Xiao Feng hoisted Liu Qing onto his back, heading downstairs to the nearest clinic. A quick shot and some medicine should fix her up, he figured.

But when he reached the clinic door, it was tightly shut. A notice read: *“Due to summer break, nurses and doctors are off for two days. We apologize for the inconvenience.”*

No choice left. The clinic sat right at their residential compound’s gate—but closed. Only the main hospital, a kilometer away, remained.

Liu Qing had drifted asleep on his back. A faint, elusive smile lingered on her lips. Her delicate state tugged gently at the heart.

Xiao Feng walked carefully, smoothing each step to keep her undisturbed.

The hospital was barely over a kilometer off—no need for a cab. Waiting would take longer than walking.

Evening air held less heat than daytime, yet remained stifling. The ground still radiated trapped warmth.

Past ten o’clock, streets were nearly empty. Xiao Feng moved briskly. Liu Qing felt light—but honestly, how light could anyone really be?

By the time he reached the hospital gates, sweat drenched him head to toe. Drops fell steadily from his chin. Anyone could see how sweltering he was.

“Hey! Doctor!” Xiao Feng gasped at the registration window, voice hoarse. “Please check my sister—she’s burning up with fever!”

Used to such scenes, the nurse replied flatly, “Register first. Number 382. Not many ahead.” Xiao Feng steadied Liu Qing with one hand and took the token.

He carried her to an empty bench and gently shook her. “Sister Qing, Sister Qing—we’re at the hospital. Wake up. Lie here, rest your head on my lap. It’ll be comfier.”

He knew hogging space wasn’t ideal, but late-night hospital halls were quiet, benches plentiful. He did it just to ease her discomfort.

Roused by his touch and soft voice, Liu Qing nodded drowsily. She slid onto the bench, curling her feverish body tight, shivering slightly as sleep reclaimed her.

Watching her tremble, Xiao Feng knew her fever had hit at least 38 degrees Celsius. No one shivers from cold like this in summer otherwise.

He wasn’t some VIP who could skip the line. All he could do was wipe the cold sweat from her brow and hold her curled form gently, offering what warmth he could.

Liu Qing felt trapped between ice and fire—waves of heat and chill twisting through her. Yet Xiao Feng’s tender hands wiping her forehead, his steady hold… a quiet warmth seeped into her chest.

*Drip.*

A bead of sweat rolled down his cheek onto her flushed face. Cool. Fleeting relief. Fighting dizziness, she slowly opened her misty eyes toward the drop.

She saw him—drenched, hair damp with sweat. Her heart swelled with gratitude and ache. Crystal tears welled in her eyes.

Unaware, Xiao Feng counted the patients ahead. Fewer than ten. Lucky it was nighttime. Daytime? Hours of waiting.

Twenty minutes later—

“Number 382! Patient 382, please come in!”

Xiao Feng patted her shoulder softly. “Sister Qing, it’s our turn. Time to see the doctor.”

She nodded against his chest, pushed up with his support, and stepped into the consultation room.

Only then did he notice—his clothes had dried completely. But the spot where her head rested stayed damp. *Must be her sweat,* he thought.

The doctor prescribed medicine quickly. “Take her to bed. Two IV drips.”

After swallowing the fever reducer, Liu Qing drifted back to sleep under the slow drip.

Xiao Feng finally exhaled, pulling out his phone.

A flood of WeChat notifications lit the screen—Situ Changxi. Over fifty messages.

*Xiao Feng, why aren’t you replying?*

*Xiao Feng, are you still there?*

*Xiao Feng, decided on a university yet?*

*Tell me when you do!*

…

*(One hour thirty-two minutes later)*

*Xiao Feng, ignoring me?*

*Why won’t you answer?*

*I’m mad!*

[😠 sticker]

[😠 sticker]

…

Reading her pout-filled scolding, Xiao Feng almost saw her—cheeks puffed, eyes narrowed in mock anger. A smile tugged at his lips.

Then he paused. Why so persistent? Messages dripping with playful jealousy… Was she… into him?

Not vanity. Any straight guy would wonder—being relentlessly messaged by a cute, bright, wealthy girl who gets upset when ignored? Suspicion was natural.

Truth was, he kinda liked Situ Changxi. But he’d long feared falling for anyone again. Like that old saying: *Once burned in the Valley of Heartbreak, one walks away from love forever.*