Chapter 90: Heatstroke

Ying Huai flushed from the tips of his ears all the way down to his neck in an instant.

He took several deep breaths, finally unable to hold back, and said through gritted teeth: "Then why didn't you wake me up after the examination that day........"

"Your sleep hadn't been great those past few days. It wasn't easy for you to fall asleep naturally without sleeping pills. Why would I wake you up? The loss would outweigh the gain."

Song Si Lan said, somewhat helplessly.

He hadn't expected Ying Huai to misunderstand so badly. He patted his shoulder with amusement: "Next time you start overthinking, could you ask us first? When there's nothing wrong, think of something good about yourself."

Song Si Lan's voice couldn't help but carry a hint of amusement. He gave a light cough and attempted "comfort" without much sincerity.

"It's fine. You didn't actually cause any real mess because of this misunderstanding. Don't dwell on it."

Ying Huai glared at him without any good humor, the tips of his ears still flushed for some reason.

He gritted his teeth: "How do you know........"

"Hm? What did you do?"

Song Si Lan instinctively lowered his head at the sound, but Ying Huai took a deep breath and didn't continue.

Song Si Lan had laughed enough and knew when to stop.

He gave a light cough and finally sobered up: "The absorption of the hematoma in your brain is going quite well. When we did the emergency treatment yesterday, we checked it as well. The results showed significant improvement compared to last time."

Ying Huai said nothing, slightly turning his head to look at Yu Wu beside him, who was still holding back laughter with a muffled heh-heh.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Song Si Lan quickly raised his hand and unhesitatingly slapped Yu Wu on the back.

Yu Wu stumbled from the slap and immediately tucked away his bared teeth.

"Right, right, Teacher Ying, believe me, we really did it for your own good."

Yu Wu nodded earnestly, but the smile at the corner of his lips couldn't be concealed.

"Si Lan said he'd prepare another checkup for you in a couple of days. We wanted to wait until the situation was completely stable before telling you, so you could rest fully at ease."

Yu Wu's voice couldn't help but carry a hint of amusement again: "Didn't the ancients wait until three months into a pregnancy, when the pulse was stable, before telling others? Ours........is roughly the same, rounded up."

Ying Huai was almost amused into laughter by the absurdity.

He raised his head with a half-smile: "Oh?"

"Then I'll pass this blessing to Doctor Yu. Does Doctor Yu want it?"

Yu Wu realized Ying Huai was truly about to blow up and instantly sobered his expression.

Under Song Si Lan's warning gaze, he hurriedly began to make amends: "No, no, no, Teacher Xiao Huai, I was just joking, just joking."

He gave a concealing little cough, picked up the examination report from the side, and quickly stuffed it into Ying Huai's hands.

"If you don't believe me, I'll read the results to you in a bit........no, I'll have Teacher Liang read the results to you in a bit."

Ying Huai instinctively gripped the paper in his hands. Hearing Yu Wu's last words, he fell silent for a moment and didn't answer right away.

Seeing that Ying Huai's attention had finally been diverted, Yu Wu hastily exhaled in relief.

He hurriedly threw an arm around Song Si Lan's shoulders and pushed him toward the door.

"Teacher Xiao Huai, you chat with Teacher Liang first. We won't disturb you two lovebirds talking........"

Song Si Lan raised his hand expressionlessly and directly pinched Yu Wu's wrist.

Yu Wu immediately let out a hiss, but didn't let go. Instead, he whispered: "I'm helping Teacher Liang out here, helping Teacher Xiao Huai calm down, Si Lan. Just play along with me."

........Song Si Lan didn't understand what Yu Wu's actions had to do with Ying Huai and the others.

He frowned, but his movements instinctively paused for a moment.

The next second, Yu Wu, maintaining his hold around Song Si Lan, mustered his strength and pushed him straight out of the Hospital room door.

It was just before the afternoon shift change, and the hallway was somewhat crowded.

The medical staff hurrying about turned their heads at the commotion, and looking at Song Si Lan, belatedly revealed expressions of surprise.

Song Si Lan instantly understood the true purpose of Yu Wu's actions just now.

