Chapter 68: Minor Heat Approaching, the Weather Growing Sweltering

Ward 1008 was kept cool by the constant hum of the air conditioning.

Shen Jingsong’s wound meant she couldn’t get wet, so she’d been in the hospital for days without a proper bath. Xia Zhuxi had only helped her change her underclothes and wipe down her arms and legs.

A light rain had fallen last night, leaving the morning air refreshingly cool. The doctor suggested turning off the AC to air out the room, and it wasn’t switched back on until the midday heat rose. Even that brief spell of stuffiness had Shen Jingsong feeling like a steamed bun trapped in a bamboo steamer, her whole body giving off a faint, stale odor.

With Xia Zhuxi out looking for the doctor, Shen Jingsong pulled up the blanket and buried herself under it for a sniff.

“…”

She dropped the blanket, her face darkening. This was no scent for a fairy. She was always meticulous about her hygiene, fresh and fragrant every day. Being laid up like this with an injury for the first time was pure torture.

Shen Jingsong furrowed her brows and pouted, wrapping the blanket around herself even tighter.

The young bodyguards stood dutifully outside. Spotting someone approach, one called into the room, “Sister Zhuxi is back.”

Xia Zhuxi returned with the billing slip. “Jingjing, the doctor says you’re recovering beautifully. Just a couple more days of observation, and if all’s well, you can be discharged.”

“Hm? Is the AC too cold?” Xia Zhuxi noticed Shen Jingsong bundled up tight as a rolled bean curd skin. She set down the slip and went to adjust the central air panel.

Shen Jingsong hurried to say, “Not cold at all. This is perfect—make it even cooler if you can.”

Xia Zhuxi looked puzzled. “But you’re wrapped up so tight.” She walked to the bedside and sat down. “Not because you’re cold?”

With gentle concern, she drew out the hand Shen Jingsong had tucked away in the covers and cupped it in her palm to check its warmth. It was nice and toasty—not cold in the slightest.

“…”

Shen Jingsong turned her head aside.

“What’s wrong, Jingjing?”

“The doctor said I’m recovering well, right?”

“Not just well—exceptionally well. But you still need a couple more days of rest and observation before discharge.”

Shen Jingsong let out a soft sigh and asked Xia Zhuxi, “Did the doctor say anything about whether I can get wet yet?”

Xia Zhuxi shook her head. “Not yet.” She paused, glancing down, and watched as the hopeful light in Shen Jingsong’s eyes dimmed in an instant.

“Oh. All right, then.” Shen Jingsong shrank back into the covers, turning her back to Xia Zhuxi.

The blanket rustled faintly with her movements, releasing a puff of warm air thick with her personal scent. Xia Zhuxi leaned in close and couldn’t resist pressing a kiss to the nape of her neck.

Shen Jingsong shivered slightly, her voice coming out thin and soft. “Xiao Xi, it got a little hot at noon with the AC off. I…”

Xia Zhuxi shifted to embrace her from the side. “I know. You smell so good, baby.”

Shen Jingsong stilled.

She turned around, her eyes bright and dewy. “Really?”

Xia Zhuxi kissed her forehead and lips. “Really.”

Shen Jingsong lowered her gaze. “I just feel sticky and uncomfortable all over.”

Of course Xia Zhuxi understood. She changed Shen Jingsong’s underclothes every day. In summer, things got sticky when it was hot—especially for someone as hygiene-obsessed as Shen Jingsong.

Qi Peijun had told Xia Zhuxi that Shen Jingsong was extremely particular about her image, bordering on OCD.

It all stemmed from her escape from the impoverished mountains to attend junior high in Liulin City.

Born in a poor rural area, Shen Jingsong had done farm work from childhood. Her skin was rough and dark, her speech thick with a mountain dialect. Classmates mocked and shunned her, pinching their noses in disgust whenever she came near, calling her stinky. They even gave her the nickname “Xinluo Maid.”

Years later, those shadows from her youth lingered in her habits, leaving Shen Jingsong forever cautious.

