The young man stared at the arm holding the milk, his mouth slightly agape, resembling a confused goose in a field.
Lin Qiong blinked a few times before finally uttering, "Can't open it?"
Fu Xingyun nodded expressionlessly.
Lin Qiong swallowed nervously.
That arm seemed capable of twisting not just the bottle cap but even his head.
"It's... it's okay." Lin Qiong, known for his articulate speech, struggled a bit with his words. He then reached out with his fair hand, took the milk bottle, and said, "I'll help you."
"Okay."
Lin Qiong then, using the strength of his slender arms, twisted open the milk bottle cap in front of Fu Xingyun. "Here you go."
Fu Xingyun reached out and took it, saying, "Thank you."
Lin Qiong forced a smile, "You're welcome."
"If you need any help, feel free to ask me."
Upon hearing this, Fu Xingyun's fingers curled slightly.
It seemed like that book was indeed somewhat useful.
Lin Qiong pointed in the direction of his own room, "Well, I'll go back to sleep then?"
"Okay."
After receiving the reply, Lin Qiong slipped back to his room as if his feet were oiled. Fu Xingyun closed the door, finished the milk, threw the bottle into the trash, and then went to bed.
He turned on the bedside lamp and picked up the "Love Manual." The first item was smoothly completed.
He successfully let Lin Qiong know that he was needed in his life.
Fu Xingyun opened the book, took out a marker, and placed a checkmark under the first item. However, as he continued reading, he became stiff.
2. After appropriately showing weakness and receiving help from the other party, don't hesitate to praise the other party using subtle and exaggerated methods. Let the other person know they are needed while experiencing the strength of their abilities. Make the other person feel that they cannot be without you!
Damn it, it even requires praise!
Fu Xingyun looked at the book, his eyes darkening. Thinking about the conversation they just had at the door, Lin Qiong helped him open the bottle cap without him giving any praise.
Based on this, Fu Xingyun deeply realized the importance of learning to praise.
----
As Lin Qiong was about to go to sleep after returning to his room, he received a call from Wang Cheng.
Wang Cheng: "What are you doing?"
"Getting ready to sleep."
"The post-production of the movie you shot before is roughly done. It's estimated to be released in early spring next year."
"Oh, I know. If there's nothing else, I'll hang up."
"Wait!"
Lin Qiong, lying on the pillow, looked at the ceiling. "What's wrong?"
"There's another big thing."
"What big thing?"
"I received the money."
If you're talking about money, I'm not sleepy anymore.
Lin Qiong sat up from the bed as if a small spring was pressed behind him. "Really?!"
It was indeed a big deal.
"Yes, it's not a small amount, more than what we earned in the past two years."
Shortly after hanging up the phone, the money was transferred to Lin Qiong's card. Lin Qiong lay on the bed, happily checking the amount. The funds for escaping had increased again.
----
The next morning, Lin Qiong got up, washed up, and as soon as he walked out of the room, he saw Fu Xingyun not far away.
The man glanced at him. "Good morning."
3. Greet each other with good morning, good afternoon, and good night every day to let the other person know that you are constantly present in their life, increasing your presence.
"Good morning," Lin Qiong was somewhat surprised. "Why haven't you gone down?"
Fu Xingyun looked at the elevator. "Just came out."
Lin Qiong and Fu Xingyun took the elevator together and went downstairs. Lin Qiong went to the kitchen to cook, while the other went to watch the morning news.
After preparing a simple Chinese breakfast, Lin Qiong wiped his hands. "It's time to eat, Xingyun."
Fu Xingyun came to the dining room and looked at the breakfast on the table. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke, "You're amazing."
Lin Qiong, hearing this, shyly lowered his head and skillfully accepted the compliment. "I know."
"..."
As Lin Qiong was eating congee, he thought of something and spoke to Fu Xingyun, "The nurse will come this morning; don't be nervous."
The man responded indifferently.
However, not long after, he placed his utensils on the table.
Lin Qiong was puzzled. "What's wrong?"
"I'm full," Fu Xingyun replied.
"Ah?" Lin Qiong's hand holding the spoon stiffened, and a surprised expression appeared on his face.
Fu Xingyun repeated, "I'm full."
4. Try to show a vulnerable or dependent side in front of your loved one. Love begins with compassion, and from now on, you are a delicate flower!
Lin Qiong glanced at the half-bowl of porridge left for the other person. "You haven't eaten enough."
"I'm full," Fu Xingyun replied.
"Why are you eating so little?"
Fu Xingyun remained expressionless. "It's always been like this."
Lin Qiong: ...
Please, can you not tell jokes with such a serious expression?
The previous rice bowl was the summit of Mount Everest, and now it's a plateau. Half a bowl of congee is definitely not enough.
Later, Lin Qiong pursed his lips and said, "If you don't mind, have a bit more."
Fu Xingyun cleared his throat. "I can't eat anymore."
"This isn't like you."
"..."
Lin Qiong pushed the bowl of congee toward him. "Finish your meal."
Fu Xingyun: ?
"Clean plate policy."
"..."
After some gentle persuasion, Fu Xingyun managed to restore his normal appetite.
After breakfast, Lin Qiong decided not to take Fu Xingyun for a walk today, preserving his energy for the meeting with the nurse.
After all, rehabilitation is a physically demanding activity.
Around 10 a.m., the nurse arrived, accompanied by two assistants.
Lin Qiong briefed them on Fu Xingyun's general condition, and the nurse diligently recorded the information.
"My husband has some minor symptoms in terms of mental well-being, so I hope not to put too much pressure on him. Let things happen naturally."
