Both layers of Gu Zheng's clothes had long since been soaked through with sweat.
He waited until he had used up the entire jar of liquor.
Only then did he button up Song Ning's clothes, put her shoes and socks back on, and settle her into a comfortable position in his arms.
He checked the time. Half an hour had passed since she took the pill.
He touched her forehead again.
It was damp and slightly cool. He had been wiping her with liquor all this time, so he could no longer tell whether the moisture was liquor or sweat.
Her breathing was still faint.
But her body had gone completely limp. She no longer shivered or clung tightly to him, yet she also seemed devoid of life.
Gu Zheng simply held her like that.
He waited.
He had felt no discomfort since taking his own pill.
In fact, a cool sensation had spread throughout his body.
By rights, the medicine should have some effect on a fever.
He firmly believed that such a brave young woman...
...was bound to be blessed with good fortune.
Gu Zheng looked up at the statue of Sasui.
Such an ancient people surely had wonders of their own.
She would surely protect those who pursued justice and truth...
"Water... water..."
Song Ning began murmuring unconsciously again.
Relief stirred in Gu Zheng's heart.
If she could make a sound, that meant her condition had not deteriorated further.
Her forehead no longer burned with that scorching heat. Although he was unsure what stage her illness had reached or whether her fever had broken, any response was better than none.
He picked up the water flask and shook it. Only a little remained at the bottom.
He unscrewed the lid, intending to give her a drink, then