Shen Chi Yan had barely eaten anything since he woke up to learn of Song Qi Nian's disappearance.
Sometimes, Shen Liu Bai would force him to eat a little if he couldn't bear to see it. At the very least, doctors would administer nutritional fluids during his IV drips to keep him alive.
For the past few days, Shen Chi Yan had never felt hungry. Now, seeing Song Qi Nian right in front of him and smelling the aroma of delicious food, his stomach began to rumble.
It was just that his stomach was too fragile now, only able to consume light, liquid food, and not rich meats.
Gao Kun Lun, perhaps guessing that Shen Chi Yan would eat upon seeing Song Qi Nian, had specifically asked the imperial kitchen to pack a portion for him as well.
Seeing Shen Chi Yan's pathetic look, Song Qi Nian pushed a bowl of nourishing congee in front of him and handed him a spoon.
Shen Chi Yan held the spoon, looking at Song Qi Nian blankly.
What did this mean?
Qi Qi wasn't planning to feed him?
Back in Qingjiu Village, she had always fed him!
"Qi Qi, my arm hurts and I can't hold the spoon."
Song Qi Nian: "..."
Every time Shen Chi Yan acted cute, Song Qi Nian's skin would almost crawl off.
But then she remembered Shen Chi Yan's gunshot wound, and that the surgery, according to Qin Qin, had been extremely perilous, with doctors issuing several critical condition notices. Song Qi Nian felt a pang of fear.
Then, she picked up the spoon and began to feed Shen Chi Yan the congee.
With a mouthful of hot congee, Shen Chi Yan felt warmth spread through his entire body. His body was warm, and his heart was even warmer.
His deep, dark eyes were fixed on Song Qi Nian, as if he could never get enough of looking at her.
Song Qi Nian ate her own meal while feeding Shen Chi Yan, the atmosphere incredibly warm and intimate.
Neither of them mentioned what had happened in the forest. It wasn't that they didn't want to know what had transpired, but rather they didn't want to ruin this rare, pleasant atmosphere.
After the meal, Song Qi Nian had to leave, but the doctor insisted Shen Chi Yan remain hospitalized for rest.
Shen Chi Yan didn't want to be separated from Song Qi Nian for even a second, his stance extremely resolute.
Either Song Qi Nian stayed with him in the hospital, or he would go home with Song Qi Nian.
Everyone's gaze fell on Song Qi Nian.
No one here could manage Fifth Master Shen, and if anyone could, it was only Song Qi Nian.
The doctor's recommendation was still hospitalization, as Shen Chi Yan not only had a gunshot wound but also internal injuries from being beaten.
He had discharged himself previously to find Song Qi Nian, further worsening his condition. If he didn't recuperate properly, even if he recovered, he might be left with lingering health issues.
Seeing Shen Chi Yan holding her hand tightly and looking so pitiful as if he were about to be abandoned, Song Qi Nian couldn't bear it.
She ultimately decided to stay and accompany Shen Chi Yan.
The VIP ward of the private hospital was more luxurious than an ordinary hotel, complete with a bed and a sofa, and dedicated staff for cleaning.
After everyone had left, Song Qi Nian was tired. She had intended to sleep on the sofa for the night, but Shen Chi Yan pulled her into the bed.
Song Qi Nian instinctively tried to struggle, but Shen Chi Yan held her tightly, "Qi Qi, I just want to sleep holding you. I promise, I won't do anything else."
A man's words in bed were never to be trusted, especially Shen Chi Yan's.
Song Qi Nian looked at Shen Chi Yan with suspicion, her eyes full of disbelief.
Shen Chi Yan found it both amusing and exasperating, and said plaintively, "Look at how injured I am. Even if I wanted to do something, I couldn't."
They had already submitted their divorce agreement, and sharing a bed together was indeed awkward.
But Shen Chi Yan's attitude was clear: if Song Qi Nian didn't agree to sleep with him, he would throw a fit, cry, and even threaten to hang himself.
Having gone through a day of exhausting events, Song Qi Nian was truly tired and gave up resisting.
Shen Chi Yan, using his uninjured arm, held Song Qi Nian tightly, his heart filled with satisfaction and burning desire.
Never before had he felt so unable to leave Song Qi Nian.
Shen Chi Yan had a stomach full of questions, but seeing Song Qi Nian's tired appearance, he couldn't bear to disturb her rest.
He gently kissed her forehead and whispered, "Sleep."
Song Qi Nian had been quite sleepy, but being held by Shen Chi Yan like a sloth had chased her drowsiness away.
However, she still closed her eyes. They had spoken of divorce earlier, and now she was sleeping with him. She didn't know how to face Shen Chi Yan.
Even with her back to Shen Chi Yan, Song Qi Nian could feel his overwhelming presence.
Why did it feel like she was getting hotter and hotter?
Song Qi Nian couldn't sleep, and Shen Chi Yan's heart felt as if it were being scratched by a cat, itchy.
Song Qi Nian had a unique fragrance, and when she turned her back to him, her beautiful, fair neck was right before his eyes. His body and heart were stirring, and he longed to kiss her.
Shen Chi Yan was a normal man with desires. After over a month of abstinence, holding the woman he loved, and on a night where impulses were easily triggered, his body unconsciously responded.
Afraid that Song Qi Nian would notice his impure thoughts, Shen Chi Yan suddenly sat up.
Song Qi Nian sensed something was wrong and turned to look at him.
Their eyes met. Shen Chi Yan showed a rare trace of embarrassment and awkwardness. He gave a dry laugh, "Heh heh... I'm going to the restroom."
Seeing him practically flee to the bathroom, Song Qi Nian didn't react at first. When she realized what had happened, her cheeks suddenly flushed, and she pulled the blanket over her head.
In the bathroom, Shen Chi Yan thought of Song Qi Nian while struggling to resolve his own urges.
He secretly vowed that the first thing he would do on the day of his discharge would be to remarry her!
That night, Shen Chi Yan was sleepless for most of the night. Although it was torture to see but not touch, he felt at ease as long as Song Qi Nian stayed by his side.
On the other hand, Song Qi Nian initially felt a little uneasy, but eventually, she fell asleep without even realizing when.
After an unknown amount of time, she was suddenly awakened by desperate, helpless, and sorrowful cries.
"Qi Qi... Qi Qi..."
She turned her head and saw that Shen Chi Yan was sweating profusely. His brow was furrowed, and he kept calling her name.
In that instant, Song Qi Nian's heart softened.
She turned and buried her head in Shen Chi Yan's chest, wrapping her arms around his waist.
She wanted to tell him "I'm here," but she couldn't make a sound and could only pat his back to comfort him.
Shen Chi Yan seemed to be truly comforted. He held her tighter, and his furrowed brow gradually relaxed.
The next morning, before Shen Chi Yan even woke up, Gao Kun Lun arrived. Song Qi Nian had something to discuss with Gao Kun Lun, so they walked out of the ward together.
However, they hadn't talked for long before Shen Chi Yan woke up and rushed to find Song Qi Nian.
Seeing Song Qi Nian right before his eyes, he breathed a heavy sigh of relief and pulled her into his arms. "Qi Qi, don't let me lose you again."