Chapter 21.1

Her whole body was enveloped by a scorching body temperature, while an even hotter, coiling breath kept attacking the back of her neck. Although she was wearing a bite-prevention collar, it still made Cheng Lingxue shiver again and again.

Her pupils trembled slightly. Complicated emotions kept intertwining and colliding in Cheng Lingxue’s eyes. Her face turned a little pale, and in the end, her slightly trembling hand grabbed Xie Shuyun’s arm.

“Xie Shuyun… let go… let go of me…”

Her cold voice was a little hoarse. The airy sound at the end of her sentence drifted slightly, seeming to carry unease and a trace of apprehension.

However, the person behind her clearly had not fully regained her senses. Like a restless large dog, she kept rubbing her cheek against Cheng Lingxue’s neck, letting out a satisfied sigh.

“Cool… comfortable… soft… smells good…”

The moment these words came out, the awkwardly intimate atmosphere shattered completely.

It also made Cheng Lingxue laugh in anger.

So she had been treated as a cold compress pillow.

She slapped away Xie Shuyun’s dog-like head. Ignoring the wronged whimper the other person let out, Cheng Lingxue directly pressed her back down. She also forcibly pried away the hands wrapped around her waist.

Fortunately, aside from rubbing her cheek against her, this person’s hands had not wandered around. Otherwise…

Cheng Lingxue lowered her eyes, concealing the dark waves surging within them. She stuffed Xie Shuyun’s arms back under the blanket and wrapped her up tightly.

Even while sick, she was not behaving herself. She deserved to be covered up so firmly.

Although Cheng Lingxue muttered inwardly, she still continued picking up the towel to wipe away the hot sweat that had been trapped on Xie Shuyun. Feeling that the cooling patch had become warm, she quickly peeled it off and replaced it with a new one.

Just like that, she sat there for almost two hours. It was only when the family doctor came in again that Cheng Lingxue realized how much time had passed.

Looking at the doctor currently examining Xie Shuyun, Cheng Lingxue stood not far behind her. Her heart [bailiantales.com]was somewhat chaotic, and her thoughts kept drifting.

She did not understand why she had been able to sit here and take care of Xie Shuyun for so long.

Before, she had clearly wished for this person to stay far away from her. She had even wanted to get rid of her after she had done excessive things.

But now, looking at Xie Shuyun’s flushed face, the way her little face twisted when the doctor gave her an injection, and the way she mumbled in protest, Cheng Lingxue actually felt a trace of heartache.

She even wanted to tell the doctor to be gentler and not hurt her.

She really had gone crazy…

Cheng Lingxue rubbed her slightly aching temples. Whenever she thought of the change in their relationship, her heart felt as tangled as hemp.

She did not know whether she should be happy about Xie Shuyun’s change or grateful for her transformation.

This not only let Cheng Lingxue know that perhaps certain things really could be changed, as long as there [unauthorized copy]was an opportunity, but also…

Some people seemed to be worth looking forward to.

“Her temperature has dropped a little. Although she still has a slight fever, she’s much better now and has left the danger zone.”

The doctor’s voice made Cheng Lingxue gather her attention back. She took a few steps forward and asked softly,

“Does she still need to take medicine?”

“I just gave her an injection. Unless her temperature is still on the high side two hours later, there’s no need to give her more medicine. If her temperature is normal and she’s conscious, you can let her get up and take a shower to wash off the hot sweat. She’ll feel more comfortable.”

As the doctor packed up the instruments in her hands, she spoke. Her eyes swept over Cheng Lingxue.

She knew this omega girl. The Xie family’s adopted daughter. Rumor had it that her relationship with the Xie family’s daughter was not good.

But judging from things now, those were probably only [Read on BaiLianTales]rumors. If their relationship was not good, how could she be here taking care of her?

Since the rumors were wrong, then it was also necessary to build a good relationship with the Xie family’s adopted daughter.

Thinking this, the doctor’s face also revealed a kind smile.

“Miss Cheng was the one taking care of Eldest Miss just now, right? Helping her wipe away sweat and change the cooling patch from time to time can indeed help lower her temperature faster. You’ve worked hard.”