Xia Zhuxi ached for her with equal caution. “Jingjing, how about I give you a wipe-down tonight?”

Shen Jingsong turned to her with delight. “But the doctor said no water yet?”

Xia Zhuxi leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I’ll be super careful—just a little damp.”

Shen Jingsong laughed and nestled into her arms. “Okay.”

At last, the tightly wrapped blanket came loose.

That afternoon, Xia Zhuxi quietly confirmed with the doctor that a little water wouldn’t hurt. In the evening, she prepared warm water, soaked a fresh cotton cloth until it was just damp—not dripping—and readied herself to wipe Shen Jingsong down.

She locked the door, closed the windows, and drew the curtains tight.

Shen Jingsong sat on the edge of the bed as Xia Zhuxi unbuttoned her hospital gown one by one, slipping off the outer layer to wipe her arms and legs first.

“Is the temperature okay?” Xia Zhuxi asked, swapping the cloth for a fresh soak in warm water.

Shen Jingsong kept her head down, cheeks faintly flushed. “Mm.”

The hand Xia Zhuxi placed at her back gave a gentle flick, and the bra clasp came undone. She helped ease it off.

“Jingjing?”

“Hm?” Shen Jingsong looked up at her.

Xia Zhuxi wiped softly from her neck. “For sensitive spots… tell me if the pressure isn’t right.”

Shen Jingsong pressed close to her, resting the side of her face in the crook of Xia Zhuxi’s neck. “I’m just wiping down the patient. There aren’t any sensitive spots.”

The warm, moist puff of her breath against her neck made Xia Zhuxi zone out for a moment. Suddenly, Shen Jingsong let out a soft, coquettish whimper. Xia Zhuxi quickly lightened her touch and shifted the cotton cloth aside. A flush crept across Shen Jingsong’s chest.

Xia Zhuxi patted her smooth back soothingly. “Sorry.”

Shen Jingsong pouted playfully. “We’re not at home, you know. There are two guys right outside… You… I’ll wipe myself.”

Her voice trailed off softer and softer, laced with shy embarrassment, her gaze brimming with affection.

A delicious shiver ran through Xia Zhuxi’s bones. Reluctantly, she handed over the cotton cloth. “I’ll wipe your back for you.”

Shen Jingsong turned away, her ears turning red. “Only the back, okay?”

Xia Zhuxi nodded obediently. “Mm-hmm.”

It had been so many days since they’d been intimate. The slightest tease was enough to ignite their passion, and both of them knew it all too well. That was why they were taking such care to hold back.

After Xia Zhuxi finished wiping down Shen Jingsong’s back, she watched as she bustled about tidying up. Once everything was in order, Shen Jingsong asked her to help change into clean underwear.

Xia Zhuxi helped her lie flat and noticed a few stray hairs caught in her clothes. She brushed them away, then leaned down to kiss her cheek.

“Feeling a bit better?” Xia Zhuxi asked softly.

“Much better.” Shen Jingsong pulled her into a hug and planted a kiss on her lips.

As Xia Zhuxi leaned forward, a long chain slipped out from the neckline of her T-shirt. Lying back, Shen Jingsong hooked it out, and a ring slid down the chain into her palm.

“Is this mine? You’re wearing it on a necklace?” Shen Jingsong recognized the wedding ring. She reached out to touch Xia Zhuxi’s ring finger, where her own ring sat perfectly in place.

“Mm,” Xia Zhuxi replied. “I can’t bear to leave you, and my ring doesn’t want to leave yours either.”

Shen Jingsong caught the deeper meaning in her words. She removed the chain and slipped the wedding ring back onto her finger.

