Shang Fuyan turned the car around, took a turn, and parked the car steadily at the school gate.

Song Xi recognized his license plate and could clearly see him through the lowered window, looking straight at her.

After opening the door, Song Xi quickly got into the car, fastening her seatbelt as she spoke, “Professor Shang, how long have you been here?”

“Just arrived,” the man replied, his gaze fixed on her face.

Although it had only been five days, it felt like a long time since he had seen her.

The car started slowly and moved forward.

Song Xi adjusted her posture, leaning back in the seat, and turned to watch him drive.

She could smell a faint, neutral scent of soap, clearly indicating that he had dressed up before leaving.

A long time ago, she knew that he was the kind of archaeologist who would go into the field with a Luoyang shovel.

Despite the harsh conditions of the outdoors, with wind and sun exposure, his skin remained so well-maintained. She wondered how he managed that?

Noticing her inquisitive gaze, Shang Fuyan turned to look at her, half-jokingly, “Is there something dirty on my face?”

“No. I was just curious why your skin hasn’t tanned.”

“I’ll make it darker tonight.”

Song Xi couldn’t help but laugh, “Have you not been on any field expeditions recently?”

“Next week, I might be away for a while.”

Song Xi didn’t press for more details. If he wanted to tell her, she would find out eventually.

Shang Fuyan took her to an elegant Chinese restaurant. After dining, they discussed what to do next.

Song Xi suggested, “You like to work out, how about we have a competition?”

“How?” the man asked, curious.

“Let’s play badminton?”

“Sure.”

They went to a high-end fitness club, which operated on a membership system, allowing VIP clients to choose private training areas.

They quickly agreed, changed into their workout clothes, and started playing badminton.

This sport was a good way to observe one’s physical condition. Anyone with poor technique would quickly be defeated.

Despite her seemingly frail appearance, Song Xi played with remarkable skill. Her coordination of vision, hearing, and limbs allowed her to return his shots.

Shang Fuyan was a bit surprised by this.

He had to bring out his best to play seriously with her.

Gradually, Song Xi’s stamina began to wane, and she showed signs of fatigue.

Shang Fuyan was concerned and called a halt, “Song Xi, let’s take a break.”

Song Xi frowned, pressing her hands tightly against her abdomen, bending over.

“Song Xi, what’s wrong?” the man rushed to her side.

Her cheeks were flushed, but she started to break out in a cold sweat.

Shang Fuyan supported her, his eyes behind the wire-rimmed glasses filled with worry.

“I have a stomachache… I need to go to the bathroom,” Song Xi said, embarrassed.

The man understood, “Do you need me to get something for you?”

Song Xi shook her head, “No, I have it in my bag. Could you please get it for me?”

Shang Fuyan retrieved her crossbody bag and offered to help her to the bathroom, but Song Xi stopped him.

“I can manage… just wait for me outside.”

Shang Fuyan was concerned and waited in the corridor near the bathroom, ready to assist her if needed.

About ten minutes passed.

Song Xi finally emerged from the bathroom, leaning against the wall, trying to stand straight. She forced a smile, “Sorry, I ruined the fun.”

“Your health is more important.”

Shang Fuyan supported her arm, maintaining a respectful distance.

They couldn’t play badminton anymore, so Shang Fuyan suggested taking her to the hospital. Song Xi refused, insisting it was a minor issue that would pass quickly.

Shang Fuyan had no choice but to take her home. Song Xi sat in the passenger seat, resting her eyes.

Halfway through the drive, Shang Fuyan pulled over to the side of the road, gazing at her for a moment before softly calling her name, “Song Xi.”

She woke from her daze, meeting his concerned eyes, “Yes?”

“Do you often have menstrual cramps?”

Song Xi shook her head, “Not often, sometimes it hurts, and sometimes it doesn’t.”

“I’ll go to the pharmacy. Wait for me in the car,” he said, unbuckling his seatbelt.

Song Xi quickly grabbed his arm, worried, “No, I can bear it.”

“Please, I’ll be back soon.”

His simple words left Song Xi with no reason to refuse. A warm current flowed through her, warming her heart.

It felt good to be cared for by someone of the opposite sex.

Song Xi lightly curled her lips, feeling more determined.

Shang Fuyan returned quickly, almost running, afraid that Song Xi might get bored or scared of being alone in the car.

In fact, Song Xi wasn’t that timid. She had a glorious childhood memory of defeating a large yellow dog.

The car stopped in front of the apartment building in Zijun Garden.

The lighting was dim as they got out of the car.

Song Xi hesitated about whether to invite him upstairs but then heard his steady voice.

He looked down at her, “Is it convenient for me to come up?”

“No problem, come on up.”

Song Xi took out her access card and opened the building’s door, then followed the corridor to the elevator.

The numbers climbed steadily until they reached the 27th floor.

Neither of them spoke during the ride.

Song Xi was too preoccupied with the cramps in her abdomen, which were becoming unbearable. She just wanted to get home and lie on the sofa.

Even her hand fumbled with the keys, dropping them with a clatter.

As Song Xi bent down to pick them up, a long, slender hand beat her to it, returning the keys to her.

Song Xi instinctively wanted to thank him but said nothing.

Once inside, Song Xi turned on the lights.

The layout of the apartment was clear, with a south-facing bedroom visible at a glance. The living room had a light blue sofa, and to the right was the kitchen, which was very clean and cozy.

“Come in, no need to change shoes,” Song Xi said weakly.

Shang Fuyan, seeing her discomfort, helped her to the sofa and went to the kitchen.

There was hot water in the thermos, and he prepared a cup of motherwort and brown sugar, shaking it gently as he walked to the sofa.

He knelt down, one knee on the ground, and looked at her with concern, “Let me help you up, drink this, it will make you feel better.”

Song Xi obediently took the cup, sipping it in small mouthfuls.

As the warm drink went down, she felt her body warming up.

Shang Fuyan watched her, and when he saw her discomfort ease, he quietly sighed in relief.

Song Xi quickly finished the brown sugar water and remarked, “I feel much better now.”

He took the empty cup, stood up, and went to the medicine bag to retrieve something.