Cheng Lingxue’s mouth parted slightly. After opening and closing it for a moment, she finally lowered her head a little.

“This is what I should do.”

Thinking about how the maid had wanted to do it just now, only for Cheng Lingxue to stop her and do it herself, and even how she had sent the maid away when the maid wanted to wipe Xie Shuyun’s body, Cheng Lingxue felt somewhat embarrassed and annoyed.

Of course, that annoyance would not be directed at the doctor.

It was directed at a certain innocent person lying on the bed.

Even while sick, she could still attract bees and butterflies. How impressive.

“For a sick person, having someone familiar by their side can increase their sense of security and reduce some symptoms. It seems Eldest Miss trusts Miss Cheng very much.”

The doctor spoke again, but those words made Cheng Lingxue feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Xie Shuyun trusted her?

Cheng Lingxue did not feel there was anything about herself that could gain the other person’s trust…

Her fingertips pinched lightly. She restrained her aura and sent the doctor out. Only then did she return to Xie Shuyun’s side.

It was indeed as the doctor had said. That flushed face was no longer as red as before.

Her fingertip lightly touched Xie Shuyun’s cheek, and it sank in slightly.

Sure enough, the temperature was no longer as scorching as before. It had dropped quite a bit and was still within a reasonable range.

But…

Cheng Lingxue looked at Xie Shuyun’s sunken cheek. It felt smooth to the touch, and her skin was very good.

She had originally thought that because Xie Shuyun’s body was firm, her cheeks would feel hard too. She had not expected them to be this soft and springy.

Since this place was soft…

Then what about other places…?

Cheng Lingxue turned her face away and could not help doubting herself.

What was she thinking?

In order to stop herself from letting her thoughts run wild, Cheng Lingxue picked up a book to read and shifted her attention. Of course, she would not forget to watch over Xie Shuyun either.

Who knew how much time passed before Xie Shuyun finally began to move. Her eyes slowly opened. Unlike before, they were no longer dazed and unfocused.

Cheng Lingxue quickly put down the book in her hand, got up, and came to Xie Shuyun’s side.

Having learned from the previous lesson, she did not move too close. Instead, she stretched out her hand and lightly patted Xie Shuyun’s face.

“Xie Shuyun? Xie Shuyun… are you awake?”

“Mm… mm…”

Her voice was heavy, and struggle appeared on her face as if she wanted to get up. Seeing this, Cheng Lingxue quickly stopped her movements.

“Don’t move around. You just woke up, [Read on BaiLianTales]and you still have a slight fever. Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere? I’ll call the doctor for you.”

After saying that, Cheng Lingxue observed Xie Shuyun’s condition. She was not sure whether the other person had heard her clearly, so she repeated it again.

This time, Xie Shuyun finally had a more obvious reaction. Her wandering gaze landed on Cheng Lingxue.

“I feel… like I’m about to die…”

Xie Shuyun’s voice was like machinery without lubricating oil, hoarse and unpleasant, and her breath was as thin as a thread.

She was not lying.

It was just that this was the first time she had felt this uncomfortable. Not only was her whole body sore, weak, and powerless, she was also both cold and hot. Her body was damp and sticky, extremely uncomfortable. Her nose was blocked, making breathing difficult. Her throat was terribly dry, and there was also a nauseating bitter taste in her mouth. She had probably been fed medicine not long ago.

For Xie Shuyun, whose body had always been strong and who rarely got sick before, experiencing all of this made her feel worse than death.

Just now, her consciousness had been floating, as if her soul were about to leave her body. It was as though she had seen the orphanage director gently waving at her…

But no matter how she thought about it, she could not remember the other person’s face.

Just as she tried hard to recall it, her entire body seemed to be grabbed by a giant hand and thrown down at high speed. She crashed miserably to the ground, saw stars, and returned here.

…Too miserable.

Suddenly, Xie Shuyun felt pain in her nose. Lifting her eyes, she saw Cheng Lingxue looking at her with some anger. That cold voice was rarely tinged with heat, but that heat came from anger.

“Don’t say nonsense.”

Seeing Cheng Lingxue like this made Xie Shuyun freeze slightly.

At the same time, she caught the fleeting fragility in Cheng Lingxue’s eyes and immediately understood.