Smiling, Xia Zhuxi kissed the base of her ring finger.

~~~

The day of the court hearing arrived, and Xia Zhuxi rose early. She lingered in a warm embrace with Shen Jingsong for a while, instructed the bodyguards to guard the door carefully, and then departed.

Shen Jingsong’s condition had improved greatly. She’d stopped her IV drip and could get out of bed for short periods of activity.

Even while recuperating, she hadn’t slacked on work. She actively communicated in the work group chat, keeping up with the temporary script revisions.

There was a commotion outside. “Who are you? You can’t go in there.”

A man’s voice replied, “I really am a fan. If I can’t see her, could you at least pass these flowers along? I wish her a speedy recovery.”

The bodyguard snapped, “No flowers either! Get lost!”

Shen Jingsong opened the door. “Is it a fan? It’s fine—hand me the flowers.”

The three people outside immediately stopped their shoving match. The bodyguard positioned himself protectively in front of Shen Jingsong. Standing opposite was a middle-aged man wearing glasses, a bit overweight.

The man beamed a friendly smile as he handed over a bouquet of carnations. “Hello, Teacher Shen. My daughter is in the room across the hall. She’s been your fan for years. She really wanted to come see you herself, but she broke her leg and can’t move, so she asked me to bring these flowers and wish you a quick recovery.”

Shen Jingsong hurriedly accepted the bouquet. The diamond on her ring caught the light and sparkled. She quickly tucked her hand into the flowers and retreated into the room. She wrote a note of blessing, signed her name, and handed it back to the man. “Please wish your little girl a speedy recovery too.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed a shadow at the corridor’s bend. She turned to look, but there was only a nurse pushing a medicine cart past.

The man was profusely grateful. “Thank you so much, Teacher Shen!”

Shen Jingsong smiled at him. “No need to thank me. Thank you for your care and support.”

She climbed back into bed and resumed reviewing the script. Not long after, there was more noise from outside.

Shen Jingsong blinked in surprise. Another fan? Had she gotten this popular?

The bodyguard outside bellowed with full force, “Director Chu!”

Shen Jingsong’s surprise turned to shock. Chu Yun was here?

It really was Chu Yun.

Shen Jingsong hopped out of bed at once. “The chairman of Xuanyuan Group graces us with her presence—my humble little ward is honored beyond measure.”

Chu Yun was dressed in a long pomegranate-red robe embroidered with fierce suanni beasts, her raven-black hair coiled in an elegant updo adorned with luxurious jewels and pearls. She greeted Shen Jingsong with a warm, smiling nod. “A patient should be lying down. Xia Zhuxi was so worried about leaving you alone that she nagged me endlessly until I couldn’t take it anymore. I happened to have business nearby today, so I came to keep you company.”

“I didn’t bring anything nice,” Chu Yun added. “Just here to chat and keep you from getting bored.”

Shen Jingsong didn’t return to the bed. Instead, she sat with Chu Yun on the sofa.

“Have some tea, Boss Chu.” Shen Jingsong poured two cups.

“That’s enough—patients shouldn’t be fussing around.” Chu Yun pressed down on the teapot, urging her to rest.

Shen Jingsong glanced toward the door. “Is Boss Chu here alone? No secretary?”

“Nope. Some things, I can’t let her get involved in.” Chu Yun smiled and pulled two fairy tale books from her bag. “《White Whale》 and 《Blue Bird》. Which one would you like to hear?”

Shen Jingsong blinked, momentarily stunned. “Huh?”

Chu Yun casually picked up a book. “I’ll read you a story to pass the time.”

“Adventure is a seed deeply buried in my heart… I threw myself into the sea and met her, stirring massive waves in the depths of my soul.”

Before Shen Jingsong could respond, Chu Yun had already begun reading 《White Whale》 aloud.

When Chu Yun read with focus, her features took on a serene calm, and her voice flowed like a tranquil ocean, vast and blue.

Her accent differed from her usual playful banter—a beautiful broadcasting timbre, precise and resonant.

Hmm, like reading a bedtime story to soothe a child. Shen Jingsong thought to herself.

Chu Yun finished a chapter and closed the book. “About to drift off?”

Shen Jingsong smiled. “Not at all. Boss Chu reads beautifully.”

Chu Yun let out a hearty laugh. “When I was little, I dreamed of hosting a children’s TV show.”

Shen Jingsong tilted her head. “Oh? So how did you end up as a tycoon richer than some countries?”

Chu Yun’s smile turned sharp and teasing. “That one’s a paid story.”

Shen Jingsong knew when to quit. “Mm…”

Chu Yun went on, “Teacher Shen seems distracted. Worried about Xia Zhuxi? Don’t be—the Lei Family won’t dare make a move.”

She took a sip of tea and continued. “Lei Yu’s wife went too far; she’ll be convicted of intentional assault. Lei Yu’s company was gunning for a Hong Kong stock listing, but that’s dead in the water now. With everything blowing up and the couple’s bad blood, they’ll toe the line.”

Shen Jingsong knew the storm of troubles lurking behind those casual words—all smoothed over by Chu Yun. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she could only manage a heartfelt “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Chu Yun added, “No rush to head to the set later. Take more time to rest and put in for leave—I’ll tell production to push the schedule.”

How could Shen Jingsong possibly hold up the entire crew for her sake? Yet Chu Yun brushed off the tangled web of interests involved like it was nothing.

She mentioned having work to get back to, then finished the tea Shen Jingsong had brewed for her and complimented it. “Good tea.” In reality, it was just a standard bagged blend from the hospital ward—not something even an average tea enthusiast would rave about, much less an aristocrat like Chu Yun.

Perhaps it was a kindness to Shen Jingsong.

As she left, Chu Yun told her, “Qi Xuanyan said the character you brought to life has real depth—she loved it. My secretary doesn’t hand out praise lightly. Someone as talented as you deserves more screen time. Di Chen Company will give you a wide stage.”

Shen Jingsong smiled softly. “Thank you, Boss.” She owed even more thanks to Secretary Qi.

Chu Yun’s grin lit up her face. “Get well soon. Goodbye, Teacher Shen.”

Shen Jingsong watched her go, thinking to herself that this woman was truly impossible to read.

That evening, Xia Zhuxi returned, and her account matched Chu Yun’s exactly.

As if it had all been arranged ahead of time.

