Yu Nian felt both touched and distressed.
He had only a hazy recollection of the night before. If no one had told him, he would never have known there had been so many complications overnight.
Soon, Qin Yuheng came over with a cup of hot water and helped him sit up to drink.
Yu Nian's throat felt terribly dry. One cup did nothing to quench his thirst, and it took three before he felt better.
The nurse came over too and took his temperature. It had more or less stabilized, though he might need another IV that evening.
Yu Nian's expression immediately turned miserable. He really hated needles.
Normally, he wasn't quite that afraid of them. Presumably, the high fever and delirium last night had amplified his emotions.
Qin Yuheng adjusted the cushion behind him, sat down beside him, and asked with concern, "How are you feeling?"
Yu Nian shook his head and said apologetically, "I'm sorry. You didn't get a good night's rest because of me."
Qin Yuheng tightened his grip on his hand, intertwining their fingers. "Nian Nian, you don't need to say that to me."
Yu Nian tried to pull his hand back. The elderly woman couldn't see their hands from this angle, but he still felt embarrassed.
Remembering how Qin Yuheng had also been holding his hand when he woke up today, Yu Nian asked, shy and puzzled, "Why... why are you holding my hand like this?"
His hand wouldn't budge. Qin Yuheng held it even more tightly, his gaze suddenly intent and sharp. "Nian Nian, who am I?"
Yu Nian stared in bewilderment, then suddenly laughed after a pause. "You're Brother Yu. Don't worry, the fever didn't fry my brain."
Qin Yuheng pressed his thin lips together and stared steadily at him, a barely perceptible