The moment her soft, tender lips touched his, Chen Ziming's body trembled slightly.
Perhaps it had been too long since he had tasted her.
As if a spark had been ignited with a "crackling" sound, Su Yue's kiss, initially gentle, was halted as Chen Ziming cupped the back of her head when she tried to pull away.
The kiss deepened gradually.
The kiss that had made her lose herself countless times.
But Su Yue still retained her reason, worried about his wound, not wanting to take things further.
However, just as she was about to push Chen Ziming away, he stopped first.
A low pant escaped his throat, and Chen Ziming lowered his gaze, steadying his breath.
"I'm sorry." Su Yue's eyes reddened as she saw him enduring, and she apologized.
"It has nothing to do with you." Chen Ziming, sensing her self-blame, quickly looked at her, a smile returning to his lips.
Su Yue was puzzled by his words, but seeing his demeanor, she didn't press further.
"Shall I make you something to eat?" Su Yue noticed he had become thinner, and her heart ached.
Chen Ziming, however, held her hand in his and said gently, "No need. I've asked Jin Yan to deliver food."
"Do you have any luggage? I'll help you pack." Su Yue nodded obediently, preparing to get up.
But he pulled her back and softly called out, "Baby."
"Hmm?" She looked at him with confusion.
"Can you help me take a bath?"
Su Yue was surprised but immediately thought of his injury, figuring he hadn't had a proper bath in quite some time.
And he was such a clean person.
"Okay, I'll help you wash." Her face finally broke into a sweet smile, and she agreed like one would coax a child.
Only then did she get up and lead him to the bathroom.
She bathed him very carefully and meticulously, then, just like before, Su Yue blew dry Chen Ziming's hair.
This time, he was willing to sit there obediently.
But Su Yue still sensed something was off about his mood.
It wasn't due to his injury limiting his movement, but rather that he seemed to be sinking into some sort of despondent state, lacking spirit.
So, after drying his hair, Su Yue crouched in front of him and asked cautiously:
"Chen Ziming, what exactly happened?"
Chen Ziming, who had been lost in thought, looked up at her when Su Yue asked.
Su Yue was astonished to see the corners of his eyes slightly reddened, and his eyes held a faint glimmer of tears.
She had never seen him like this, and a great sense of panic washed over her. She instinctively placed a hand on her chest, slowing her breathing.
Only then did she speak again, slowly asking:
"What's wrong? Can you tell me?"
Chen Ziming still didn't answer, but the tears finally became uncontrollable.
He immediately lowered his gaze, a tear welling up on his lashes, trembling slightly with his movement, and then falling.
Su Yue felt her heart skip several beats.
"Baby, can you hold me?" Chen Ziming finally spoke, his voice thick with a deep hoarseness.
Su Yue's heart ached terribly. She immediately stood up, took a step towards him, and embraced him.
A wave of sourness washed over her, and her eyes involuntarily welled up with tears.
Chen Ziming buried his head in her chest, breathing deeply, inhaling the faint sweet scent of her.
He couldn't help but extend his hands again, wrapping them around her waist and pulling her closer.
Just as Su Yue thought he might calm down and tell her the reason, Chen Ziming let go of her.
He clearly hadn't recovered.
"Jin Yan should be here soon. I'll go change."
His voice seemed to have lost its soul, carrying an undisguised weariness.
Su Yue no longer dared to ask more questions.
She could only follow behind him to help him change.
When Jin Yan rang the doorbell, Chen Ziming was sitting on the sofa, lost in thought.
Su Yue sat beside him, her heart filled with apprehension, but maintained some distance.
In Su Yue's memory, Chen Ziming had always been calm and composed, confident in everything.
The few times he had panicked were once when Feng Jingjing jumped from the building, and another time when he mistakenly thought she had left.
But he would quickly recover, or rather, a hug from her would alleviate it.
However, like this, as if deliberately avoiding her comfort and allowing himself to fall into an abyss,
She had never seen it before.