"What's wrong?" Wen Feiran instinctively cupped his face in her hands, her eyes filled with worry.
"I'm sorry," Gu Suian apologized.
Under Wen Feiran's stunned gaze, Gu Suian said in a gloomy tone, "It was my fault for not controlling myself and being too rough, which caused you to have a fever."
After the high fever subsided, Wen Feiran's brain felt like a rusty machine; every thought he had was accompanied by a dull ache. He stood there for a full half minute before he could barely recall what had happened before.
"No, you misunderstood. I didn't get a fever because of that, and I wasn't injured either." Wen Feiran licked her dry lips, the tips of her ears slowly turning red. "Actually, you're very gentle, just a little bit at the end, but I really like that, and also..."
If they continued, it would be like speeding down the highway. Wen Feiran was new to driving and not yet an experienced driver, so his voice grew softer and softer, and he avoided looking at Gu Suian.
"I did it because..."
His expression froze, and he suddenly realized the difference between dream and reality.
That dream was a figment of his imagination, driven by immense guilt, while the reality was that three years had passed, and he still deeply hurt Gu Suian, beyond redemption.
Gu Suian was terrified by his high fever and, unaware of his true thoughts, asked, "Why?"
Wen Feiran's lips moved slightly, but no sound came out.
Gu Suian hadn't mentioned before that he didn't want them both to bear painful memories. Now, by bringing it up directly, might he be reopening old wounds for Gu Suian? Furthermore, the idea of him being forced into a quick transmigration mission seemed absurd and more like a flimsy excuse. If handled poorly, could this become a permanent rift between them?
Suddenly finding herself in the same position as Gu Suian, Wen Feiran realized just how difficult it must have been for Gu Suian to make those decisions.
Worried that Gu Suian would notice something amiss, he forced a smile, "It's nothing, just don't misunderstand, my high fever has nothing to do with you."
He made up a random excuse, "I wasn't dressed warmly enough when I went out, and I caught a cold. Then I secretly ate an ice cream when I got home."
"..." Although it was made up, it did feel like something he was capable of doing.
Gu Suian believed him and didn't scold him, but said helplessly, "Why are you still like a child, so fond of cold things? And you often don't wear slippers at home either; walking on the cold floor isn't good for your health."
Wen Feiran leaned closer, her voice soft like a spoiled child. "I know I was wrong. Having a cold and fever is awful. I'll definitely learn from this and it won't happen again. You can take all the ice cream out of the fridge, and I won't say a word!"
Gu Suian patted his shoulder, "Although your fever has subsided, I'm still worried. Let the doctor come and check on you."
Wen Feiran nodded, hesitated for a long time, and finally said, "I had a fever for several days, were you taking care of me?"
"You've had a fever for two whole days," Gu Suian frowned. "You were constantly mumbling incoherently in your sleep, barely conscious at all. If the doctor hadn't said you had no other problems, I would have rushed you to the hospital."
Wen Feiran felt a lump in her throat when she heard this.
Gu Suian, don't be so good to me, otherwise my guilt will only increase.
Gu Suian clearly couldn't hear his thoughts. He called the doctor and brought back a cup of cold medicine.
Wen Feiran didn't want Gu Suian to worry any more, so she obediently finished her water.
"Shall we rest a little longer?" Gu Suian asked.
Wen Feiran shook her head. "No, I've had enough sleep."
"Are you hungry? Shall I get you a bowl of porridge?" Gu Suian asked.
Wen Feiran knew that Gu Suian had been taking care of him closely, and couldn't bear to see him continue to suffer. "No need, you should go and rest for a while."
Gu Suian ruffled his hair. "I'm not tired."
Wen Feiran knew she couldn't persuade Gu Suian at this point, so she sighed, "I'll drink the porridge, but you have to serve me two bowls. If you don't keep me company, then I won't drink it!"
Gu Suian had no way to deal with Wen Feiran, so he smiled helplessly and said, "Fine, I'll go with you."
It was unclear when the porridge had been cooked, but only five minutes later, Gu Suian brought in a bowl.
Wen Feiran looked at the soft, mushy porridge in the bowl, her nose stinging again, and she stared blankly at Gu Suian.
Gu Suian misunderstood him, "What's wrong? Don't you want to drink?"
"No." Wen Feiran picked up the spoon and finished drinking, forcing back a sob.
Gu Suian kept his word and finished a bowl of porridge with him.
Wen Feiran watched Gu Suian figure with longing eyes, and when he returned, she couldn't wait to throw off the covers. "I'm suddenly a little sleepy, will you sleep with me for a while?"
Wen Feiran was not sleepy at all, but he felt heartbroken when he saw the dark circles under Gu Suian's eyes. Fortunately Gu Suian did not refuse him and obediently lay down next to him.
Wen Feiran tucked him in and pulled the blanket up carefully. "Okay, don't worry about me, go to sleep."
Gu Suian chuckled softly, relieved to see that Wen Feiran was in good spirits.
Urged on by Wen Feiran, he closed his eyes, his breathing becoming shallow.
Wen Feiran was afraid of disturbing Gu Suian's rest, so he didn't dare to stare at him for too long, but he kept his attention on him. He only tentatively opened his eyes when the room was quiet.
Gu Suian lay down beside him and finally fell asleep.
Wen Feiran stared at him brazenly for a few seconds, then subtly moved closer. Unlike usual, she didn't snuggle against Gu Suian's chest and curl up in his arms to sleep. Instead, she stretched out her arms and gently embraced Gu Suian, adopting a protective stance.
Although he is younger and has nothing, he will grow up quickly, make up for Gu Suian, and never let him suffer the same kind of harm as he did in the past three years.