Her initiative was inexplicably sudden, and Lou Yuming had initially intended to abstain. His rare gentleness towards women dissolved instantly under her fervent efforts to please.
Thus, the subsequent development became unstoppable.
...
After everything concluded, Song Xi lay limply on the bed, unconscious.
She was soaked through, her cast rendered useless.
Lou Yuming stared at her small, huddled form, his gaze profound. After a moment, he crushed his cigarette, stood up, and called Shao Cheng.
Shao Cheng arrived quickly. He gave Song Xi a brief examination and, before leaving, cautioned Lou Yuming to take it easy, as she was still a patient.
Lou Yuming was speechless. He couldn't bring himself to say she had been the one to seduce him, especially since he was usually so calm and self-possessed, rarely losing control.
That night, Song Xi developed a high fever that refused to subside.
Fortunately, Shao Cheng had prepared fever reducers. After Lou Yuming administered them, he expected some improvement. However, at two in the morning, she suddenly shrieked, plagued by nightmares. One moment she was in pain, crying, "Don't hit me," and the next she was weeping, begging for her parents, her voice hoarse and desperate in the silent night.
Lou Yuming witnessed it all. His expression grim, he wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, his gaze flickering, a hint of tenderness crossing his pupils.
...
"The brain CT scan is normal, and all other tests show no issues. Although the wound got wet, it hadn't infected because it had scabbed over. Her condition... is most likely due to psychological trauma."
Shao Cheng slowly put on his jacket, feeling the atmosphere in the living room was even colder than a morgue.
"Because of Zhang Qi?" Lou Yuming's thin lips were tightly pressed, his eyes sharp.
Shao Cheng sighed, "After all, she's just a girl in her early twenties. What has she experienced? Did you notice anything unusual about her after the incident?"
Lou Yuming recalled for a moment. "No."
It seemed he hadn't paid much attention.
Shao Cheng felt a little more relieved. "Everyone's constitution is different. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be acute, chronic, or delayed."
Shao Cheng took a sip of hot tea to warm himself. "We can't be certain about Ms. Song's situation yet, but we can wait until after tonight. Perhaps the fever will break."
Lou Yuming's brow furrowed, his expression grave.
Shao Cheng found it novel. "It's been a long time since I've seen you like this."
"Like what?"
"Worrying about a woman."
Lou Yuming's thin lips tightened, as if disagreeing with his assessment.
"Alright, don't coddle a flower too much, or it'll easily prick you. Don't forget the purpose of our return to China this time."
Lou Yuming's fingers suddenly clenched, his gaze deepening. "I know what I'm doing."
Just then, Sister Wang's voice came from upstairs.
"Sir, Miss Song is awake!"
Before Shao Cheng could react, he felt a gust of cold wind pass by. When he looked up, Lou Yuming's retreating back had already vanished on the second floor.
"..." Is this what he calls knowing what he's doing?
In the bedroom.
Song Xi looked around in a daze, her throat feeling as if it were burning, an acrid pain.
"Water..."
It was an immense effort.
Sister Wang heard her and immediately offered her water. "Miss Song."
But Song Xi had no strength. Not only did she fail to drink a drop, but the water trickled down the corners of her lips, wetting the pillow.
"I'll do it."
Lou Yuming approached and took the cup.
Sister Wang turned and left, leaving them with their private space.
The bedroom was quiet, Song Xi's faint breaths rising and falling, making the silence even more noticeable.
"Lou..." She seemed to sense his presence and called out softly.
The sound tugged at Lou Yuming.
She opened her mouth again, but this time no sound came out.
Lou Yuming's gaze deepened. He took a mouthful of water and leaned down to pass it to her.
Satiated by the sweet liquid, Song Xi naturally grew greedy, leaning forward, wanting more.
But her movements were clumsy and uncoordinated, leaving only her recklessness and awkwardness in their wake.
A faint metallic taste bloomed in her mouth. Lou Yuming's brow furrowed, and he pulled away.
Little thing, daring to bite him.
Song Xi, unaware of what she had done, only felt unsatisfied and whimpered twice, as if pouting.
Lou Yuming pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.
Shao Cheng was right. He was spoiling her too much.
Yet, despite his thoughts, he indulgently continued to give her water until the woman on the bed fell into a deep sleep.