Yan Lingji lowered her head, her cheeks so red they seemed ready to drip blood. She clutched the edge of the blanket, unsure how to face this "older sister," who looked gentle and dignified but carried such a powerful presence.
Seeing her like this, Yan Fei's eyes flashed with amusement. She sat down beside the bed and gently broke the silence.
"What is it? Your plan failed, and you ended up getting caught yourself?"
At that, Yan Lingji lowered her head even farther, almost burying it in the blankets. After a long while, she finally nodded slightly.
Her voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz. "Mm..."
"Come on. Don't think about that for now."
Yan Fei turned, picked up the covered bowl from the tray, and lifted the lid.
At once, a delicious aroma filled the air, a blend of fresh seafood and fragrant herbs. Just the smell was enough to stir the appetite and lift the spirits.
"Eat something and get your strength back."
"I went all the way out to sea in the middle of the night and dived down into a deep-sea trench. It took quite a bit of effort to catch this hundred-thousand-year-old Mystic Water Jade Clam."
As she spoke, Yan Fei picked up a spoon, scooped up a mouthful, blew on it, and held it to Yan Lingji's lips.
Yan Lingji hadn't expected Yan Fei to be so considerate, going out to sea herself to catch the clam and prepare a nourishing soup for her.
Warmth blossomed in her heart, and much of the awkwardness and unease she'd felt upon arriving and meeting her "sisters" faded away.
She raised her eyes to Yan Fei, a hint of warmth in them.
"Thank you... Sister Yan Fei."
She thanked her softly, hesitated, then asked in a