——He had deliberately wanted to drag him along so everyone could see.

Song Si Lan's brow twitched. He could bear it no longer and once again abruptly raised his hand.

But Yu Wu had already quickly let go and stepped back with a surrendering grin.

"Si Lan, I can see you're pretty busy now, so I won't bother you."

Yu Wu said this while abruptly turning around: "I'm heading out first. You go ahead with your work. I'll come pick you up when you're off."

Some passing doctors and nurses quietly went "wow." Song Si Lan's hand at his side suddenly clenched.

"You—"

"It's fine. Don't miss me too much."

Without waiting for him to finish, Yu Wu tossed back a parting line without looking back and disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Song Si Lan:.......???

·

Meanwhile, inside the Hospital room.

Ying Huai gripped the examination report in his hands without speaking. Liang Shi Ning, who had been nervous beside him for a while, bit his lip and finally couldn't help but speak quietly.

"Shifu, I'm sorry. I wasn't deliberately hiding it from you. I was just worried that if the results weren't stable, you'd feel bad. I didn't mean to hide it........."

His voice was anxious, and he quickly said a long string, but Ying Huai only lazily yawned.

"I'm not angry."

Liang Shi Ning was stunned, but saw Ying Huai set the examination report aside and turn over as if to lie down.

Liang Shi Ning instinctively reached out to support the person in front of him. Ying Huai didn't actually resist, and slowly lay down following his support.

Liang Shi Ning somewhat dazedly held the person as he lay down. After a while, he couldn't help but whisper: "Are you really not angry........Shifu?"

"No." Ying Huai yawned with drooping eyes, then suddenly reached out to casually push him.

"Get down. Don't lie on my bed. I want to sleep."

Although Ying Huai usually acted casual and easygoing, he was unexpectedly thin-skinned in front of others.

When they weren't together before, he didn't allow Liang Shi Ning to do anything excessive. Now, even though they were together, he still paid extra attention to propriety at the Hospital or in public.

Liang Shi Ning didn't particularly mind. He obediently got off the bed and stood beside Ying Huai.

Ying Huai curled up on his side under the blanket. Hearing the movement, he glanced at the person beside him and curled his lips in slight teasing.

"What? I didn't tell you to stand there as punishment."

Liang Shi Ning shook his head frantically: "No, that's not what I meant, Shifu. Go to sleep. I'll wait until you fall asleep and then........"

What to do "after waiting for Ying Huai to fall asleep"—Liang Shi Ning hadn't figured that out for the moment.

He couldn't possibly actually leave after Ying Huai fell asleep. His words got stuck, and he opened his mouth several times without knowing what to say.

Ying Huai didn't mind.

He curled up a bit more under the blanket and mumbled: "Suit yourself."

Liang Shi Ning breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Watching Ying Huai's reaction, he still felt uneasy inside. But just as he hesitated and was about to ask something more, he saw Ying Huai's breathing gradually becoming even.

Liang Shi Ning could only swallow back all his unease and worry.

·

He watched over Ying Huai for several days in nervous dread, and indeed found nothing out of the ordinary.

Ying Huai's expression was calm and peaceful. He took his medicine when it was time, did his examinations when it was time, and spoke to him with the same smiling tone as always.

But instead of being reassured, the string in Liang Shi Ning's heart grew even more taut.

And that string finally snapped with a crack on the day the two of them returned home.

"Shifu—"

Before Liang Shi Ning could finish speaking, he abruptly raised his head to catch the blanket Ying Huai had thrown out, and lifted his head somewhat awkwardly.

"Why do we have to sleep in separate rooms, Shifu........"

He was halfway through speaking when a blanket thrown from the doorway landed squarely over his head.

"There's no reason. Because I want to." Ying Huai leaned against the doorframe and said casually.

He took off the Glasses from the bridge of his nose, pressed his brow, and let out a soft breath.

Watching his movements, the words of explanation Liang Shi Ning had been about to say suddenly stalled.

Song Si Lan was right last time. The hematoma in Ying Huai's brain was absorbing well. Now, occasionally when his physical condition was good, he could vaguely make out the general outlines of his surroundings during the day while wearing Glasses.