"That is certainly understood, Mr. Lin. Rest assured."
Lin Qiong said, "I'll go prepare some tea. Feel free to discuss among yourselves."
"Sure, thank you."
After Lin Qiong disappeared from the living room, one of the assistants who was standing behind the nurse approached. "Mr. Fu."
Fu Xingyun glanced at the person indifferently.
"The doctor and nurse, as well as Secretary Wang, have all been arranged. Regarding these two," the assistant continued, "the individuals Mr. Lin Qiong brought in have already been sent back."
Fu Xingyun nodded in acknowledgment.
The doctor, disguised as an assistant, stepped forward. "If it's convenient for Mr. Fu, we can conduct a comprehensive examination later. Of course, if Mr. Fu Xingyun prefers to keep his condition confidential from outsiders, we will strictly maintain confidentiality."
The term "outsiders" here was clearly referring to Lin Qiong.
However, Fu Xingyun still decided not to inform Lin Qiong about the additional arrangements made by the doctor. Though Lin Qiong eagerly hoped for him to stand up, Fu Xingyun had no assurance of the outcome. The greater the expectation, the greater the potential disappointment. If he could stand up, it would be fine, but if he couldn't...
Fu Xingyun's eyes darkened for a moment. Perhaps it was better not to let others have too much hope.
When Lin Qiong returned with the tea, he noticed the serious atmosphere in the living room. "What's going on?"
The nurse smiled, "Nothing, just discussing and communicating."
Lin Qiong glanced at them, "Is that so?"
As he placed the tea in front of Fu Xingyun, Lin Qiong continued, "Thank you for your efforts during this time."
The caregivers were slightly surprised to hear such polite words from their boss's wife. They quickly responded, "It's no trouble at all."
However, as soon as Lin Qiong arrived, the living room fell silent.
Lin Qiong seemed to suddenly realize something, "Should I go out for a walk?"
The nurse quickly replied, "Mr. Lin, feel free to do as you wish."
Without thinking much, Lin Qiong suggested, "How about a stroll in the park?"
As he walked out of the foyer, the doctor disguised as an assistant hurriedly followed him.
"Mr. Lin."
Lin Qiong turned to look at him, "Is there something you'd like to discuss?"
"I just wanted to explain Mr. Fu's rehabilitation situation to you. Considering the current situation, it might be better if Mr. Lin is not present."
Lin Qiong nodded.
"But Mr. Lin, don't think too much about it. After all, every patient has their dignity and may not want to show their vulnerable side to their loved ones."
Lin Qiong smiled, "I understand."
"Whatever you think is best for both of you, as long as it helps Mr. Fu. Don't worry about me; I'm not a professional, and I can't do much even if I'm present."
Then he turned to the doctor and slightly bowed, "Thank you for your efforts during this time."
Plop—
Lin Qiong was about to straighten up when he saw the doctor kneeling on the ground.
"…"
The doctor was startled by Lin Qiong's bow and quickly knelt down, "Mr. Lin, there's no need for such formality."
Lin Qiong was momentarily puzzled, thinking it was some kind of etiquette, so he followed suit and knelt down, "You're welcome."
The doctor took hold of Lin Qiong's arm, "You're being too polite."
Lin Qiong continued, "No, I'm not."
"..."
The nurse came out and saw this scene.
"Uh...sorry to disturb."
Both Lin Qiong and the doctor looked at the nurse simultaneously.
The nurse felt a bit weak in the knees for a moment, then plucked up the courage and said, "Mr. Fu's examination is about to begin."
Both the doctor and Lin Qiong then stood up.
Before, Lin Qiong used to go out with Fu Xingyun. Now that he's alone, he feels a bit uneasy, kicking stones around aimlessly.
He returned home around four in the afternoon. At this time, the nurse and the assistant seemed to have finished their work and were packing up.
Lin Qiong opened the door and cautiously stuck his head out. Seeing them tidying up, he walked over. "Thank you for today's hard work."
They waved their hands, "It was no trouble."
Saying that, the nurse explained some precautions to Lin Qiong before leaving.
Lin Qiong entered Fu Xingyun's room and saw him half-leaning against the bedside. His face clearly showed signs of weakness. "Xingyun, are you okay?"
"Yeah." Fu Xingyun took a deep breath, trying to calm his breathing. It was not just a matter of physical pain; the stimuli to his mind and body made it difficult for him to regain his composure.
After a while, Fu Xingyun's complexion gradually returned to normal.
"What did you go out for?"
Seeing that Fu Xingyun's color had improved, Lin Qiong said, "I just took a stroll. Are you hungry? I'll cook something."
They chatted for a while, and then Lin Qiong went to the kitchen.
Approaching mealtime, Fu Xingyun reviewed the first few items from the "Love Manual" before going downstairs to have dinner.
As expected, halfway through the meal, Fu Xingyun stopped eating again.
With his mouth full, Lin Qiong looked at him in disbelief. "Full already?"
Fu Xingyun took a sip of water. "Hmm."
Lin Qiong swallowed his food. "Xingyun."
"What's wrong?"
"Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"
Fu Xingyun glanced at him. "No."
Seeing that Fu Xingyun stopped eating, Lin Qiong was momentarily puzzled.
"Is my cooking not good?"
Fu Xingyun shook his head.
Lin Qiong, embracing his romantic persona, said, "Eat a bit more. If you eat so little, I'll feel sorry for you."
Fu Xingyun raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Lin Qiong nodded. "Of course."
After dinner, Fu Xingyun returned to his room, took out the "Love Manual," and marked checkmarks below the pitiful items in sections three and four.
Love, huh? Well, it doesn't seem too difficult.