I had a fever that night. Jing Tian took care of me without rest. I could feel Jing Tian’s presence and energy through the burning fever. My heart slowly calmed down.
I hoped that the fever would burn away the distracting thoughts injected into my mind so that only the love that we shared and the determination we had for the common future remained.
When I woke up, I felt much better. The housekeeper, Sister Li, was tidying up my clothes. “Miss, you’re awake?” She looked at me with heartache.
“Where’s Jing Tian?” My voice was so hoarse that I frightened us both.
Sister Li immediately poured a glass of water for me. “Miss, drink some water first. Master Qi has been taking care of you. He was called back by Old Master Jing earlier. He only dared to leave after your fever subsided. Before he left, he told me to take good care of you.”
After ‘called back by Old Master Jing, I did not hear the rest.’ I got up to crawl out of bed.
“Miss, what are you doing? If you need anything, just tell me.”
“I’m fine.” I stood beside the bed and resisted the dizziness in my head. My voice was still hoarse.
“How can you be fine? Master Qi even had Doctor Lin look at you. You have a mild case of pneumonia. They wanted to send you to the hospital, but you refused to leave home. It was why Master Qi had no choice but to have Doctor Lin prepare some IV drip for you at home. You can’t act too recklessly. What if your condition worsens? Master Qi has done so much to take care of you. You must not disappoint him, right?”
Sister Li was perfect, but she was such a nagger.
I pulled on her arm. “Sister Li, I just want to go over to take a look. After all, Old Master Jing is my senior. I have to visit him after he has returned. I will be back before you know it. Help me prepare some clothes. I will do everything you say after I am back.” I pestered Sister Li until she finally gave up.
Su Shen and Su Qian showed up immediately.
“How many days was I sick?” I asked.
“Three days, Master Qi has been with here for all three days.” They concluded succinctly. If Jing Tian had gone back to explain right after Jing Ning’s wedding, things might not be so bad. However, I was sick for three days, and Jing Tian stayed by my side for three days. I could only imagine how Old Master Jing would feel. This fever came at an inopportune time.
I knew the fever happened because I soaked myself in the cold shower so I hated myself for it.
…
I arrived at the Jing Family and no one stopped me. Not even Gao Da who was guarding at the door.
“Where are they?” My hoarse voice clearly shocked Gao Da.
“The study.” Gao Da looked at me worriedly.
“I am not going to go in, I’ll only stay outside to listen.” I was always forthcoming with what I was going to do. Gao Da nodded and moved away to let me pass.
I walked up the stairs, and at the landing, I could hear Old Master Jing, “Can’t you see things from my perspective? I am your father! Do you not care about me at all?”
The rebuke carried a soft plea in it.