Chapter 53

Ice cream was definitely not something a child should be eating. After all, Ji Nian wasn’t faking it this time—she was genuinely unwell. Not only was Ji Nian vomiting, but she was also suffering from diarrhea. Ji Tingzhou no longer had to worry about her not having a bowel movement all day, as by nightfall, she was completely drained from the constant trips to the bathroom. When the doctor arrived, Ji Nian had just finished using the toilet. She was still in pain, her stomach burning, and her body curled up in discomfort. Tears streamed down her face involuntarily. “Please, take a look at her,” Ji Tingzhou urged. He had been holding her the entire time, gently massaging her stomach. When the doctor arrived, he shifted slightly to allow the doctor to examine Ji Nian, but he didn’t let go of her. The doctor asked questions while conducting the examination and even drew some blood for tests.Nôv(el)B\\jnn “Acute gastroenteritis,” the doctor concluded. Ji Nian, who had once bravely administered a shot to Bruce, now found herself on the receiving end of a needle—karma, it seemed, had come full circle. After two IV drips, Ji Nian’s constant dry heaving finally subsided. Ji Tingzhou, who had been by her side the whole time, tucked the blanket around her more securely. He then gestured for the doctor to step outside to talk. Ji Nian felt Ji Tingzhou leave, but she was too weak to open her eyes. She was in so much discomfort that she wished she could just pass out. Outside the room. When Ji Tingzhou expressed his concerns, the doctor, knowing they had been away for a few days, asked, “What has she been eating recently?” Ji Tingzhou thought for a moment and recounted Ji Nian’s meals over the past few days. The doctor grew increasingly frustrated as he listened. “It’s so cold outside! How could you let her eat three ice creams in one day? And all those sugary drinks? Junk food as a meal?!” “A child’s digestive system is extremely fragile! And this child has already been through so much hardship. Her body hasn’t fully recovered yet. You’re not spoiling her—you’re harming her!!!” The doctor was so angry that she dropped all formalities. Ji Tingzhou remained silent, letting her vent. Those around them were on edge, thinking he might be angry, but in reality, Ji Tingzhou was reflecting. So... a child’s body is this delicate? When he was young, simply having enough to eat was a luxury. He could eat anything, and during the winter, he’d even chew on ice to stave off hunger. It never seemed like a big deal. Most people around him did the same. So when Ji Nian expressed a desire for something to eat, Ji Tingzhou had always indulged her. “I understand,” he said. “It won’t happen again.” Just as everyone was holding their breath, and even the doctor, now calmer, began to worry if she had been too blunt, Ji Tingzhou finally spoke. Her damp eyelashes fluttered as she moved slightly. Ji Nian nudged him and patted the empty space beside her on the bed. This was her way of inviting Ji Tingzhou to lie down with her. As she did so, she thought to herself that if he refused because he thought it was dirty, then so be it. But before she could even retract her hand, Ji Tingzhou stood up and climbed onto the bed, effortlessly pulling Ji Nian into his arms and patting her back. “Can’t sleep?” Despite his large frame, Ji Tingzhou wasn’t particularly muscular, so lying against him was a bit uncomfortable. But his embrace was warm, and the faint scent of incense on him reminded Ji Nian of a cozy fireplace in winter. It felt safe. When Ji Tingzhou saw Ji Nian’s gesture, he remembered the last time she had a fever and how she had only been able to rest peacefully when he held her. Without hesitation, he joined her this time. This time, Ji Nian didn’t cry or fuss. She endured the discomfort quietly, only letting out a few soft whimpers when it became unbearable, which made Ji Tingzhou feel even worse. He thought it would be better if she just cried it out. Ji Nian nodded slightly and snuggled closer to Ji Tingzhou, wrapping her arms around him. Then, in her drowsy state, she realized something. She really did seem to subconsciously rely on Ji Tingzhou. “You won’t abandon me, will you?” The words slipped out before she could think them through. Ji Nian immediately clamped her mouth shut, her body stiffening momentarily. Noticing her reaction, Ji Tingzhou frowned. He immediately connected it to Ji Nian’s unusual behavior earlier in the day. “Did someone say something to you?” Hadn’t the formal banquet where he introduced Ji Nian been enough to show his stance? Ji Tingzhou’s first thought was that someone had been gossiping, and Ji Nian had overheard. But soon, he felt that wasn’t quite right. A thought flashed through his mind, and Ji Tingzhou finally understood the root of Ji Nian’s earlier silence. Looking down at the child who had buried her face in his chest and refused to look up, he sighed softly. Of course. He had forgotten. Ji Nian was like him—an exceptionally intelligent child. “I won’t abandon you,” Ji Tingzhou said plainly, patting her back. After a moment, he added, “No matter what you’re like.”