Xuye Cheng fished a thermometer out of the drawer just as Zheng Wenxuan stepped out of the bathroom. Zheng Wenxuan watched Xuye Cheng tuck it under his armpit.
Zheng Wenxuan’s gaze settled on Xuye Cheng’s face. “What’s wrong? Fever?”
Xuye Cheng responded weakly, “Seems like it.”
Being sick wasn’t the issue—it was the leave process. Today’s morning class was a lab session. If Xuye Cheng skipped it, he’d have to reschedule the makeup.
He sat patiently on the chair, waiting for the thermometer. His eyes drifted to his legs—and he froze.
His once thick leg hair had thinned drastically!
Drowsily, Xuye Cheng reached down to touch it. His leg hair felt finer, softer…
Is weakness supposed to do this? He couldn’t believe it.
Zheng Wenxuan saw Xuye Cheng rub his thigh, looking pained. “Baby Cheng, need me to grab medicine?”
“I’ve got some!” Liu Xianlin tossed a pack of 666 Cold Remedy from the drawer. “Take it. No thanks needed.”
A pale smile flickered on Xuye Cheng’s face. He took it and whispered thanks. He grabbed a tissue to blow his nose. The thermometer read 38 degrees.
Xuye Cheng rummaged for painkillers, poured water into a cup, stuffed two hand-torn breads into his mouth, and swallowed the cold medicine.
“Time for class,” Zheng Wenxuan checked his watch. “Baby Cheng, taking leave?”
Xuye Cheng’s head felt foggy, but missing the lab meant rescheduling hassle. “I’ll go.” He pulled on a white lab coat from the wardrobe. A sharp pain shot through his skull as he shook his head.
“You sure?” Zheng Wenxuan asked, worried.
“I can.” Xuye Cheng grabbed his books and headed out.
The morning blurred by. In lab class, paired with Liu Xianlin, Xuye Cheng barely heard the teacher’s instructions. Liu Xianlin handled the experiment with He Xiaohan’s help. He Xiaohan’s gaze lingered on Xuye Cheng slumped at the side—until Liu Xianlin’s voice cut in. “Next step?”
He Xiaohan murmured, “Oh,” and continued.
By lunch, Xuye Cheng dragged himself back to the dorm to rest. He finally felt better, strength returning. His temperature still showed a slight fever, but his body felt steady. He glanced at the clock and struggled out of bed. The quiet dorm pressed a gloomy weight on his chest.
So tired… He sighed inwardly, packed his things, and prepared for work.
“Ningning~ Your clothes are dry! I’ll pack them for you~”
“Okay,” Xuye Cheng replied. “Thanks.”
“No problem~”
The gloom in his heart lifted slightly.
Climbing to the fifth floor of the lab building while sick made his legs feel useless. If only he hadn’t sulked last night, standing in the rain like a fool… He sighed helplessly, a faint grievance rising again.
After changing, Xuye Cheng tugged at her top. She wore a white tee and jeans combo. Dou Dou had bought these pieces, but probably not for this pairing…
Wearing a crop top outside? Xuye Cheng couldn’t bring herself to do it yet. Too damn embarrassing. But she’d already bought them…
If she skipped skirts, she’d have to face that outfit directly. Xuye Cheng sighed, pushing the messy thoughts aside.
This afternoon held something more important than work: approaching He Xiaohan that bastard in this identity. Just thinking of him sparked shame and awkwardness.
She swiped her ID card at the gate. Blazing sunlight hit her face. Her cheeks flushed as she stuffed her phone into her jeans pocket.
Not wearing a skirt felt good. Xuye Cheng secretly relished it. The dress was cooler than jeans, but that drafty feeling lacked the security of denim. Pants were better.
The walk to the café was usually easy, but today she arrived exhausted. Even masked, the cold hadn’t lifted.
Xuye Cheng took a deep breath. Dou Dou beamed at her entrance, handing over a bag. Xuye Cheng gave a stiff smile, took it, and headed to the changing room.
Dou Dou studied Xuye Cheng’s face, puzzled.
After changing, Xuye Cheng pulled out a tissue and blew her nose. Dou Dou frowned at her listless state. “Ningning, you’ve got a cold?”
Xuye Cheng smiled wryly. “Yeah. Caught a chill last night.” Her voice was thick with congestion.
“How careless! Rest when sick—why work?”
Xuye Cheng shrugged. “No choice. No work, no money.”
Dou Dou’s eyes softened with sympathy. “Took medicine?”
“Yeah. Don’t worry.”
“Okay… Don’t push yourself.”
“Mm.” Xuye Cheng tied her apron.
Work resumed. She bustled like yesterday, but her legs ached within minutes. Her head still swam. At the front desk, she spotted table twelve’s order—her eyes lit up.
Him.
Xuye Cheng lifted the classic Americano. Rich coffee aroma filled her nose. Steam crept up her cheeks. Dizziness washed over her again. Probably the low fever. Her face burned.
