Self-Reproach

At that, Si Jinyan nodded. "Okay." He threw back the covers and moved to lift Chi Li from the bed.

Chi Li pressed a hand against Si Jinyan's arm, stopping him.

He planted his feet on the floor and sat on the edge of the bed, looking at Si Jinyan, who had been watching him without relaxing for even a moment. "You're making me feel like I have severe aftereffects that have left me unable to care for myself."

Si Jinyan frowned faintly in disapproval, but... it was true. Back then, Chi Li had been unable to stand or breathe ever again.

Si Jinyan took a deep breath.

"I want to walk around by myself." Chi Li stood and stretched his arms and waist.

He made a circuit around the room and went to the window. It was a clear afternoon. The breeze brushed across his face, carrying the scent of grass and trees mixed with a dry, gentle fragrance.

Only then, when he truly felt the wind against his face, did Chi Li gain a stronger sense of solid reality beneath his feet.

Si Jinyan filled the bathtub with water at just the right temperature, and a soothing fragrance drifted through the air.

Chi Li took off his clothes. Despite having lain in bed for a month, he still felt fresh and clean. From that alone, it was clear that he had been very well cared for during the past month.

He glanced at Si Jinyan standing guard beside him but said nothing. He sank into the water and washed himself.

There was some movement beside him. Si Jinyan approached with foam on his hands, and with just one glance, Chi Li noticed his reaction.

Chi Li asked, "How did you deal with losing control afterward?"

Si Jinyan rubbed