Perhaps because he took the medicine in time, Shang Yichen slept soundly. Though still running a fever, he didn’t feel particularly uncomfortable. Now that he had woken up, he felt quite energized. As he turned his head, he saw Zhou Yi, asleep at the edge of his bed.

In the prone position, Zhou Yi’s thin back was visible, his arms folded under his head. He was curled up neatly in the small space, half of his face exposed, his eyes closed, his lashes gently resting against his cheeks. He was sleeping deeply.

Shang Yichen stared at Zhou Yi’s slightly parted lips for a long time. Zhou Yi’s fair skin made the red of his lips stand out sharply, creating an almost irresistible contrast. The sight was not just eye-catching; it carried an inexplicable erotic charge.

Shang Yichen had just finished his estrus period, but seeing Zhou Yi in this state still ignited a heat in his chest. His palms grew damp with sweat.

Why had he never noticed how attractive Zhou Yi was before?

The more he looked, the more Shang Yichen realized there was nothing unattractive about Zhou Yi. Every part of him seemed perfect, even his ordinary sleeping posture.

Shang Yichen glanced up at the phone carelessly tossed on the bedside table. He felt an irresistible urge and, without thinking, grabbed the phone, opened the camera app, and took a photo of Zhou Yi’s peaceful sleeping face.

As he gazed at the frozen image of Zhou Yi, a sense of satisfaction filled Shang Yichen, but there was still something missing. To take the photo, he had gotten much closer to Zhou Yi, and now, with just an outstretched hand, he could touch his face.

Unable to resist the impulse, Shang Yichen lowered his head and reached out to gently touch Zhou Yi’s face.

Zhou Yi, pretending to be asleep, felt the warm touch on his face. The sensation startled him, freezing his body in place. He never expected Shang Yichen would touch him like this.

Zhou Yi would rather be slapped than have this happen. It felt so much more unnatural.

The touch was similar to the way Liang Xianzhang had caressed him, but it felt entirely different.

Liang Xianzhang’s hands were warm and dry, with the pleasant scent of flowers. His touches were soft and gentle, filled with care and affection. Every time Liang Xianzhang touched his face, it felt as though he was cherishing him.

But Shang Yichen’s hand, though warm and even hotter due to his fever, was suffused with the heavy scent of tobacco, making his touch feel more like an examination. It felt as if Shang Yichen were pitying him, holding him in his hand to play with when he was in the mood.

Despite the heat in his touch, it didn’t bring any warmth to Zhou Yi’s heart.

Only a few seconds passed before Zhou Yi pretended to wake up. He knew that an Alpha like Shang Yichen, with his immense pride, would never allow himself to be seen in such a vulnerable moment.

Sure enough, the moment Zhou Yi stirred, Shang Yichen quickly withdrew his hand.

Zhou Yi opened his eyes, feigning surprise, and rubbed his eyes. He flashed a bright smile at Shang Yichen. “Mr. Shang, are you awake? Are you feeling better?”

Shang Yichen quickly recovered, his hand retracting as he coughed to cover the awkwardness. “Much better.”

Zhou Yi nodded. “That’s good. I’ve prepared porridge and your favorite fried dumplings. Please eat.”

Shang Yichen didn’t hesitate. He was slightly hungry after resting for so long and accepted the bowl of porridge, taking a few mouthfuls. After looking at Zhou Yi, who sat by the bed, he hesitated before asking, “Don’t you want to eat with me?”

Zhou Yi was momentarily taken aback. His smile widened at his concern. “Mr. Shang, you eat first. I’ll have something later.”

Shang Yichen continued, observing him more closely. “So… you’ve been here by my side this whole time?”

Zhou Yi nodded, surprised at the question. “Yes, Mr. Shang. Didn’t you ask me to stay? I’ve been here the whole time, only stepping out briefly to cook the porridge.”

Shang Yichen paused, considering his words. It seemed that Zhou Yi still cared for him. Yet, the doubts from last night lingered. Wanting to test him, Shang Yichen asked slowly, “Why… why are you doing all this for me?”

Zhou Yi was confused by Shang Yichen’s question. He had always been quiet, yet now he was speaking so much. But for the sake of his own interests, Zhou Yi maintained his carefully crafted persona, wide-eyed and deeply concerned. “I’m worried about you, Mr. Shang. I… I care.”

Zhou Yi sighed dramatically, playing up his expression of love but hesitation.

Shang Yichen, seeing the vulnerability in Zhou Yi’s eyes and the way he struggled to find the right words, felt a weight lift from his chest. The unease that had been growing in him melted away as he saw the burning admiration in Zhou Yi’s eyes.

His initial doubts were gone, and Shang Yichen felt certain. Zhou Yi still liked him.

The unease had been nothing but an illusion.

Looking at Zhou Yi, his face full of devotion, Shang Yichen couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and quiet happiness. See, he still likes me. No matter what I do, he’ll always be here with me…

Shang Yichen’s physical recovery was quick. After a day of rest, he was almost back to normal. Yet, he still didn’t feel like going to work. After everything that had happened, he felt an inexplicable urge to remain with Zhou Yi. So, he stayed home, using the excuse of illness to relax.

Each day, as he watched Zhou Yi care for him, Shang Yichen felt an odd sense of fulfillment.

On the third night, Shang Yichen stood at the kitchen doorway, observing Zhou Yi moving around the cooking table. The pot on the stove simmered, filling the room with the sound of boiling broth. The rich aroma filled the air, and the rising steam curled around Zhou Yi’s body, giving him a serene aura.

Shang Yichen sipped his hot honey water, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the chilly winter night outside. The atmosphere felt so quiet and peaceful. As he watched Zhou Yi, Shang Yichen realized how much he enjoyed these small moments of interaction with him.

Zhou Yi had become quieter than before, but whenever Shang Yichen spoke to him, he responded with a smile, whether the topic was dull or interesting.

Shang Yichen relished the way Zhou Yi looked at him.

Lost in his thoughts, the doorbell suddenly rang.

Feeling unusually guilty for having left Zhou Yi alone in the kitchen, Shang Yichen stood up and headed for the door.

When he opened it, his eyes widened in surprise. He stared for a moment before finally exclaiming, “Shu…Shuning…”