Yun Jinnian set the book aside, "Ming Yang, Ru Yue, you both go to sleep!"
Ming Yang and Ru Yue knew Yun Jinnian’s character and didn’t say much. They tidied up, left a lamp on the table far from any flammable materials, and then went off to fetch water for washing before bed.
Yun Jinnian got out of bed, opened the window, and stood by it in her thin clothes.
A year had passed, and returning here felt like a dream.
"It’s so cold, and you’re wearing so little. Aren’t you afraid of freezing?" Chu Yu said as he suddenly appeared in front of Yun Jinnian.
Yun Jinnian was startled but quickly composed herself.
"It’s such cold weather, why have you come!" Yun Jinnian said, moving aside to let Chu Yu into the bedroom.
She poured him a cup of hot water, "Have a drink!"
Chu Yu took the cup and sipped before saying, "Looking around this room, the arrangements are quite nice!"
"My father had it arranged. You’re here so late, are you feeling unwell?" Yun Jinnian tentatively asked.
"I’m quite all right. I found a medical book and brought it for you!" Chu Yu said as he pulled the Medical Books out from within his robes and handed it to Yun Jinnian.
Yun Jinnian reached out to take it. The book still carried Chu Yu’s scent and warmth, making it feel somewhat hot to the touch. She placed the book on the table.
"Now that the book is delivered, you should head back quickly!" Yun Jinnian urged.
Chu Yu wasn’t offended, "I’ll leave then!" He set down the teacup and added, "By the way, your maternal grandfather will be administering the antidote to the Emperor!"
When Yun Jinnian heard Chu Yu mention the poison she had developed years ago was used on the Emperor, she turned pale with fright, "You..."
"Do you think your grandfather can solve it?" Chu Yu pressed on.
Yun Jinnian shook her head, "I don’t know about that!"
Chu Yu looked at Yun Jinnian, knowing she wasn’t lying, "I understand. You should sleep early. Don’t stand by the window in the cold wind. Your health has just started to improve; don’t make it worse!"
Yun Jinnian nodded slightly, "Mhm."
Chu Yu seemed to want to say something more but ultimately left without another word, leaping onto the rooftop and away.
On the snow, there weren’t even any footprints left behind.
Yun Jinnian looked at the Medical Books in her hands, opened a page and began reading. It was filled with notes on various complicated diseases. She quickly sat down on the chaise longue and started reading intently, leaving the window open as she considered the medical texts—what might happen if she changed the dosage of certain medicines within?
She was thoroughly engrossed.
She didn’t notice that Chu Yu, who should have left, had returned, sitting on the roof, gazing down at Yun Jinnian.
"Ha..." Yun Jinnian yawned, rubbed her temples, set down the Medical Books, stood and stretched, loosened her limbs, then closed the window and went to bed.
In her sleep, Yun Jinnian dreamed of Momo again, envisioned him eating her flesh in big bites, his small mouth bloody and indistinct. She suddenly sat up, sweating profusely.
Her heart ached painfully.
Yun Jinnian placed her hand over her heart.
Was this really just a dream?
If it was just a dream, why did her heart hurt so much, feel so troubled?
After getting washed up, breakfast had already been delivered from the main kitchen.
Mrs. Yuan arranged the bowls and chopsticks while saying, "Miss, the butler from the inner courtyard said that from tomorrow on, Niannian Garden can start cooking for itself; the ingredients and kitchen maid will be sent over!"
"There’s no need to send a kitchen maid, my father has already prepared everything. Go back to the butler," Yun Jinnian said.
After breakfast, Yun Jinnian got ready and went to Cixin Academy. As she arrived at the entrance, she ran into Yun Muyou, "Big sister!"
Yun Muyou smiled at Yun Jinnian, "Did you sleep well last night, fourth little sister?"