Lu Heng didn't dare disturb Xiang Yu, as it was the final sprint before exams. Xiang Yu had high expectations for herself, aiming for a top-tier university, so the pressure was immense. Lu Heng wanted to do something for her but didn't know what he could do. Xiang Yu was always steady, with a solid foundation and good mental resilience, so although she was under great pressure, she could handle it calmly. However, due to the extensive amount of practice problems she did every day, she went to bed in the middle of the night and woke up around five or six in the morning, only getting four to five hours of sleep each day. Her complexion wasn't great, but that was true for most of the students in the class, so no one looked particularly well.
Finally, the exams were over, and Xiang Yu slept at home for an entire day. She told her grandmother that she was too exhausted and wanted to sleep, asking her not to wake her for meals and to let her sleep until she woke up naturally. The sudden relaxation after intense tension caused her body to give way, and she developed a high fever. Xiang Yu was so feverish that she felt dizzy, but she was afraid of worrying her grandmother, so she didn't call out and just drifted back to sleep. When she was woken up by the phone ringing, she felt hot all over. She glanced at the clock on the table; it was already past two o'clock. She answered the phone; it was Xiao Zhanyuan asking how she did on the exams. Xiang Yu said, "Pretty good." But her voice sounded weak, and Xiao Zhanyuan immediately sensed something was wrong, "Xiang Yu, what's wrong?" Xiao Zhanyuan sounded worried on the phone. Xiang Yu, still a bit dazed, said, "I think I have a fever. I feel really hot." "I'm coming over now." Xiao Zhanyuan hung up. He was temporarily staying at his aunt's house before starting university, which was very close to Xiang Yu's home. Xiang Yu felt like the doorbell rang almost immediately after she hung up the phone. She struggled to get up and open the door, feeling dizzy. Her grandmother was probably out playing mahjong, as the dishes were still on the table, covered. When she opened the door, she saw Xiao Zhanyuan, who seemed to have run over, as he was slightly out of breath. He reached out to feel her forehead, and though Xiang Yu tilted her head away, his hand still touched her forehead. "You're burning up. We need to go to the hospital."
Xiao Zhanyuan carried Xiang Yu's small backpack with one hand and supported her with the other. Xiang Yu walked very slowly, and Xiao Zhanyuan offered to carry her, but Xiang Yu refused, "No need, no need. It's just a fever. I can walk by myself." Luckily, the local hospital was close by, and they arrived quickly. 39.7°C—it was indeed a high fever. The doctor quickly prescribed an IV drip and a shot to reduce the fever. Xiang Yu felt embarrassed to have Xiao Zhanyuan accompany her for the shot, but the nurse beside her said, "Young lady, why be embarrassed with your boyfriend?" making both Xiang Yu and Xiao Zhanyuan blush. "No, no, he's just a classmate. I have a fever, and the adults at home aren't around, so he brought me here." The nurse gave a knowing smile, glancing at the two of them a few more times, making Xiang Yu even more embarrassed. She hurriedly asked Xiao Zhanyuan to leave the injection room. "Oh, this boy is quite handsome and very attentive to you. Young lady, think it over carefully. You might regret it if you miss out," the nurse said, making Xiang Yu bow her head even lower, her ears turning red. After the shot, Xiao Zhanyuan was standing outside the door. Then they went to the IV room for the drip. Once Xiang Yu was settled with the IV, Xiao Zhanyuan said, "Xiang Yu, did you eat anything today? I'll go get you some porridge and water. I'll be back soon." He left and quickly returned with the items. Xiang Yu, with one hand hooked up to the IV, found it difficult to hold the bowl, so Xiao Zhanyuan squatted beside her and held it for her. Xiang Yu told him to stand up, saying she could manage on her own. Xiao Zhanyuan glared at her, "Either I feed you, or I hold the bowl for you. Your choice. Just eat quickly and peacefully. It's better than arguing here." Xiang Yu picked up the spoon. The fresh, sweet chicken porridge melted in her mouth, warming her stomach. She hadn't felt hungry before, but after a few bites, she realized she was actually starving and started eating in big mouthfuls. Xiao Zhanyuan held the bowl, watching her eat heartily. He looked at her profile, her eyelashes covering her eyes, hiding her expression. He felt a mixture of happiness and sadness.
Lu Heng was afraid of disturbing Xiang Yu's rest, so he didn't call her until four or five o'clock, but no one answered after several attempts. He guessed she might still be asleep, feeling a bit restless. He tried calling again after dinner, and this time her grandmother answered, saying Xiang Yu went out to play and had called to say she wouldn't be home for dinner. Lu Heng felt even more frustrated. He hung up and went out for a walk, and before he knew it, he found himself standing below Xiang Yu's apartment, looking up at her window.