionally dependable figure.

Even if “he” had only been twelve years old at the time, it was enough for the older brothers and sisters of the Seven Heroes to obey “his” commands.

While the current Xie Shenhong was hardly reliable, it wasn’t difficult for him to feign dependability.

Furthermore, he could leverage this trust to communicate with the other Seven Heroes in places unknown to Li Tianming…

Fueled by this anticipation, three days later, Xie Shenhong once again had the opportunity to meet with another of the Seven Heroes.

This time, they were to meet a female member of the Seven Heroes named Lan Yuhe. Capitalizing on his “femboy” persona, Xie Shenhong managed to secure a chance to be alone with her.

Yet—

“I’m sorry, little Shenhong, Tianming has already informed us of your current situation, so I cannot exchange contact information with you.”

After his meeting with Green Maple that day, Li Tianming had clearly realized his oversight and promptly rectified it.

As a result, the other Seven Heroes were now aware of Xie Shenhong’s “amnesia” and had been forbidden from interacting with him excessively, lest he suffer an uncontrollable shock.

“What ‘controllable’?! All I want is a swift recovery!” Xie Shenhong exclaimed, feigning indignation with a touch of genuine frustration.

“I apologize, but while I truly wish for your swift recovery, little Shenhong, these things cannot be rushed. Tianming is also doing this for your own good… Besides, given that you don’t even remember what I used to look like, I fully support Tianming’s decision.”

GazING at the “voluptuous” blue older sister before him, Xie Shenhong instantly realized his initial reaction upon seeing her had been far too subdued…

It made sense, he mused; five years ago, all the Seven Heroes apart from him had been between 15 and 20, a prime age for development. Beyond the dramatic transformations from slender to ample, even his own gender was practically in flux… Xie Shenhong resolved that next time, he would certainly display expressions of surprise and suspicion.

Of course, even with this newfound lesson, the current situation was unchangeable. Once Li Tianming returned, Xie Shenhong had no choice but to depart empty-handed.

As for confronting Li Tianming or venting his anger… Xie Shenhong had no intention of engaging in such futile endeavors.

“When is the next time?”

All Xie Shenhong could do was silently improve himself…

“Lord Shenhong, there will be no next time.”

“What do you mean?”