Fingers touched the silk fabric. Ji Wei lowered her head and realized she was wearing pajamas, not entirely naked as she had feared.
She let out a small sigh of relief.
Gu Moqian explained calmly, "You were drenched in sweat. I thought soaking in water might make you feel better."
The temperature of the water had been adjusted by him—neither too hot nor cold—and would not let her catch a chill.
"...Thank you."
Feeling a bit embarrassed by her earlier misjudgment, Ji Wei lowered her gaze slightly.
Indeed, soaking in the water eased the burning heat inside her and made her discomfort more bearable.
Her lowered gaze lacked the usual arrogance she carried, instead showing a softer, more delicate side of her.
Her hair, like seaweed, was wet and naturally draped over her face. Her cheeks, warmed by the steam, glowed faintly red. As her eyes lowered slightly, her lashes trembled ever so lightly, like feathers fluttering onto his heart, sending ripples through it.
"I'll step out first. Call me if you need anything."
Gu Moqian's voice was husky as he spoke, swiftly turning away.
Even though she was clothed, the curves of her figure still stood out, and tonight, she looked entirely different from how she had before—triggering an inexplicable feeling within him.
He was afraid that if he stayed any longer, he wouldn't be able to resist himself...
The door to the bathroom shut quietly.
Ji Wei stared blankly in the direction where Gu Moqian disappeared, momentarily lost in thought.
Tonight, drifting between waking and sleeping, every time she opened her eyes, she would see Gu Moqian.
He was known as a workaholic who always handled business matters in his study. Yet tonight, he hadn't left her side even for a second.
In her past life, when the scandal between her and Ji Chuyang broke out, Gu Moqian's mother had adamantly insisted on canceling their engagement, driving the two apart.
Later, to help Ji Chuyang secure the position of heir to the company, she had sought Gu Moqian's assistance, which led to brief interactions.
But even then, their connection had been strictly limited to business.
Truth be told, she barely knew anything about Gu Moqian.
What sort of person was he, really? Why did he seem so different from the cold, aloof Mr. Gu in the rumors—unapproachable and noble?
The bathroom door suddenly swung open, startling Ji Wei out of her thoughts. She immediately looked up to see Sister-in-law Zhang walking in her direction.
"Miss Ji injured her hand, so it might be inconvenient for you. Mr. Gu asked me to help," Sister-in-law Zhang explained kindly as she approached.
Ji Wei was momentarily surprised—Gu Moqian had been quite thoughtful.
She nodded slightly to Sister-in-law Zhang in gratitude, "I'll trouble you, then."
She had intended to take off the pajamas, but every movement of her injured hand sent a jolt of pain. Having help was undoubtedly a blessing.
"Miss Ji is Mr. Gu's fiancée and the future mistress of Shanshui Manor. No need to be so formal," Sister-in-law Zhang replied with a smile.
Fiancée...
Ji Wei froze momentarily.
In this new life, could she truly repair the relationship and reunite with Gu Moqian?
As Sister-in-law Zhang helped Ji Wei remove her pajamas, she silently observed her, unable to suppress her astonishment.
The eldest daughter of the Ji Family had visited Shanshui Manor before, and back then, the Gu Family had prepared a lavish dinner banquet in her honor. Yet Ji Wei had flipped the entire table, causing a scene and leaving on bad terms.
Since that day, the Gu household members regarded Ji Wei as overly arrogant and unfit for Mr. Gu.
But the Ji Wei before her now seemed polite and gentle—completely different from last time. What had changed?
With Sister-in-law Zhang's help, the pajamas were finally removed, but Ji Wei's feelings didn't improve much.
The effects of the drug seemed to be resurfacing. Her cheeks were growing increasingly flushed, and an unbearable itch stirred within her, like a cat clawing at her heart.
"Miss Ji, why is your face so red? Are you running a fever?"
Sister-in-law Zhang noticed her cheeks, bright as ripe apples, and couldn't help but inquire with concern.
"I... I'm fine."
Ji Wei raised her hand to touch her burning cheek, awkwardly turning her head away, "Sister-in-law Zhang, could you leave for now? I'll call you if I need anything."
She certainly didn't want anyone to see her in such a compromising state.
"Alright then."
Sister-in-law Zhang stood and left the bathroom.
She found Gu Moqian still standing quietly outside the bathroom door and was startled. She quickly lowered her head and greeted, "Mr. Gu."
Gu Moqian's gaze was fixed on the inside of the bathroom, "How is she?"
"Miss Ji seems to have a slight fever."
Gu Moqian's expression shifted slightly.
Sister-in-law Zhang barely had time to process what happened before Gu Moqian vanished in a blink, striding into the bathroom with uncharacteristic urgency, his usual composure replaced by a rare sense of hurriedness.