However, Song Si Lan had strictly forbidden him from overusing his eyes. If Ying Huai forced himself to look for too long, he would easily get dizzy.

Therefore, he only wore the Glasses occasionally when needed.

Liang Shi Ning knew he was dizzy again just from watching his movements.

He instinctively stepped forward to help Ying Huai rub his temples, but the next second, saw Ying Huai unhurriedly raise his head and glance at him.

Liang Shi Ning's footsteps paused instantly.

He stopped, and spoke again in a small voice: 'I was really wrong, Shifu. Please don't be angry with me, okay? I shouldn't have hidden it from you........'

'I said, I'm not angry.' Ying Huai raised his head and curved his eyes.

'Don't slander a good man. Familiar or not, I'll still sue you for defamation.'

He turned the Glasses in his hand absently, raised his head, and spoke teasingly.

'I'm doing this for your convenience, little tudi. Don't you always have things you want to hide from me? It's perfect—we'll keep some distance, neither of us knows what the other's doing, and we don't have to exhaust ourselves keeping secrets.'

Liang Shi Ning shook his head quickly, his voice carrying unconcealable disappointment.

'I won't do it again, Shifu. Please give me one chance, okay?'

Liang Shi Ning stood stubbornly at the doorway clutching a pillow and blanket, not moving an inch.

Ying Huai knew perfectly well that Liang Shi Ning was playing pitiful, but still couldn't help softening a little.

He gritted his teeth and hardened his heart: 'How am I not giving you a chance? Didn't I say, I'm just going along with your way........'

'I know Shifu is angry, but Shifu just left the Hospital, and your body still needs care.'

Liang Shi Ning said quietly: 'Let me take care of Shifu first. We'll talk about it after Shifu's body is a bit better, okay........'

—Ying Huai knew clearly that once he relented, Liang Shi Ning would soon wear him down until he was almost completely soft-hearted.

He took a deep breath and simply skipped over the topic.

'The reason I'm making you sleep in the study is because the bed is too crowded. Satisfied?'

The bedroom had an enormous double bed, custom-made for Ying Huai's body.

Liang Shi Ning didn't believe Ying Huai's excuse at all, and continued trying to play pitiful: 'That's a double bed. Shifu sleeping alone would definitely be cold........'

'Who said I'd be sleeping alone?'

Ying Huai raised his head with a half-smile.

Liang Shi Ning suddenly raised his head, a flash of shock crossing his face: 'What did you say?'

Ying Huai glanced at him but didn't answer, only turning unhurriedly and walking into the room.

Liang Shi Ning couldn't hold back any longer. He stepped forward and grabbed Ying Huai's wrist.

'Who are you sharing a bed with? Ying Huai, tell me........'

Before he could finish, he saw Ying Huai suddenly break free of his grip.

The next second, he bent down and gathered a cat into his arms.

'With him.'

Ying Huai scratched the chin of the fluffy ball in his arms and said with a smile: 'Bouquet and Panda Cat are both very willing to sleep with me.'

Liang Shi Ning's expression froze.

'What are you thinking, little tudi?' Ying Huai raised his head with a half-smile.

Liang Shi Ning opened his mouth soundlessly.

'A double bed with....... one person and two cats—that's seriously overloaded. Of course it's crowded.'

Ying Huai lowered his head and gently touched the ear of the cat in his arms: 'So I can only trouble Mr. Liang a bit. What do you think, Bouquet?'

Liang Shi Ning hesitated, then said quietly: 'That's....... Panda Cat, Shifu.'

Ying Huai:.......?

His movements froze instantly.

Immediately, a soft, fluffy sensation came from his feet, followed by a few indignant meows.

Ying Huai hesitated, and in the end didn't force himself to pick up both furry balls at once. He only bent down and soothingly stroked the aggrieved Bouquet.

'Shifu, look, I really just want to take care of you.'

Liang Shi Ning seized the moment, hurriedly clutching his blanket and stepping back inside the doorway.

'I absolutely won't say anything out of line or move around. I'll do whatever Shifu says.'

