Feng Yexuan cleared his throat.
A trace of awkwardness was masked by his cold words:
"I'm just unhappy that you might die outside."
"I mean, thank you for taking care of me all night yesterday."
Chu Qianli looked at him, and a faint smile finally curved her beautiful lips.
Though the smile was slight, it was genuine.
The scent emanating from him was so familiar and pleasant, it was clearly the aura of the person who had stayed by her side all night.
She had been wondering how Qian'er, who knew no martial arts, could have channeled energy to heal her.
So, the one who had guarded her side last night was actually him.
Feng Yexuan pursed his lips, remaining silent.
He was still somewhat embarrassed.
If she hadn't looked so utterly weak, he wouldn't have stayed to care for her.
Now, this woman was making it sound as if he was worried about her!
Why would he care about a woman who dared to escape from him?
Despite his thoughts, he still scooped a spoonful of porridge and brought it to her lips.
"I have no patience. Eat quickly if you don't want to die of illness!"
Under normal circumstances, Chu Qianli would have dismissed his words with disdain.
But today, she was truly weak, lacking even the strength to argue.
She opened her mouth and took the spoonful, immediately frowning.
Feng Yexuan's brow furrowed as well. "Try to show any dissatisfaction with my service, and see what happens!"
In his twenty-three years of life, this was the first time he had ever served anyone.
Let alone a young lady!
Chu Qianli said in a hoarse voice, "It's hot..."
Hot?
Feng Yexuan looked at her lips again. To his surprise, the pale lips were indeed slightly reddened from the heat.
His heart tightened, and he immediately withdrew the spoon.
Filled with guilt.
"I... I didn't do it on purpose."
He had assumed that whatever Qian'er had prepared would be at a suitable temperature.
His gaze instantly deepened, a hint of killing intent gathering.
He would order Qian'er to be beaten later!
Chu Qianli felt a desire to laugh.
She hadn't expected the high and mighty Prince Xuan to have such a childlike side.
His thoughts were written all over his face.
She said softly, "If you scoop from the top, it won't be hot."
Feng Yexuan frowned.
So, it was his own lack of skill in serving, not Qian'er's fault?
He scooped another spoonful, this time following her advice and scooping from the top.
But before feeding her, he brought it to his own lips and touched it with his mouth.
Feeling the temperature was suitable, he then offered it to her.
Chu Qianli had never seen him act so gently; this was certainly the first time.
Although his attitude was still not great: "Dare to complain again and see what happens!"
But Chu Qianli felt a sense of calm within her heart.
She no longer minded his harsh demeanor.
At least, his actions were gentle.
When the spoon touched her lips, he paused again and asked, "Is it hot?"
She didn't speak, lowered her head, and took the spoonful.
"Is it hot?" Feng Yexuan was still worried.
As a man, he naturally felt it wasn't hot, but she looked so weak at the moment.
He feared he might scald her lips red again.
Chu Qianli shook her head and simply said, "I want to eat more."
As a doctor, she understood what was needed for rapid recovery.
Eating well, drinking well, and resting properly would be more effective than any tonic.
Feng Yexuan stopped speaking and focused on feeding her the porridge.
The room was very quiet, yet their heartbeats gradually became clearer.
She appeared to be focused on eating, but her mind was filled with a thousand emotions.
She had deliberately escaped last night, yet after he had rescued her, he wasn't angry. Instead, he was so carefully tending to her.
What was Prince Xuan truly thinking?