At ten the next morning, Ivanov kept his promise and arranged for the two of them to board a flight home.
Ji Ting's high fever had broken that morning, but he still had a slight temperature. Ji Yanzhi stayed by his side, tending to his every need.
More than five hours later, the plane passed smoothly through the clouds. When the announcement came that they had entered Huaguo's airspace, a quiet sense of relief spread through the cabin.
Ji Yanzhi let out a long breath and gently patted Ji Ting, who was dozing against his shoulder. "Ji Ear, we're home."
Ji Ting opened his eyes wearily and asked Ji Yanzhi to confirm it again. His shoulders, which had been tense all this time, finally relaxed completely.
Seeing the unmistakable bloodshot streaks in Ji Yanzhi's eyes, he reached out and took his slender, slightly cool hand.
"Thank you for looking after me these past two days."
Ji Yanzhi turned his hand over and enclosed Ji Ting's tightly in his palm, gently stroking the back of it with his thumb. "What's there to thank me for? Isn't this what I'm supposed to do?"
As his words faded, they both fell silent for a moment. Then, almost simultaneously, they spoke again.
"I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry."
Both froze, then looked at each other and broke into helpless smiles.
"You first." Amusement and curiosity shone in Ji Yanzhi's eyes. "What are you apologizing for?"
Ji Ting pressed his lips together. "This was supposed to be our honeymoon, but it ended up like this... I'm sorry."
Ji Yanzhi's heart softened, though a trace of bitterness lingered. He raised his other hand and ruffled the hair over Ji Ting's forehead. "Don't be silly. How could this be your fault? If anyone's to blame, it's those scheming bastards."