Ming Shisui reiterated everything that had just happened.
It wasn't much; Yun Jixing had brought clothes, alcohol, saline, and food. Ming Shisui had handled the rest. She hadn't fainted for long, less than ten minutes.
— Darling, that man was really so handsome, like a prince, even more handsome than movie stars. And he seemed to like you a lot, his eyes lit up like stars when he looked at you.
Saying this, Ming Shisui chuckled dreamily. — You two are so well-matched. Especially when he carried you in here, I wanted to take a picture of you. It was just like in a TV drama.
Yu Ru sighed, patting her forehead with a hint of pain. [Don't be brainwashed by melodramatic TV shows and novels. I have nothing to do with him; we've barely exchanged a few words. It's impossible for him to like me. Also, don't always be swayed by appearances; good-looking people aren't necessarily good people.]
— Darling, does your head still hurt? Ming Shisui took her arm again, her face showing some nervousness. — But he called you A'ru, and I feel like he really likes you. I don't call you A'ru, but I call you darling. He seems to know you very well.
[My head doesn't hurt anymore. What did you just say? He called me what?] Yu Ru asked uncertainly.
— He called you A'ru.
Yu Ru fell silent, her eyelids drooping as she drifted into thought.
After a moment, she suddenly realized her mask had been removed. She immediately looked up at Ming Shisui. [Where's my mask?]
— Oh, oh, the mask... Ming Shisui fumbled in her pants pocket. — Darling, you had heatstroke, and I was afraid you wouldn't be able to breathe, so I took it off for you.
Yu Ru took the mask, nodded, and silently put it into her pocket.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. — Miss, has Yu Ru woken up?
Ming Shisui glanced at the door, then asked Yu Ru, — Darling, should I tell him you're awake?
— Mm.
Ming Shisui called out a response towards the door. Yun Jixing then asked, — May I come in?
— Darling, can he come in? Ming Shisui asked Yu Ru again.
Yu Ru nodded.
Soon, Yun Jixing entered.
He first nodded to Ming Shisui in greeting and then looked at Yu Ru with concern and worry. — Yu Ru, are you feeling better? If you're still very uncomfortable, should I take you to the hospital? Or, I can take you to my place; we have a doctor at home, and he can give you a simple diagnosis. There's no one at my home except a few cleaning ladies.
Yu Ru shook her head, her gaze flickering away from his. [No, I feel much better, thank you.]
For some reason, since last year, she had been somewhat afraid to look at Yun Jixing. On one hand, it was true that Yun Jixing was too handsome, perfectly matching her aesthetic. His beauty made her feel a sense of "looks anxiety."
His sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, his three-dimensional, deep, and delicate features, and the high degree of facial structure gave him a resolute appearance. Yet, he had a pair of gentle and affectionate eyes, and his lips had a perfectly full and healthy reddish hue, like ripe peaches.
These two characteristics softened his overall imposing and indifferent demeanor. Coupled with his gentle and nuanced speech, he exuded an aura of calm, aloofness, yet warmth.
He must have been steeped in classical literature from a young age, a man of profound knowledge. His words and actions were always composed, refined, and exuded an scholarly fragrance. Like pine wind and moonlit water, Yu Ru had never seen anyone more clear and beautiful, like celestial dew and luminous pearls, no one was as radiant as him.
What was most fatal were his eyes. She didn't know if he was only like this with her or with everyone.
His eyes always seemed to be smiling, holding back words, as if he were constantly gazing in a certain direction, lost in thought, searching for something.
Yu Ru had an illusion that every time their eyes met, his would light up, glistening and flowing, as if the direction he was gazing at was where she was, and he had been searching for her in the crowd.
His gaze, this feeling, was hazy and charming, as if there was an unspoken intimacy between them, making it extremely easy to fall.
Yu Ru was truly afraid of prolonged eye contact with him. Even with her willpower of steel, having refused for years, she couldn't guarantee she wouldn't drown in his tenderness in the future.
Of course, all of this was contingent on Yun Jixing not saying "I love you" or "I like you" to her. That gave her a kind of absurd fervor that frightened her. As long as he didn't speak, everything was perfect.
— Darling, didn't your head hurt just now? Are you really not going to get it checked? As soon as Yu Ru finished speaking, Ming Shisui worriedly hugged her arm.
Yu Ru squinted and gave her a look, indicating she didn't need it. To her surprise, Ming Shisui became even more concerned. She tightened her grip on her arm. — Darling, are you still very uncomfortable? Shall we ask this handsome young man to take us to the hospital?
*Ming Shisui, though you care about me, you might as well kill me.* Yu Ru closed her eyes in pain.
Yun Jixing looked at her earnestly, his eyes full of pity and concern. He continued, — Yu Ru, it's okay. This isn't troublesome at all; it's a small matter. Think it over carefully. Your health is the priority. Put everything else aside for now.
Yu Ru took a deep breath. She first waved her hand at Ming Shisui to show she was fine, then mustered her courage to meet Yun Jixing's gaze directly. [I'm really fine. I've had this happen before and didn't go to the hospital. I just need some rest.]
Her words did not ease Yun Jixing's mind; instead, they made him more worried. But seeing Yu Ru's firm refusal of his help, he changed the subject.
— Yu Ru, then rest for a while longer. You don't need to entertain guests here. You and your friend can stay as long as you like. If you need anything, contact me. You can ask for more dishes or anything else.
Yu Ru glanced at the table full of food and asked, [How much are these dishes?]
Yun Jixing was slightly taken aback, then smiled faintly. — They're free. I haven't been eating well recently. The doctor said I have a psychological aversion to food, and I just need to slowly overcome it by eating. It just so happens that your Sticky Rice suits my palate. After eating it a few times, I could eat other dishes. I owe you a lot for this. I've always wanted to treat you to a meal, and today is perfect. Please enjoy it slowly with your friend.
After he said that, Yu Ru found it difficult to refuse and could only nod her thanks.
Having asked what he needed to ask, Yun Jixing didn't want to disturb them further and turned to leave the lounge, heading to an adjacent room.
As soon as he entered, Jiang Zaizhou jumped up from the sofa and rushed in front of him, asking excitedly, — How is it, how is it? Has my little sweetheart woken up?
Yun Jixing nodded and briefly explained Yu Ru's condition.
Jiang Zaizhou became even more excited. — Oh my! That's incredible! Then did you talk to my little sweetheart?
— Yes, I did.
Jiang Zaizhou walked to the door, peeked outside, and quickly returned to Yun Jixing. — Xiǎo Xīn, can I talk to my little sweetheart? If I accidentally bump into her in the future, I can say good things about you to her, so she'll have a better impression of you.
— Do you know sign language? Yun Jixing countered.
— No. Jiang Zaizhou immediately shook his head. — Is there a problem?
— A'ru can't speak. Yun Jixing said this with a touch of sadness, a helpless sorrow. — It's literal. Her hearing is fine, but she has a speech impediment and cannot speak. Communication relies on sign language.
— Ah... Jiang Zaizhou lost his earlier excitement and looked quite shocked. — How could this be? What's the reason? Can it be cured?