Si Yuhuan had wanted to experience her long-missed care, but somehow he began to feel worse and even developed a high fever.
In his delirium, Jian Xi gave him water, threatening, "If you don't drink, then just wait to die."
He didn't want to drink. He felt awful, his throat raw as if pierced by knives.
Jian Xi's temper flared. She couldn't believe she had ever possessed the patience to care for Si Yuhuan as meticulously as if serving an ancestor. Now, seeing his lack of cooperation, she lost it. She pinched his chin, forcing his mouth open. Then, she took a large gulp from a bowl of water and pressed her lips to his, feeding it to him.
GULP—
GULP—
Si Yuhuan hadn't drunk so much water in days.
She administered all the medicine her fourth brother had provided, feeling utterly exhausted herself.
She also lay down on the floor, her mind blank, and drifted off to sleep without realizing it.
Early the next morning, she woke with a start.