Ying Huai's expression softened for a moment.

Liang Shi Ning hurried to continue, almost raising Bouquet's paw to swear an oath: 'Of course, if Shifu takes the initiative like before, I can also—'

Before he could finish, he saw a flash of awkwardness and irritation cross Ying Huai's face.

'......Who took the initiative!'

Liang Shi Ning was stunned.

For a moment he couldn't figure out why Ying Huai was so angry.

'Shifu........'

'It doesn't matter. From tonight on, they're sleeping with me.'

Ying Huai set the Panda Cat in his arms down on the floor too, took a deep breath, and straightened up.

'Mr. Liang, do as you please.'

Liang Shi Ning opened his mouth soundlessly.

Thinking about Ying Huai's inexplicable awkwardness just now, he realized belatedly that what Ying Huai was really angry about—might not be about the concealment.

Liang Shi Ning inexplicably recalled the 'mix-up' Song Si Lan had mentioned earlier.

He hesitated, wanting to say something, but saw Ying Huai directly break free of his hand and slam the door shut without hesitation.

·

Liang Shi Ning quickly realized that Ying Huai really did seem a bit angry this time.

Although they still spoke normally day to day, for three consecutive days there was no sign of letting him back into the room.

Liang Shi Ning tried to ask why, but every time he opened his mouth, Ying Huai's expression would instantly change.

Liang Shi Ning had no choice but to give up.

This situation continued until the two were invited to be guest flyers on a certain Variety Show.

Liang Shi Ning had originally planned to refuse, since Ying Huai's body hadn't fully recovered yet.

But Ying Huai, for once, agreed.

After Song Si Lan found out, he also rarely suggested letting Ying Huai get out more.

'Isn't that an outdoor leisure Variety Show? If he's interested, he can go. A good mood helps recovery.'

Song Si Lan said seriously: 'And his eyes are recovering fairly well now. Wearing the Glasses, he can barely make out his surroundings. Using his eyes just for the recording period shouldn't be a problem. Just keep a close eye on him.'

Liang Shi Ning nodded, looking somewhat distracted.

Yu Wu, leaning lazily against Song Si Lan beside him, couldn't help but speak up: 'It's been over a week and you still haven't coaxed him back, Teacher Liang.'

Liang Shi Ning hesitated, then shook his head slightly.

Yu Wu sat up in some surprise.

He couldn't help but tease: 'That's not your usual level, Teacher Liang. You still don't understand why Teacher Xiao Huai is angry after all this time?'

Liang Shi Ning glanced up at him, said nothing, but his gaze slowly swept over Song Si Lan.

The teasing in Yu Wu's expression froze instantly.

He coughed lightly to cover: 'That's different. Mine is....... more complicated. Complicated.'

He didn't dare tease Liang Shi Ning anymore, and encouragingly reached out to pat his shoulder.

'Then you should just take this Variety Show as a chance to work hard, Teacher Liang.'

Yu Wu raised his head with a grin: 'Anyway, for the sake of your CP popularity, the Variety Show will definitely put you two in one room.'

'You can't let a chance within reach slip away.'

Liang Shi Ning paused, saying nothing.

·

But before Liang Shi Ning could really start 'seizing the chance,' the Variety Show had a small hiccup first.

The Variety Show was filmed outdoors. Although it was a leisurely, slow-paced show, there was still a certain amount of activity involved.

This time the filming location was set at a fairly remote mountain Villa. Part of the way couldn't even be reached by car, requiring the guests to hike in on foot.

It was the height of midsummer. Even with the tree canopy above blocking part of the sun, after walking for a bit, Ying Huai still felt a bit short of breath.

He had originally been trying hard to adjust his breathing and keep up with the group, but before he knew it his steps had slowed and his breathing grew heavier.

Liang Shi Ning, who had been following behind Ying Huai, quickly noticed something was wrong.

'What's wrong, Shifu? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?'

Liang Shi Ning stepped forward and quickly supported Ying Huai's arm.

Ying Huai pressed a hand to his chest, bent slightly at the waist, and panted rapidly.

