The result was that the resident physician diagnosed him with wind-heat syndrome after examining him.

Lu Chi was a bit confused, his head becoming increasingly muddled, and he instinctively said, “But this humble one has always been in good health…”

Shi Fa Ke twitched the corner of her mouth, looking at the physician who showed displeasure at being questioned, “Don’t mind him, he’s delirious from the fever. Just prescribe the medicine as you see fit.”

Shi Fa Ke had always been sweet-tongued and likeable. With just a few words, she coaxed the physician into smiling. Not only did he prescribe medicine, but he also introduced a dietary therapy recipe, saying there was a dish called scallion and black bean tofu soup, made by cooking tofu, light fermented black beans, and scallion whites together, which had the effect of clearing heat and moistening dryness, and could expel the evil wind-heat from the body.

Lu Chi also realized at this point that something was indeed wrong with him. He felt weak in his limbs, heavy-headed and light-footed, so he silently closed his mouth.

Shi Fa Ke thanked the physician, collected the medicine, and then became somewhat troubled. Obviously, Lu Chi was now soft all over except for his stubborn mouth. He sat silently in the chair, even his breathing much heavier than usual… In this state, he clearly couldn’t walk back on his own.

Finally, Shi Fa Ke found a donkey cart and took Lu Chi back to the courtyard he rented in Willow Leaf Lane.

Lu Chi weakly allowed Shi Fa Ke to help him onto the bed, having to face a cruel reality – he… was probably really sick.

“I…”

“I know, I know, you’ve always been in good health,” Shi Fa Ke said dismissively, “Rest well, I’m going to brew your medicine.”

She tucked him in properly and turned to go out.

“…” Lu Chi silently closed his eyes.

His nose was blocked, uncomfortably stuffy, his throat was very painful, his head was dizzy and burning hot, yet his body felt very cold.

This… was what being sick felt like. So uncomfortable. Lu Chi now felt full of grievance. He really wasn’t boasting – he had never been sick from childhood to adulthood… How did he get sick?

Well, probably from being angered by Shi Fa Ke, Lu Chi thought sullenly.

Just when he was feeling most uncomfortable, his forehead suddenly felt cool, instantly much more comfortable. Lu Chi slightly opened his eyes and saw Shi Fa Ke’s round, chubby face and almond eyes. She was looking down, using a handkerchief soaked in cool water to wipe his face.

“Thank you.” Lu Chi moved his lips. His throat was dry and painful, so his voice was very hoarse.

Seeing this, Shi Fa Ke quickly poured a cup of water and fed it to him, “Rest for a while, the medicine is already brewing.”

Lu Chi drank the water with her help, smiled weakly at her, “Thank you for the trouble.”

“Why be polite when you’re like this?” Shi Fa Ke said without good humor, helping him lie down, tucking him in properly, then soaking the handkerchief in cool water, wringing it dry, folding it neatly, and placing it on his forehead. She continued chattering, “Couldn’t you feel that you caught wind-heat syndrome? Even the little grandson of Aunt Li next door to my house knows to see a physician and take medicine when sick. You’re not even as good as that little grandson…”

Lu Chi smiled bitterly, “I…”

He wanted to say this was his first time being sick and he truly had no experience, but after saying just one word, he was interrupted by Shi Fa Ke.

“I know you’ve always been in good health, but even the healthiest person has minor ailments. Avoiding medical treatment out of fear is not acceptable.” Shi Fa Ke thought he was being stubborn about saving face. She thought of Chu Yizhi, who had been frail since childhood, but Chu Yizhi’s mother most taboo others saying her son was in poor health, so she assumed Lu Chi was the same.

Lu Chi listened to her chattering scolding, and as he listened… he drowsily fell asleep.

Half-asleep and half-awake, he dimly seemed to feel the handkerchief on his forehead was always cool, greatly relieving his discomfort.

Outside, medicine was brewing on the stove. Shi Fa Ke tended to the fire while also following the physician’s instructions to make scallion and black bean tofu soup. Occasionally, she had to go into the room to change the handkerchief, keeping so busy her feet barely touched the ground.

Lu Chi slept very restlessly, hazily having many strange dreams. Sometimes he dreamed he was standing in a huge palace, then that eerie palace suddenly transformed into a terrifying giant beast that swallowed him whole. Other times he dreamed his mother and Shi Fa Ke were forcing him to perform a wedding ceremony, and the bride was a very white, very fat girl, so white and fat she looked like a steamed bun.