~~~

Shen Jingsong was discharged in early July.

Time was tight.

Xia Zhuxi had a race on July 5, and the whole month was jammed with four races, filling her calendar to the brim. Squeezing in time for just the two of them seemed impossible.

A full month.

The F1 schedule alone gave Xia Zhuxi a headache. She wished she could shrink Shen Jingsong into a real little squirrel, tuck her into a bag, and pull her out for hugs and kisses whenever she wanted.

Back home, Shen Jingsong’s first order of business was a thorough bath—washing and soaking for a full two hours.

Xia Zhuxi blow-dried her hair, the shampoo’s fresh scent blooming in the warm air. Shen Jingsong hummed happily and asked if she smelled nice.

“You do,” Xia Zhuxi said. “But that’s the shampoo.” She leaned close to Shen Jingsong’s ear. “I prefer Jingjing’s scent.”

Shen Jingsong tilted her face up. “And what’s Jingjing’s scent?”

“It’s…” Xia Zhuxi leaned in and nipped her lip lightly. “Big sister scent.”

The hairdryer’s whine cut in as Shen Jingsong flopped back onto the bed with a soft moan. “Mm~”

Xia Zhuxi gathered her into the plush bedding, capturing her lips in a kiss. “Jingjing, we’re home.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I missed you so much every day.” Xia Zhuxi’s kisses trailed lower, catching the hem of Shen Jingsong’s nightgown and easing it upward.

Shen Jingsong cupped her chin, cheeks blooming red. “Missed what about me?”

Xia Zhuxi’s voice turned husky against her neck. “You feeling the tides rise and fall.”

Silken feet glided over the sheets; the bedside pillow rocked steadily.

Click—a soft snap, her lithe waist dipped, and Shen Jingsong let out a stifled hiss. “Ah—Xiao Xi, the wound on my back hurts so much.”

Xia Zhuxi froze. “!”