He didn't force himself to hold on. He only half-closed his eyes and let most of his weight rest on Liang Shi Ning's arm.

"I'm fine....... just walked a bit too fast. I'll rest for a bit before getting up."

Song Si Lan was still behind them. Liang Shi Ning pressed his fingers to Ying Huai's pulse and felt that although it was beating somewhat rapidly, it was still steady enough.

He quietly set his mind at ease and said nothing, only quickly helping the person to sit on a nearby stone and slipping a pill under his tongue.

But the next moment, Ying Huai suddenly turned his head and coughed the pill out.

"Don't take it for now, I'm a bit....... nauseous." He covered his lips and spoke between breaths.

Liang Shi Ning frowned.

But Ying Huai's esophagus was always sensitive to medication. Liang Shi Ning pressed down his unease and slowly stroked Ying Huai's back: "Alright, then rest for a bit first. We'll talk about it later."

Ying Huai didn't speak, only closed his eyes and rapidly adjusted his breathing. After a while, his breathing seemed to have calmed considerably.

He took a deep breath and opened his eyes again: "I'm fine now........ let's go."

He tried to stand as he spoke, but for some reason, after several attempts, his body only swayed and then suddenly lost strength, falling back again.

Ying Huai's vision was spinning terribly. After repeating this several times, the breathing that had finally calmed down became rapid again.

Liang Shi Ning, watching from the side, was terrified and reached out several times to catch him.

"How about resting a bit longer, Shifu? Song Si Lan will be here in a moment, let him take a look first......."

Ying Huai didn't speak, only gritted his teeth and braced himself against Liang Shi Ning's arm to stand again. He took two steps forward, then was forced to stop.

He felt the world spinning, as if one more step would send him crashing to the ground.

The stray hairs on Ying Huai's forehead were soaked with cold sweat. After a while, he finally registered what Liang Shi Ning had just said.

He forced himself to look up ahead. The nearest figure was already ten steps away from them.

Liang Shi Ning seemed to sense Ying Huai's hesitation and spoke first: "Filming hasn't started yet. I already told the Director that we might walk a bit slower. If you're uncomfortable, Shifu, just keep resting for a while. It's fine."

Ying Huai closed his eyes briefly and didn't force himself anymore.

He covered his lips and coughed twice, speaking quietly: "Help me....... sit for a while. I can't quite catch my breath."

Liang Shi Ning quickly supported Ying Huai's waist and helped him sit on a large stone nearby.

He pulled a cup of water from his bag and brought it to Ying Huai's lips, but after only a few sips, Ying Huai suddenly turned his head with some difficulty, covering his lips and unable to suppress two dry heaves.

"Wait....... I'm a bit, nauseous."

Liang Shi Ning frowned.

Ying Huai's forehead was covered in cold sweat. His face was pale, his skin temperature low all over, but his whole body was pouring out layer after layer of clammy sweat as if his life depended on it.

His consciousness seemed somewhat scattered, and his body swayed slightly as he sat on the stone, as if he couldn't sit steady.

Liang Shi Ning sensed something was wrong and quickly half-knelt in front of Ying Huai.

"Ying Huai?"

He called several times before Ying Huai slowly lowered his eyelids.

Liang Shi Ning held his knees and spoke patiently: "It's okay, look at me. Ying Huai, where does it hurt right now?"

"I........"

Ying Huai silently opened his mouth.

Before he could finish speaking, a flash of pain crossed his expression.

The next moment, he suddenly turned his head and vomited.

He hadn't eaten anything since this morning. His cramping stomach wrung out the last bit of clear water he had just drunk, leaving only uncontrollable dry heaves.

He vomited until he was drained of strength. In his dazed state, he felt Liang Shi Ning half-support, half-lift him up.

Ying Huai's consciousness was still relatively clear.

He struggled to sit up on his own, but couldn't muster any strength in his body.

In his half-conscious state, he heard hurried footsteps approaching from behind. Someone seemed to press his pulse, then gently lift his eyelid.

Ying Huai couldn't see clearly what was happening in front of him and only frowned instinctively.

