Getting Cozy

Before dawn.

The hospital at night always felt a little eerie.

The corridor outside was utterly silent, as was the district party secretary's hospital room.

On the bed, Geng Yuehua seemed to have fallen asleep. Half-covered by the blanket, she lay there quietly with her eyes closed, her breathing even and her brow faintly furrowed. It seemed impossible to find a smile on Yuehua's face. Every day, she looked as though she bore the weight of the world—either frowning or wearing a stern expression. Who knew how many worries she had? Dong Xuebin, on the other hand, could only sit stiffly beside her, his back aching, his legs cramping, every part of him miserable. He had already been sitting there for nearly half an hour, and Yuehua still would not let him leave. Was he really supposed to sit here all night?

Suddenly, footsteps drew closer.

Before long, someone tried the door from outside. It was locked from within, so it would not open.

Dong Xuebin tensed and immediately looked over, holding his breath without making a sound.

"Sis? Sis?" Geng Xinke's voice came from outside, followed by knocking. "Why did you lock the door? Are you asleep?"

Outside, Lin Pingping said anxiously, "Xin Ke, our sister is already asleep. What are you doing?"

"I just want to see whether she's all right. What if she's feeling unwell?"

"She won't be. If anything happens, the monitor will show it." Lin Pingping seemed to be pulling him away. "Stop knocking. Let our sister get some proper rest."

At that moment, Geng Yuehua opened her eyes without warning and said heavily toward the door, "I'm fine. You two should go back early!"

"As long as you're fine, Sis. Don't worry about us."

"You don't need to stay here with me. Hurry home