These days, the doctors have been working hard to bring down Xu Zhuohua's fever. Xu Jixin has seen her several times and said that if the fever continues like this, she might develop pneumonia.
At this point, developing pneumonia is practically equivalent to buying a ticket to the King of Hell.
Xu Zhuohua sighed deeply, and after coughing, she suddenly felt much clearer-headed and her chest felt less tight.
Xu Zhuohua gently held Xinghua's hand, "I think my fever has subsided."
Xinghua touched Xu Zhuohua's forehead with delight. It was no longer burning hot like it had been a few days ago. She was so moved that she almost cried. "That's wonderful! Miss! The fever has gone down!"
The two embraced, overjoyed.
For Xinghua, a persistent high fever was like walking through the gates of hell, so Xu Zhuohua's sudden fever reduction was nothing short of a miracle.
But Xu Zhuohua knew very well that her fever had subsided because of this sweat.
She felt sticky and uncomfortable all over, and pleaded with Xinghua, "Xinghua, I want to wipe myself down. Could you please get me some hot water?"
Xinghua looked troubled. "But Miss, it's too cold now. Can you bear with it? I'm afraid you'll catch a cold."
Xu Zhuohua touched the clothes sticking to her body, "If I move faster, I'll feel uncomfortable being covered in sweat, and I'll be more likely to catch a cold again."
Xinghua couldn't refuse Xu Zhuohua, so she agreed and went out to get hot water.
Xu Zhuohua changed her clothes and felt refreshed. Although she was not very strong, she still surrounded herself with a screen and waited patiently for Xinghua.
The deep winter wind, carrying snowflakes, lashed against the windowpanes, making a soft, mournful sound.
The door hinges creaked softly, and Xu Zhuohua eagerly poked her head out, a few stray hairs swaying gently at her temples: "Why did it take so long..."
The words came to an abrupt halt.
Cheng Muyun, standing at the door, exuded a chill. Tiny ice crystals formed on the hem of his wide cloak, yet he held a bucket of hot water steadily in his hands. The rising steam, carrying warmth, condensed into fine water droplets in the frigid air, wetting his slightly curled eyelashes.
"Why are you here?" Xu Zhuohua's gaze swept over Cheng Muyun's ears, which were red from the cold. He must have rushed over from somewhere.
Cheng Muyun stepped inside, his boots making a soft rustling sound on the brick floor. "Zhou Minhai is busy receiving gifts, so he won't be causing trouble during the New Year holidays."
As he spoke, he untied his scarf, revealing his face, flushed red from the cold. The snowflakes on his eyelashes turned into water droplets, sliding down his cheeks into his collar and squeezing into the screen.
The area enclosed by the screen wasn't large; it contained a wooden basin and a stool. When Cheng Muyun squeezed in, the space instantly became cramped.
The man put down the bucket, took off his chilly military uniform, and slowly rolled up the sleeves of his shirt.
Xu Zhuohua realized something and pressed Cheng Muyun's hand, "Wait a minute, where's Xinghua?"
"I sent her to the restaurant. Tonight is New Year's Eve, and we're going there for our reunion dinner."
Cheng Muyun poured hot water into the basin, squatted down and patiently adjusted the water temperature, slowly soaking the towel in it. He looked up and said gently, "Okay, take off your clothes now."
Xu Zhuohua reached up and covered her collar, her ears turning red. "I can do it myself."
Cheng Muyun chuckled softly, slowly stood up, and unbuttoned Xu Zhuohua's clothes. "We're husband and wife, what are you shy about?"
Xu Zhuohua steeled her heart, thinking it was only right for Cheng Muyun to serve her, so she simply put her hands down and let Cheng Muyun unbutton her clothes.
Although the room was warm and hot water was steaming underfoot, Cheng Muyun's chill still emanated from Xu Zhuohua.
His fingers touched Xu Zhuohua's waist, and the coldness made her shiver. "Your hands are so cold."
Cheng Muyun rubbed his fingers together, picked up a towel and wrung it out, then put his fingers to his nose to feel the moisture. "I feel better now."
A warm towel roamed over Xu Zhuohua's smooth skin, carrying away the grime of sweat. Cheng Muyun gently wiped her as if she were a precious treasure, his eyes fixed on her snow-white body.
In the narrow space enclosed by the screen, the temperature rose sharply, and Cheng Muyun's breathing gradually became slow and heavy.
Xu Zhuohua also felt the hands roaming over her body getting hotter and hotter. He was very careful. After wiping her, he immediately put Xu Zhuohua's clothes on her to prevent her from catching a cold. He had no other intentions. On the contrary, Xu Zhuohua's breathing became more and more rapid.
The man held Xu Zhuohua in his arms and gently wiped her fingers. "Are you cold?"
Cheng Muyun's body felt like it was on fire. Sitting on his lap, Xu Zhuohua felt extremely hot all over, especially with the thing pressing against her from behind.
"It's not cold..."
Before he could finish speaking, Cheng Muyun cupped his fair face in his hands and kissed his soft lips.
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