Shi Fa Ke was even smiling and congratulating him, “Master Lu, are you satisfied? The bride looks very blessed!”

Lu Chi was suddenly scared awake. Opening his eyes, he saw Shi Fa Ke’s face, and his heart immediately went cold… For a moment, he couldn’t tell if it was real or illusion, dream or reality. Thinking of himself marrying such a “blessed” girl, he felt life was not worth living.

“What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Shi Fa Ke said puzzledly, seeing him staring at her with a look of shock.

Lu Chi stared at her blankly, and after a long while slowly let out a breath, “I had a terrible dream.”

“How terrible?” Shi Fa Ke looked at him curiously.

“Extremely, extremely terrible,” Lu Chi emphasized seriously.

He had sweat on his forehead, with a few strands of hair stuck to his cheek, his face pale. Such an extraordinarily beautiful face paired with this expression of lingering fear was truly pitiable. Shi Fa Ke’s maternal instincts were aroused, and learning from how her mother used to comfort her when she had nightmares as a child, she reached out to gently pat his chest, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. Dreams are all reversed.”

Lu Chi slowly blinked, seeing her treat him like a child to be coaxed. He felt like laughing, but for some reason, his heart felt soft, warm, swollen, yet also very empty. He wanted nothing more than to hold her tightly in his arms to fill that empty space in his heart.

His fingertips moved tentatively, but of course he didn’t dare to be so presumptuous.

“Good that you’re awake. I was just about to call you up. The medicine is ready – drink it while it’s hot,” Shi Fa Ke said, seeing him sitting there in a daze.

Lu Chi obediently drank the medicine with her help.

“Sit and rest for a while. I cooked white porridge for you – have a sip to settle your stomach,” Shi Fa Ke said again.

Because he was feeling unwell, Lu Chi’s reactions were a bit slow, making him appear particularly obedient. When told to drink medicine, he drank medicine; when told to eat porridge, he ate porridge. Finally, he was also force-fed a large bowl of scallion and black bean tofu soup, which made him break out in a sweat.

After finishing all this, it was already dusk. Shi Fa Ke looked at the sky – if she didn’t go home now, it would be difficult to come out again tomorrow.

“It’s getting late, I need to go back. I’ve asked Aunt Jiang next door to help keep an eye on things. If you feel really unwell, go ask her for help,” Shi Fa Ke said with some worry before leaving.

“Alright,” Lu Chi obediently agreed.

“There’s still porridge and side dishes warming in the pot. If you get hungry, get up and eat some.”

“Alright,” Lu Chi still obediently agreed.

“There’s also more scallion and black bean tofu soup. The physician prescribed this to clear heat and moisten dryness. Remember to drink some more later,” Shi Fa Ke thought for a moment and added, “Rest well. I’ll come see you again tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

Shi Fa Ke chattered with instructions, and Lu Chi patiently and obediently responded to each one.

Thinking there should be nothing she’d forgotten, Shi Fa Ke finally felt somewhat at ease. Just as she was about to leave, she saw Lu Chi also getting up from bed, putting on his outer robe.

“Aren’t you going to rest?” Shi Fa Ke asked puzzledly.

His complexion really didn’t look good – he didn’t seem like he should be getting up and moving around.

“I’ll see you to the door,” Lu Chi said. Seeing her frown as if to refuse, he added, “I’ll take the opportunity to bar the door properly, then I can rest peacefully.”

Shi Fa Ke thought about it – that made sense.

She let him be.

Walking to the door, Lu Chi stopped, “Tomorrow… what time will you come?”

“Early tomorrow morning. What would you like to eat for breakfast?”

His pale lips curved up, and his eyes seemed to have flowing light, saying very restrainedly, “Anything is fine.”

“Then minced meat porridge – it’s easier to digest,” Shi Fa Ke thought for a moment and said.

“Good,” Lu Chi obediently agreed.

“Mm, go back and rest. See you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow.”

Lu Chi stood in place watching her leave, until he could no longer see her small figure, then slowly closed the door, but didn’t bar it. He returned to his room and collapsed into sleep.

Tomorrow morning, he would be able to see her.

How wonderful.