For Cheng Lingxue, who had experienced the pain of life-and-death separation, the word death was probably her greatest taboo.

What was she saying so carelessly in front of her?

“Sorry… I was talking nonsense. Don’t take it to heart…”

Her already blocked nose was being pinched by Cheng Lingxue, making her words even more muffled. But right now, Xie Shuyun was breathing through her mouth anyway, so it was not a big deal.

She obediently let the other girl pinch her nose like this, hoping Cheng Lingxue would calm down.

After this, Xie Shuyun felt her body seemed to have gained some strength.

With Cheng Lingxue’s help, she barely managed to sit up. Her back leaned against the pillow Cheng Lingxue had stuffed behind her, and a cup of water was placed into her hands.

“Drink some water to soothe your throat.”

As she spoke, Cheng Lingxue even placed a small straw into the cup. This made it easier for Xie Shuyun to drink and also prevented the cup from [stolen content]tilting and spilling because her hands lacked strength.

Warm water flowed through her throat. Sure enough, it felt much more comfortable, and it also washed away the bitter taste lingering in her mouth. Xie Shuyun let out a long breath.

Only now did she realize how comforting drinking water could be.

She looked up at the clock.

It was actually already three in the morning!

It was so late. When had Cheng Lingxue started taking care of her?

And she had stayed until this hour!

“Lingxue, thank you. It’s already very late. I feel like I’m fine now. Do you want to go back and rest first? If anything happens, I can call a maid.”

Hearing Xie Shuyun’s words, Cheng Lingxue’s hand, which was unauthorized copywringing the towel, paused. She could not help thinking of the young maids outside who had been constantly trying to come in and take her place.

When facing her, their smiles were fake. And toward the sleeping Xie Shuyun, the gaze in their eyes was absolutely not worry…

It was coveting!

Who knew what would happen if she handed this person over to them?

Perhaps she should mention it to Qin Yu. Some people looked loyal and honest on the surface, but secretly, they were far too restless.

“I’m fine, and I’m not tired. Just take care of yourself.”

Xie Shuyun could not help scratching her cheek.

If she had known the original body was strong-looking but useless inside, she would not have gotten caught in the rain. She should have insisted on calling Qin Yu to pick them up.

Running through the rain had felt very satisfying at first, but later, it [stolen content]had truly become a case of joy turning into sorrow…

Cheng Lingxue had just picked up the book on the bedside cabinet and opened it to the page she had been reading. When she looked up again, she saw Xie Shuyun with a deeply struck and regretful expression.

This made Cheng Lingxue purse her lips slightly.

She suddenly remembered that the reason the other person had gotten sick seemed to be because of her.

If not for the fact that she had not wanted to call for a car, Xie Shuyun would not have suffered like this.

Thinking this, her fingertips holding the page turned slightly pale, and her brows furrowed faintly.

Although she did not know whether Xie Shuyun’s current thoughts were about this matter, Cheng Lingxue felt that she had to say something.

Xie Shuyun was sipping water in small mouthfuls. She reached out and tugged at the collar of her pajamas, looking at the thin layer of sweat on her skin. A trace of disgust flashed through her eyes.

She felt like her clothes smelled too. Should she go take a shower?

“…Sorry…”

Those two words came over, making Xie Shuyun somewhat confused.

She turned her head and saw the cold young girl placing the book on her closed legs, both hands clenched into fists on top.

Her usually straight back leaned forward. Her head was slightly lowered, and her hair fell gently, hanging beside her cheeks. She looked like a cat that had lost its pride, even its tail drooping weakly. Her eyes were full of helplessness and guilt.

“Hey, don’t be like that. It’s my own body’s problem. I didn’t expect my body to be this weak either.”

Xie Shuyun quickly waved her hands and spoke.

She was used to Cheng Lingxue’s cold and aloof appearance. Seeing her apologetic like this not only felt unfamiliar, but also something she did not want to see.

In her heart, Cheng Lingxue should be full of confidence.

“I clearly exercise normally. Could it be a constitution problem? Looks like from now on, not only will you need nourishing soup, I’ll have to drink some too.”

