At that moment, he didn’t know what he was feeling, just a stifling sensation deep in his heart, an oppressive illusion.

Does she only see me as a younger brother? Is that it? But I know I hate this feeling. I don’t want to be her younger brother; I told her that before.

Zi Yunsui said nothing more and quickly walked in. "The medicine is ready, Hua Xiaomo. Drink it quickly!"

Standing nearby, Ye Xiangxue watched as Zi Yunsui suddenly blushed, though he quickly concealed his thoughts.

Such an outstanding young man, no less than Wen Yajun. But are we fated to be together? I don’t know. Seeing how he acts towards Hua Xiaomo, it’s probably not that simple! Yes, Xiao Mo sees him as a younger brother, but that doesn’t mean this boy, Zi Yunsui, sees Hua Xiaomo as an older sister.

"My medicine is ready so quickly! Thank you so much," Hua Xiaomo said with a smile, taking the bowl and swiftly drinking the medicine.

However, as Hua Xiaomo looked from Ye Xiangxue to Zi Yunsui, she noticed a peculiar look in his eyes. Maybe there’s really a chance for them!

"I want to sleep for a while. You two go outside and talk," Hua Xiaomo quickly said, creating an opportunity for them.

"Oh, alright then, Xiao Mo. I’ll come visit you another day. Rest well!" Ye Xiangxue said. She watched Hua Xiaomo lie down, then covered her with the quilt.

Hua Xiaomo smiled, then turned to the young man beside her. "Zi Yunsui, please see Ye Xiangxue out for me."

Zi Yunsui said nothing and left with Ye Xiangxue.

The two of them said nothing as they walked downstairs. It wasn’t until Ye Xiangxue was about to leave that Zi Yunsui finally spoke.

"Miss Ye, I hope you don’t misunderstand anything. It’s impossible between us," Zi Yunsui said bluntly, rejecting her.

Ye Xiangxue was taken aback. Hadn’t I just started to hope for something? And now it’s shattered? It feels like I ran headfirst into a tree trunk. So uncomfortable. What kind of person is he? How could he say such things to me? Ugh, even if I were blind, I wouldn’t look twice at someone like him! He’s just too dull—no, not just dull, but rude! So incredibly rude!

"You’re the weird one! Who would misunderstand anything? I haven’t misunderstood at all, and it’s impossible between us too! Let me remind you, don’t even think about getting any ideas about me," Ye Xiangxue said, then angrily left.

With his hands in his pockets, Zi Yunsui watched Ye Xiangxue’s departing figure. He felt he had to do what he did and believed he was right. Yes, I should do what I want and not do what I don’t. No one can force me to do anything against my will. And it’s the same for Hua Xiaomo; I can’t force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do either.

Soon, Zi Yunsui returned to the villa. By then, Hua Xiaomo was tossing and turning in bed, unable to sleep.

"Why aren’t you asleep yet? What are you thinking about?" Zi Yunsui asked softly as he approached and sat by her bed.

Hearing his voice, Hua Xiaomo turned her face toward him. Looking at the tall, handsome man, she suddenly felt a surge of surprise.

"Zi Yunsui, how did you come back so quickly? What about Ye Xiangxue?" Hua Xiaomo asked. She found it odd. Why did they come back up so quickly after going downstairs? He should have talked with her more!

"She left," Zi Yunsui replied. He looked at her slightly feverish cheeks and couldn’t help but reach out to touch her forehead.

His heart suddenly lurched.

"Why are you so hot? Do you have a fever?" Zi Yunsui said, growing anxious.

"I don’t know. I just have a terrible headache," Hua Xiaomo said, her voice laced with pain.

Zi Yunsui looked at her and frowned. "Look at you, sick as you are, still letting your mind wander! Don’t do that anymore, okay?"

Immediately, Zi Yunsui rushed to the washroom, grabbed a towel, wet it, and draped it over her forehead to cool her down.

Then he quickly prepared some fever-reducing medicine, personally poured warm water, and brought it to her lips.

Just as he was about to help her sit up, one of his arms slipped behind her neck, gently supporting her. His movements were tender, like those of a considerate boyfriend.

Hua Xiaomo’s heart thumped.

But at this moment, she really was a bit delirious from the fever. She mistook this man for the one she cherished in her heart.

Qi Longbing, is it really you?

"Xiao Mo, take some medicine," Zi Yunsui said with concern, then fed the medicine to her.

Hua Xiaomo obediently swallowed the medicine. But just as she took the last sip, she turned her face away, and a tear suddenly fell.

"Why did you come back? Just go! I don’t want to see you anymore," Hua Xiaomo suddenly cried out. She felt terribly conflicted. I know how deeply hurt I was at the bridal shop when he treated me that way. But he doesn’t know; he just stubbornly kept doing things that pained me.

Hearing these words, Zi Yunsui was slightly stunned. He looked at Hua Xiaomo and suddenly felt as if she were delirious.

"Xiao Mo, what are you saying? Do you still recognize who I am?" Zi Yunsui asked, looking at Hua Xiaomo. Her cheeks were flushed, but he could still see the tears glistening in her eyes.

His heart ached for her. What memory had surfaced for him at this moment?

Hua Xiaomo didn’t answer, but tears welled up and streamed down, like pearls on her flushed cheeks.

Zi Yunsui’s heart ached with pity. He reached out and gently brushed away her glistening tears.

Hua Xiaomo didn’t move, allowing him to wipe the tears from her cheeks. I know I can’t refuse him. I really, really want to tell this man my truest feelings, but... is it all too late? All I can do is endure this pain. There’s no other way now.

"Don’t be sad anymore. From now on, I will be by your side. I won’t let you shed another tear," Zi Yunsui said, and for some reason, he suddenly wanted to embrace her.

So he did just that. He gently drew her closer, pulling her into his embrace.

Perhaps moved by emotion, or perhaps uncontrollably, Hua Xiaomo also gently wrapped her arms around him. The warmth of this affection made Hua Xiaomo’s heart feel somewhat intoxicated.