After what felt like a long time, Song Si Lan's slightly breathless voice came.

"He's a bit heat-stricken."

·

Liang Shi Ning sat on the stone holding the dazed person, watching Song Si Lan slowly feed a bottle of Huoxiang Zhengqi Water into Ying Huai's mouth.

"This is all I have on me right now. It should help a bit. We'll see again once we reach the lodging later."

Song Si Lan felt the temperature of Ying Huai's forehead and let out a small breath of relief: "It's okay, it should only be mild. His constitution is too weak, so the reaction is more intense. Give him more water, it'll help him feel better."

Liang Shi Ning nodded silently.

He waited until Ying Huai had recovered a little, then held him securely and stood to walk forward.

Ying Huai rested his head on his shoulder, his whole body soft and limp, eyelids slightly lowered. He didn't seem to have lost consciousness, but he wasn't responding either.

Worried he might fall asleep, Liang Shi Ning would check on him every now and then, occasionally talking to him.

After what felt like a long time, Liang Shi Ning suddenly felt the person in his arms move.

Liang Shi Ning quickly lowered his head: "Ying Huai?"

Ying Huai raised his head. His peach blossom eyes were inexplicably a bit red, and he stared at him without blinking, saying nothing.

Seeing that his expression seemed clearer, Liang Shi Ning quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

He continued walking forward quickly.

"It's okay, you had a bit of heat stroke earlier. You might be a bit dizzy now. Is there anywhere else that feels uncomfortable? Do you still feel nauseous........"

Before he could finish speaking, his whole body suddenly stiffened.

Ying Huai suddenly reached out and wrapped his arms around his neck, slightly raised his head, and lightly pecked the corner of his lips.

Liang Shi Ning was stunned for a moment.

He spoke in a trembling voice: "......What's wrong, Shifu?"

Ying Huai frowned, suddenly raised his head, and kissed his lips again.

This time he used a little more force, seemingly expressing his displeasure. But because he had no strength in his body, the kiss was like a kitten's scratch—only a light touch before pulling back.

This time, Liang Shi Ning really felt something was wrong.

His footsteps suddenly stopped, and his voice deepened: "Where does it hurt, Shifu."

Ying Huai raised his head and glanced at him.

There was no obvious change in emotion, but Liang Shi Ning inexplicably felt a hint of grievance in Ying Huai's eyes.

A pang of guilt instantly rose in Liang Shi Ning's heart.

"Sorry, I was a bit too anxious just now, my voice was a bit stern. It's my fault."

He freed one hand to pat Ying Huai's back and spoke softly: "Can Shifu tell me first....... why did you do that?"

Ying Huai narrowed his eyes.

He raised his head and stared at Liang Shi Ning for a few seconds, seemingly confirming that his voice had indeed softened.

He reached out and wrapped his arms around Liang Shi Ning's neck, snuggling into his arms, and spoke softly.

"What's there to ask why."

Ying Huai let out a small yawn: "You're my boyfriend. I want to kiss you, so I kissed you. What's the problem."

Liang Shi Ning was stunned for a moment.

He felt something was off about Ying Huai's state, as if he was somewhere between conscious and unconscious.

Song Si Lan, who had fallen behind again, finally caught up with a huff and puff, stopping with his waist half-bent and hands on his knees.

"What's wrong, what happened again........"

He straightened up with effort as he spoke, and seeing the redness at the corners of Ying Huai's eyes, his expression also froze.

Song Si Lan frowned, asked him a few quiet questions, and a flash of disbelief crossed his expression.

Liang Shi Ning beside him was nearly frantic: "What's wrong, did the heat stroke get worse........"

Song Si Lan shook his head with some hesitation.

"No."

He spoke in an odd tone: "Have you ever seen Ying Huai....... drunk?"

Liang Shi Ning was stunned, somewhat at a loss: "No, why........"

The next moment, he watched Song Si Lan raise his head: "Then you're about to."

"He seems to be........ a bit allergic to the alcohol in Huoxiang Zhengqi Water."

Song Si Lan took a deep breath: "You can understand it as him being........ drunk right now."