She stared at Shi Che’s profile as the car slowly moved along. The streetlights outside slanted through the window, casting his face in fleeting shadows and light, stirring an impulse in her heart to ask him right then and there what he truly felt about her.
Was he really always seeing her as just a substitute for his elder sister, or did he see her as Ling Chuxia?
He had been so cruel to her before, yet now he was so kind; what was it all for?
She opened her mouth, involuntarily calling out, "Young Master..."
But the words were on the tip of her tongue when she suddenly stopped. If she asked now and Shi Che’s answer was negative, then how could she ever muster the courage to confess her feelings to him?
If from the beginning to the end he loved only her elder sister, wouldn’t she lose even the chance to express her feelings? Although, she dared not hope too much that he would reciprocate, she didn’t want to be deprived of the opportunity to confess.
Ling Chuxia pursed her lips, unable to continue speaking.
Shi Che simply hummed softly, waiting for her to continue, but when she remained silent, he slightly furrowed his brows and shot her a sidelong glance, his thin lips parting slightly to ask, "What’s wrong?"
Ling Chuxia dared not meet Shi Che’s eyes, fearing he might see through her. She lowered her eyelids and slowly shook her head. "It’s nothing."
Shi Che’s eyes narrowed suddenly, his gaze on Ling Chuxia becoming a bit darker.
She was clearly burdened with heavy thoughts yet forcibly suppressed them, just as she had always done, unwilling to let him know. It was as if every time he felt that he could close the distance between them just a bit, the next second added an imperceptible, palpable divide.
The hands Shi Che rested on the steering wheel clenched involuntarily, veins slightly bulging on the backs of his hands.
In the morning, sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, illuminating the entire bedroom.
Ling Chuxia turned in Shi Che’s arms, suddenly, that familiar feeling of nausea surged, and she abruptly opened her eyes.
Without a moment of consideration, she grabbed Shi Che’s hand, then got out of bed and ran quickly toward the bathroom.
Always vigilant, Shi Che had awoken when Ling Chuxia grabbed his hand. Before he could open his eyes, he heard sounds of vomiting from the bathroom.
Her complexion turned pale, one hand covering her chest, continuously retching, but there was nothing to throw up; after a long while, only water came out, looking extremely uncomfortable.
Shi Che’s eyes darkened and he quickly stepped forward, crouching beside her. His large palm gently rubbed her back, softly helping her catch her breath.
Ling Chuxia vomited for a while, expelling only acidic water, feeling unbearably miserable. Finally, the nauseous feeling subsided, and she went limp, collapsing softly.
Shi Che caught her, pulling her into his embrace. Ling Chuxia leaned against his chest, her complexion pallid, her lips dry, her eyes half-closed as if she hadn’t the strength to open them.
With a gentle effort, Shi Che lifted her, exited the bathroom, and walked towards the bed, carefully laying Ling Chuxia down.
He pulled a few tissues from the nightstand and wiped the corners of her lips, watching her weak appearance with a frown.
How could she be vomiting so severely early in the morning?
Then, he loudly called toward the doorway, "Sister Hua, call the doctor to come over."