Xie Jue remained sleepless throughout the night, a thin layer of sweat forming on their intertwined palms, yet he did not let go of Fang Chuning's hand. He kept his eyes open until dawn, consumed by a deep fatigue, the fragrance of the medicinal herbs making him slightly uncomfortable. At last, Xie Jue checked the time and stood, but when he tried to free himself from Fang Chuning's grasp, Fang Chuning resisted, holding tightly. Xie Jue forcefully broke free before Fang Chuning reluctantly released him.
Xie Jue poured out the decocted medicine, and when he returned to the bedside, Fang Chuning's eyes were already open, staring at him intently and with a spirited gaze. Xie Jue paused in his steps before continuing forward nonchalantly and sitting on the edge of the bed. Fang Chuning's palm still seemed damp with sweat; silently, he moved his hand aside as though he could still feel the lingering warmth of Xie Jue's touch.
