Chen Ziming watched her leave in a slight panic, then glanced at the thermometer on the table. He didn't call out to her, but changed his clothes, picked up the thermometer, and walked towards the bedroom.
Hearing the door open, Su Yue's heart was pounding. She pulled the quilt tighter, only to find it carried Chen Ziming's scent. Her mind a mess, she buried her head under the covers, feigning sleep.
The quilt was still pulled away by him. Seeing he had changed clothes, she breathed a sigh of relief and whispered, "What are you doing..."
He crouched by the bed, moved closer to her, and reached out, his warm palm touching her forehead.
"Taking your temperature," he said, then moved to pull her quilt again.
Su Yue sat up abruptly, her head swimming. It didn't stop her from snatching the thermometer. Seeing him watching her, she lowered her eyes and whispered, "I'll do it myself."
Chen Ziming said nothing, but sat on the edge of the bed. Su Yue turned her back to him and used the thermometer.
"I can check it myself later... You go rest," she finally returned to her soft demeanor, her voice much gentler.
"After I see it," he replied.
Su Yue didn't know what else to say, but silence felt awkward. Her headache worsened, so she murmured, "My head hurts, I'm going to lie down."
"Mhm."
She lay down, pulled up the quilt, and closed her eyes.
Her mind, however, was far from calm. She was at his place again, entangled with him again. Remembering Li Niannian's admonitions, she felt a pang of annoyance.
Why had she gone out with Wang Mengmeng and encountered this?
And why had she run into him of all people?
In her twenty years of life, she had always been rational about relationships, always holding the upper hand when interacting with men. But his appearance felt like a test from heaven, designed to shatter her composure and pretense in front of others.
She had to admit, she had developed feelings for him.
But these feelings meant a loss of control, which scared her.
As she pondered, she suddenly felt his hand reach out, intending to retrieve the thermometer, and realized the time had come.
She quickly pushed his hand away and whispered again that she'd do it herself.
"Are you afraid I'll see it?" Chen Ziming suddenly asked.
A blush crept onto her cheeks. His implication was clear: what had he not seen of her before, that she was now shy?
She didn't answer, pulling the quilt over half her face and handing him the thermometer. Chen Ziming glanced at it. Fortunately, it read 37.9 degrees, likely due to lack of rest.
He went out and placed a cup of water on the bedside table. Su Yue covered herself again. Chen Ziming didn't disturb her this time, but resumed his usual calm tone, "Sleep first. I'll lie down in the living room. Call me if you need anything."
Su Yue then remembered he had worked a full night shift. Recalling it, his eyes were a little red, and he seemed quite fatigued.
However, she didn't have the energy to think more. The subtle fragrance of Chen Ziming's quilt inexplicably soothed her. She closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.
When she woke, the sky outside was overcast. Su Yue rubbed her eyes and sat up. After a few seconds, she realized it was raining outside.
She didn't know the time, but felt a light sweat coating her body, making her feel much lighter. She drank the water in the cup, then went to the bathroom. After a simple wash-up, she decided to take another bath.
Among the clothes the other girl had brought last time, there were several sets of loungewear, including underwear. She had left the extras here, but couldn't recall where they were stored.
She quietly pushed open the door and walked into the living room, her eyes immediately falling on Chen Ziming, asleep on the sofa.
He looked refined even in his sleep, his brows relaxed, his thin lips slightly parted. Her favorite feature was his nose, with its straight bridge, it was exceptionally handsome. He was tall, probably around 1.85 meters, his entire frame occupying most of the sofa.
He was lying on his back, his arm on the side closest to the sofa resting on his abdomen, the other arm hanging limply over the side of the sofa to the floor. He was covered with a thin blanket, but it only covered him from his stomach downwards.
Su Yue's heart began to race again. She planned to return to the room, letting him sleep longer, but as she turned, she bumped into something, making a sound.