Hearing that Xie Shuyun could still joke with her, and seeing her face looking as if she did not mind at all, Cheng Lingxue’s heart felt somewhat complicated. Still, she nodded, silently accepting the girl’s clumsy attempt to change the topic.

But then she added,

“When the time comes, you’ll have to drink two bowls.”

Considering an alpha’s appetite, two bowls of nourishing soup should be no problem. If getting caught in the rain made her like this, then her body really was rather weak.

Should she look online for how to make Xie Shuyun’s body better…

No. That was Housekeeper Qin’s job. At worst, it was something Xie Shuyun’s future omega should consider. Why was she thinking so much?

“Then I just hope I won’t get a nosebleed.”

Xie Shuyun helplessly touched her nose, worried about her future life.

But…

Sitting peacefully together with Cheng Lingxue like this was a first.

It was not because of the competition or a class arrangement, but because Cheng Lingxue had voluntarily sat beside her.

Although her body was still uncomfortable and the other girl had not said much, to Xie Shuyun, this was both very happy and very fresh. She could not help lifting her eyes and secretly glancing at Cheng Lingxue several times.

First glance: She didn’t seem to notice. Secret joy.

Second glance: Mm… She still didn’t seem to notice. Then I’ll look again.

A certain someone’s little movements, which she thought were hidden, naturally did not escape Cheng Lingxue’s sharp eyes. Watching Read on BaiLianTales from the corner of her eye as someone secretly rejoiced made Cheng Lingxue feel speechless.

She very simply met the gaze of a certain someone who was peeking at her. Feeling the other party’s embarrassment as she tried to avoid it, Cheng Lingxue could only helplessly give a dry cough and point toward the bathroom.

“The doctor said that if you feel like you’ve recovered enough, you can take a shower. You’ll feel more comfortable.”

“Really? I can get out of bed?”

Hearing this news, Xie Shuyun’s eyes lit up, and she spoke in surprise.

“…Mm… But…”

Cheng Lingxue still wanted to say something, but she saw that Xie Shuyun had already impatiently turned over and was moving toward the bedside with both hands and feet. Cheng Lingxue quickly stood up and walked over.

Sure enough, just as she had thought, Xie Shuyun had overestimated how quickly her strength had recovered.

If Cheng Lingxue had not reacted quickly and scooped her up, she would have fallen straight off the bed, face-first. stolen contentEven though the floor was covered with a thick carpet, in her current state, she could not withstand such a fall.

“Wah…!”

Xie Shuyun had originally only felt her body suddenly go weak and start falling downward. She had been so frightened that she was about to close her eyes. Then, she suddenly felt herself fall into a soft embrace and subconsciously cried out.

She did not even have time to enjoy the sensation of being held by soft, fragrant warmth, or think about whether Cheng Lingxue still carried the fresh coconut milk fragrance right now, or how this scent was different from the one in her memory.

At this moment, Xie Shuyun only thought that her body was full of the smell of sweat. She was afraid the girl would be stained with her scent.

Who knew where she found the strength, but she forcibly rolled out of Cheng Lingxue’s arms. As a result, all her strength was drained again, and she collapsed weakly on the bed, eyes wide open and panting heavily like a dead fish.

Looking at her own hands, then at Xie Shuyun, Cheng Lingxue hesitated for a moment before still asking,

“Why don’t you wash tomorrow instead?”

This suggestion made struggle appear on Xie Shuyun’s face.

Just as she finally made up her mind to nod, she heard a soft laugh from above, as if someone had heard something unbelievable.

Xie Shuyun’s wriggling body immediately tried to look back. However, despite her efforts to turn around, she only saw the girl’s clear and beautiful back.

Still, she refused to give up and asked quietly,

“Hey… did you just laugh?”

The question drifted through the air like a feather and received no response.

The girl’s footsteps did not pause at all as she walked into the bathroom, leaving Xie Shuyun alone lying sideways on the bed, her eyes rolling around. She was certain she had not heard wrong.

After waiting for a while, Xie Shuyun watched Cheng Lingxue carry out a basin of water. Faint white steam rose from it, and a clean towel hung over the edge.

“Since you can’t get out of bed, wipe yourself down for unauthorized copynow. At least you’ll feel more comfortable.”

