Song Jia Shu's protective instincts kicked in the moment he heard about Song Qi Nian's stomach pain. "We should get you to the hospital," he insisted.
[It's nothing serious,] she assured him, managing a weak smile. [Some warm water and sleep is all I need.]
He wouldn't take her word for it. After bringing her a glass of warm water, he hovered nearby, watching intently until she finished every drop. Only when her face regained some color did his shoulders finally relax.
[Now get some rest,] she urged. [You can't walk into that exam hall tomorrow running on empty.]
Finally, Song Jia Shu gave in and went to bed. The moment his breathing steadied into sleep, Song Qi Nian sank into the sofa, her hands clammy with cold sweat.
That name alone—just hearing it had been enough to shatter her composure.
Eyes closed, she exhaled deeply, a silent plea forming in her mind: never again. She never wanted to hear that name or see that face for the rest of her days.
After the first day of exams, Song Qi Nian avoided going home. Instead, she booked another hotel room, planning to stay close to Song Jia Shu and accompany him to tomorrow's exam.
But that night, his name—Li Junshen—haunted her dreams. She tossed and turned, trapped in a nightmare where bloody, spectral hands circled her bed, trying to drag her into darkness.
A strong grip suddenly locked around her ankle, pulling her toward the void beneath the bed.
[Ah—]
She kicked and thrashed until she jerked awake. Then the horror struck—the hand on her ankle was real. This wasn't a dream.
Heart pounding, Song Qi Nian reached desperately for the bedside lamp. Before her fingers could find the switch, a violent yank dragged her toward the foot of the bed.
Let go!
Help!
She fought wildly, grabbing anything within reach and hurling it at her attacker. Her tears flowed freely now, beyond her control.
"Try hitting me one more time—I dare you!"
The voice cut through her panic. Song Qi Nian froze, recognition slowly dawning. As her racing thoughts settled, she caught Shen Chi Yan's familiar scent.
Still rattled to her core, Song Qi Nian couldn't think straight. She launched herself into his arms, clutching him like a lifeline.
Shen Chi Yan opened his mouth to tease her about taking so long to recognize him, but stopped short when he felt her violent trembling.
His chest grew damp with her tears, soaking through the fabric of his shirt.
When he switched on the light, Song Qi Nian's face was ghostly pale, tear tracks marking her cheeks.
"You've got the courage of a mouse. What were you thinking, staying in a hotel alone?"
Earlier that evening, Shen Chi Yan had come home to find Song Qi Nian missing. Zhang Qiaoqiao told him she was at a hotel with Song Jia Shu. Right then, the TV had flashed footage from that morning's college entrance exams—showing Song Qi Nian and Guan Ming Xu together.
His blood had boiled. The nerve of her—serving him iced tea in his car one moment, getting cozy with Guan Ming Xu the next.
Fury drove him to the hotel. He'd kept quiet, intending to teach her a lesson. He hadn't meant to terrify her this badly.
[Don't leave!]
Song Qi Nian shook her head fiercely, refusing to loosen her grip. It was as if releasing him would leave her drowning in darkness. Even if Shen Chi Yan didn't love her, he had become her anchor of safety.
"You seemed pretty happy talking to Guan Ming Xu earlier. Why isn't he here keeping you company tonight?"
Song Qi Nian had no clue how he knew about Guan Ming Xu's visit. She lifted her eyes to meet his, quickly signing: [Do you enjoy wearing green hats?]
Then she immediately locked her arms around his waist again, holding on for dear life.
Shen Chi Yan's face darkened with anger. He tried to pry her off, but she clung stubbornly.
"Hmph. Even if I did, would you dare?"
She shook her head firmly—no, she wouldn't dare.
"Let go—it's too hot. I need a shower!"
Song Qi Nian looked up at him, her eyes pleading.
"... I'm not going anywhere! Now let go!" Shen Chi Yan snapped.
Only then did she slowly release her grip. As he stripped off his clothes, he scoffed, "Who gave you permission to depend on me like this?"
Despite his harsh words, there was a lightness to his tone.
While Shen Chi Yan showered, Song Qi Nian couldn't bring herself to stay on the bed. Instead, she crept to the bathroom door and huddled there.
When he emerged from his shower, he found her curled up against the doorframe, knees drawn to her chest, head bowed—like a stray kitten afraid of being abandoned again.
"Get up!"
She jumped to her feet instantly, grabbing his arm and tugging him toward the bed.
Before he could protest, she wrapped herself around him, pressing her head against his chest and closing her eyes.
"... Song Qi Nian, since when did you get bold enough to share my bed?"
She stiffened, biting her lip, about to retreat when he pulled her back against him.
"Given your recent behavior, I'll let you stay. Just for tonight."
Exhaustion had caught up with Song Qi Nian. She was asleep almost before he finished speaking.
The fire she'd stirred in him earlier still burned, and now she'd stoked it higher. But for once, he held back, letting her sleep undisturbed.
When Song Qi Nian woke the next morning, she found Shen Chi Yan glowering at her, dark circles marking his eyes.
Noticing her head was still resting on his arm, she quickly pulled away.
Shen Chi Yan flexed his numb, aching arm and shot her a cold look. "What? Done using me as your pillow, now tossing me aside?"
Understanding his mood, Song Qi Nian inched closer and quietly began massaging his arm.
Just as his arm started feeling better, Shen Chi Yan pushed her away. At that moment, Gao Kunlun walked in carrying fresh clothes.
"Fifth Master, we need to leave in thirty minutes."
"Understood."
Song Qi Nian suddenly remembered—Shen Chi Yan had that business trip to Haicheng today.
While he changed, she rushed downstairs to grab breakfast, bringing it back to the room.
She had barely set the food down when Shen Chi Yan caught her, backing her against the wall for a deep kiss.
The intensity of it this early in the morning left her reeling.
Just as things threatened to get more heated, he pulled back. His thumb traced roughly over her lips as he growled, "Behave yourself while I'm gone. And make sure you're home tonight."
Song Qi Nian stared at him.
Wasn't he the one always staying out late? Since when did he care about her whereabouts?
As he turned to leave, she grabbed his arm. [At least eat something first!]
He raised an eyebrow. "Didn't I just eat?"
Then he walked out.
Song Qi Nian stood there, confused.
Already ate?
When had he...?
Understanding hit her, and heat flooded her face.
Her phone buzzed, breaking the moment. She checked it to find messages from an unknown number.
Reading them, her expression hardened.
Knock, knock, knock...
She quickly pocketed her phone and opened the door.
Song Jia Shu stood there, looking bright-eyed. "Sis, you're up? Thought you were still sleeping. Hey, you look rough—bad night? Is your stomach acting up again?"
She shook her head with a smile, handing him the breakfast she'd meant for Shen Chi Yan. [Here, eat up.]
"You're up early if you've already got breakfast."
Gripping her phone tightly, Song Qi Nian tucked it into her bag.
After breakfast, she walked Song Jia Shu to the school gates.
[Do your best, Jia Shu. I'll be here waiting to celebrate with you.]
Something felt off to Song Jia Shu. Was he imagining it, or did his sister seem distracted today?
Before he could think more about it, she gave him a gentle push toward the school entrance.
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