Su Wanyan closed the fridge door gently, the cool air brushing her cheeks for a lingering second. She had braced herself for something bitter or medicinal—most tonics announced their strength with a sharp tang. But the potion slipped down like the clearest spring water, mild and clean, leaving only a faint floral sweetness on her tongue.
For a heartbeat, she wondered if anything had happened at all.
Then her breathing shifted.
It deepened without effort, air flowing in smooth and full, as if her lungs had finally relaxed after years of holding back just a little. The subtle tension she hadn't even noticed in her chest melted away. Her heartbeat steadied into that calm, reliable rhythm she knew so well from listening to tiny patients—the one that meant everything was going to be fine.
Warmth spread slowly through her body, gentle and reassuring. Muscles settled into perfect alignment, no pulling or resistance. Strength arrived quietly, not heavy or overwhelming, but steady, like arms that could hold a fragile newborn without a tremor. When she flexed her fingers experimentally, the movement felt effortless, perfectly coordinated.
The kitchen sharpened around her. Not brighter, exactly, but clearer. She could sense distances without thinking, know exactly where her hand would land if she reached for a glass. Sounds layered themselves neatly: the soft hum of the fridge, the distant murmur of the crew in the living room, even the faint rustle of leaves outside the window.
Her mind followed, thoughts lining up calm and orderly. Focus came easily, memories surfacing crisp and ready. The low hum of worry that usually lived in the background, the one born from years of caring for vulnerable children, softened into something she could set aside without struggle.
She straightened naturally, posture easing into perfect balance. No strain in her shoulders, no need to remind herself to stand tall. It felt like her body had simply remembered how it was meant to carry itself all along.
This wasn't raw power. It was harmony. The quiet, seamless function she spent her days helping others find. No ache, no price—just everything working as it should.
Su Wanyan exhaled slowly, a soft smile touching her lips.
Wow. This potion is incredible. What a shame modern medicine can't bottle this feeling.
She walked back to the sofa with a lighter step, settling in just as the crew finished adjustments. The barrage noticed the change immediately.
[Wait.... did my wife just glow up in real time?]
[Upstairs, I swear I'll go to the hospital with you if you stop. But seriously, she looks even more beautiful now.]
[LOL you two need to meet up already.]
[She's blooming. Like, actually blooming.]
A sound technician approached with a small microphone pack, clipping it carefully to her sweater. "All set," he said with a smile. The director gave a nod, and the interview began.
"Ms. Su," the host asked warmly, "what made you decide to join our program?"
Su Wanyan tilted her head slightly, considering. Neither she nor the original owner had any real reason, it was just circumstance. She let a gentle smile form.
"As you know, my work keeps me quite busy," she began softly. The crew nodded; everyone knew her reputation, even if her face had been a mystery until today. Most had pictured a stern, older doctor, not this young woman with kind eyes. "I thought this show could be a nice break—a little vacation."
She chuckled lightly, and the host moved smoothly to the next questions. She answered each one calmly, voice steady, words thoughtful.
Then came the one everyone waited for. "This is a love variety show, after all. Among the omega guests, is there anyone who's caught your eye?"
Su Wanyan paused, crossing her arms loosely as she thought. Truth was, she had no interest in chasing anyone here. After a quiet moment, she smiled again—soft, genuine, taking any sting out of her words.
"There's none, actually."
The living room stayed silent for a beat. The barrage, however, erupted.
[None?! All four omegas are stunning!]
[Not even our goddess Mo Xingxue??]
[As expected of my wife—she only has eyes for me.]
[Upstairs, I'm literally outside your house. Come out.]
[Wait, are they actually going to meet up? LOL]
The host recovered quickly, smiling. "May I ask why?"
Su Wanyan's smile widened just a touch, as if she'd been waiting for the follow-up. "All the guests are truly outstanding in their fields. But I don't know them personally yet. For me, liking someone comes after understanding who they are."
The barrage shifted tone.
[That's fair. She's thoughtful.]
[Character over looks—respect.]
[Smart answer.]
[Did those two really go to the hospital? They stopped commenting…]
[LMAO]
The host nodded appreciatively. "Well said. Then, I think it's time to head over and meet everyone. Ready to go?"
Su Wanyan stood smoothly. "I just need to grab my luggage first."
The crew agreed, and she headed upstairs at an easy pace. In the bedroom, the suitcase waited by the door—packed earlier with clothes, books, a few small keepsakes. She reached for the handle and lifted.
It rose like it was empty.
She blinked. Earlier, it had taken real effort to drag it into place. Now? Barely any weight at all.
A quiet laugh escaped her. What an amazing potion. Too bad only one per person.
She wheeled it downstairs effortlessly, the soft rumble of the wheels the only sound. At the door, she paused to slip on her shoes, then joined the waiting team with a small, private smile.
Salted fish life, here I come.