Seeing Xie Shuyun happily reach out to take the basin, Cheng Lingxue added,

“Do you need me to call a maid to help you?”

“Ah? No need. I can do it myself.”

Hearing the meaningful question from the other girl, Xie Shuyun only froze for a moment before waving her hand.

Although they were both female, exposing her body in front of others was already uncomfortable enough. Having someone help wash her?

That was simply too embarrassing.

Besides, there were even more gender divisions here. If some misunderstanding happened, it would be hard to clean up. After what happened before with the original body’s rotten peach blossoms, Xie Shuyun felt she should be more careful.

Right now, she did not want to deal with emotional problems at all. She only wanted to properly ​bailiantales.com​survive until she could retire after completing her mission.

Thinking this, Xie Shuyun could not help glancing at Cheng Lingxue. Then, seeing her gaze sweep over the basin and herself, she quickly expressed,

“I can do it myself. You can go back to your room and rest first.”

She did not dare let anyone else help, and she dared even less with Cheng Lingxue. She would probably be too afraid to breathe and suffocate to death…

“I’ll wait here. Call me when you’re done.”

Remembering how Xie Shuyun had almost fallen off the bed just now, Cheng Lingxue was absolutely not going to leave.

Fortunately, there were hanging curtains by the bed. When pulled out, they could not completely surround the entire bed, but they could cover both sides. They had originally been designed for summer sleeping, to prevent sunlight from shining on the bed and affecting sleep when the room curtains were not drawn. Now, they were just right to use as a screen.

Cheng Lingxue moved a chair to the bedside so Xie Shuyun could place the basin on it, then pulled the hanging curtains closed. She herself went around to the other side, keeping some distance from both the bed and the curtains. Not only did this show respect for the person inside, but if something happened to the person inside, she could also react immediately.

At the same time, it was convenient for Cheng Lingxue to handle some of her own private matters. Holding her phone, she confirmed the messages that had been sent just now. While handling her affairs, she [bailiantales.com]also did not forget to pay attention to the movements inside.

Hearing the sounds of turning over and wringing water, and no other unusual sounds, she finally relaxed a little.

“Um… I’m done…”

A tiny voice like a mosquito came from inside. If Cheng Lingxue had not been paying attention the whole time, she might not have caught it. This made her raise a brow.

She did not fully pull open the curtain. Instead, she first glanced inside slightly.

The basin was properly placed on the chair, with basically no water spilled. The bed also looked normal. Xie Shuyun had returned under the blanket, her face pink and tender, the blush caused by the hot water.

Finally, Cheng Lingxue’s gaze landed on the small cabinet by the head of the bed, on the extra lump that had appeared there.

It was an object wrapped into a ball, with the pajamas on the outside.

As if noticing Cheng Lingxue’s gaze, Xie Shuyun’s face turned bright red. Her hand pinched the edge of the blanket as she said softly,

“Just leave that there. Someone will come collect it later.”

“So you aren’t wearing clothes right now?”

Cheng Lingxue raised her brow slightly as she spoke.

She had forgotten just now that the other person would need to change into fresh clothes, so…

Xie Shuyun was naked right now…?

Her gaze involuntarily swept once over the body covered by the blanket before calmly moving away.

“Anyway, I’ll probably sweat again later, so it’s… it’s fine…”

Her face was almost red enough to drip blood. The blanket also ​stolen content​rose higher and higher, almost covering Xie Shuyun’s entire face.

Cheng Lingxue could not bear to watch anymore. She reached out and pulled the blanket down.

“Don’t mess around. Do you want to suffocate yourself?”

Staring at Xie Shuyun’s innocent eyes, Cheng Lingxue sighed. She picked up a tissue and wiped Xie Shuyun’s forehead.

“You just finished wiping yourself down, and you’re sweating again.”

“…Sorry…”

Xie Shuyun lowered her head and murmured pitifully.

Her appearance was like a large dog that had done something wrong but still felt wronged. Its ears and tail were both drooping, looking listless. Those innocent big eyes made it impossible for anyone to stay angry.

Cheng Lingxue opened her mouth, about to speak, when suddenly, a phone ringtone rang out.

In the quiet room, it was especially clear.