You Mingxu noticed that Yin Feng’s complexion had improved somewhat since his first surgery in the morning, with more color in his face. His entire chest was wrapped in bandages, exposing a glimpse of his fair, strong shoulder beneath the blanket. He seemed to be listening intently as the doctor explained the next phase of treatment, occasionally asking brief questions in a hoarse yet cool voice, maintaining his characteristically deep, aloof demeanor.

But You Mingxu sensed something wasn’t right.

Yesterday, when he had appeared with his people to intercept the Punishers, she clearly remembered how he had looked at her. Even across the crowd, she could see the tenderness, certainty, and determination in his eyes.

But now, why did it feel like… he was avoiding her?

As soon as You Mingxu entered, Chen Feng also noticed Yin Feng’s unusual behavior. Even when he wasn’t Yu Yingjun, whenever he saw You Mingxu before, his eyes would light up like a peacock displaying its feathers.

Though Chen Feng was happy Yin Feng had awakened, his mood had been quite low during this time. Now, sensing Yin Feng’s strange mood, Chen Feng thought he understood why. He glanced at You Mingxu, gesturing for her to follow him outside.

He left the room.

Shortly after, You Mingxu joined him, looking at him questioningly.

Chen Feng said: “When Teacher Yin first woke up, his first words were asking about you, and his second about Old Nine. Then he fell into a long silence. Later, he had Guan Jun bring Old Nine up for a final farewell.”

You Mingxu’s heart skipped a beat. She had thought they would be handling Old Nine’s funeral arrangements today, not realizing that Guan Jun had kept Old Nine’s body with him and even brought it to the hospital room for Yin Feng to see. She wondered how they had managed to avoid the surveillance cameras and medical staff.

But this was exactly the kind of thing these people would do.

Including Yin Feng. If he hadn’t wanted to see Old Nine one last time after waking up, he wouldn’t have been himself.

No wonder Yin Feng’s… mood was off.

You Mingxu’s heart softened as she replied: “I understand. I’ll comfort him.”

Chen Feng smiled and said: “With you by his side, we can rest easy. No matter what difficulties he faces, as long as you’re there to wave at him and give him a little sweetness, our Teacher Yin will be fine.”

You Mingxu gave him a look.

Chen Feng knew he’d been too direct and quickly said with a smile: “Since it seems Teacher Yin won’t die this time, I’ll go handle Old Nine’s funeral arrangements—he should rest in peace now. I’ll leave Teacher Yin to you.”

“Mm.”

After Chen Feng left, and shortly after the doctors and nurses departed, You Mingxu returned to the room. Though Yin Feng noticed her presence, he remained still, his gaze downcast. He no longer seemed lifeless, but rather like still water—calm and unmoving.

You Mingxu still found his behavior strange. Even if he was grieving for Old Nine, his attitude toward her seemed peculiar.

But she didn’t dwell on this thought, sitting down on the round stool by his bed and asking: “How do you feel?”

Yin Feng’s lips finally curled into a slight smile as he answered hoarsely: “…Terrible.”

Seeing him like this, You Mingxu’s heart melted completely. She stood up, placing her arms on the hospital bed and leaning down until her face was just half a foot from his, gazing at him tenderly.

He stared back at her unblinkingly.

Those deep, black eyes held an invisible magnetism that made her heart tremble uncontrollably. And clearly, he felt it too. A look of pain and sorrow suddenly crossed his face as he closed his eyes and said: “Come down.”

You Mingxu’s heart still trembling, she slowly moved closer. He watched her the entire time until their faces touched and their lips met.

He began kissing her gently, and she responded in kind. After a while, both grew more intense. But worried about his injuries, she dared not kiss too long and soon pulled away, though he was reluctant to let go, holding on until she firmly withdrew.

Only then did he open his misty eyes, gazing deeply at her.

After a moment of silence, she held his hand and said: “Don’t be sad. I don’t think he regretted it. You still have me and the others who will continue walking with you.”

Yin Feng’s eyes reddened as he fell silent, closing them.

After a long while, he finally gave a soft “Mm.”

You Mingxu’s heart ached and exhausted, she rested her head on the edge of the bed, closing her eyes.

Yin Feng said: “Don’t lie like that. Go back and sleep.”

You Mingxu said: “Don’t worry about me.”

He said: “Then sleep on the sofa.”

You Mingxu looked at the sofa beside the bed, made a sound of agreement, and asked: “What about you? Want to eat something? Need water?”

Yin Feng replied: “I’ve already eaten. No need. I want to sleep a bit more.”

You Mingxu lay down on the sofa, looking at him, and said: “Sleep then. Call me if you need anything. I’ll always be here with you.”

Yin Feng looked back at her and answered: “Alright.”

You Mingxu gazed at him for a moment before suddenly smiling and closing her eyes. But Yin Feng didn’t smile, staring at her with an inscrutable gaze for a long while before finally closing his eyes and drifting into a heavy sleep.

—

When You Mingxu woke again, it was the next morning.

Bright sunlight filled the room, and both the nurse and Chen Feng were present. As she sat up and rubbed her head, she felt two gazes fall upon her.

Chen Feng was feeding Yin Feng porridge. Yin Feng lay there, his eyes fixed on her.

You Mingxu went to the bathroom, where the thoughtful Chen Feng had already prepared toiletries. When she emerged, refreshed, she took the bowl from Chen Feng’s hands and sat by the bed.

Chen Feng pointed to the bedside table: “There’s breakfast for you too.”

You Mingxu: “Thank you.”

Chen Feng left, and shortly after, the nurse followed.

You Mingxu fed Yin Feng one spoonful at a time, and he ate cooperatively without speaking. After setting down the bowl, she took a tissue and wiped his mouth. He kept watching her.

Just as she finished, he said softly: “Like new.”

You Mingxu paused, her heart suddenly racing as she looked at him. He continued gazing at her with that deep look.

“How much do you remember?” she asked.

It must have been not long after they first met when he couldn’t wipe his mouth clean, and she had wiped it for him. He had said gleefully: “Something Miss Yu wipes is different—my mouth feels like new now.”

Thinking of this, You Mingxu couldn’t help but smile.

Yin Feng smiled too, but after a few seconds, his smile faded as he answered: “A lot.”

You Mingxu’s heart skipped again, wondering just how much “a lot” meant. But knowing his personality, if he had remembered those words that had sealed their relationship, he would have already brought them up, demanding she acknowledge them and submit them to him. So it seemed he hadn’t remembered that yet.

But You Mingxu didn’t mention it, only smiling as she said: “Now you know how foolish you were before?”

He replied: “I only know that even being that foolish, I still managed to win over a certain someone.”

What did he mean by that?