Just as Chen Tianming climbed down, Fan Wenting fastened her button. Chen lamented silently, thinking that if he had jumped down quickly, he might have caught a glimpse.
"Thank you, Tianming," Fan Wenting said flirtatiously, throwing him a seductive glance.
"No problem, no problem," Chen Tianming sighed inwardly, regretting that he had wasted such a good opportunity.
"Tianming, if I need help in the future, can I count on you?" Fan Wenting smiled and deliberately adjusted her collar.
"Sure, sure," Chen Tianming thought to himself, no wonder Principal Li, the old lecher, couldn't stop staring; she really was mesmerizing.
"Tingjie!" A voice called from outside.
Chen Tianming looked up and saw Liu Meiqin supporting a pale-faced He Tao as they walked in.
"He Tao, what's wrong?" Fan Wenting asked with concern upon seeing He Tao's pallor.
"She has a cold and fever but insisted on finishing her classes. Now she's like this," Liu Meiqin said, looking at He Tao reproachfully.
"Hurry and get her to rest," Fan Wenting suggested.
Liu Meiqin nodded and tried to help He Tao up, but it was difficult given He Tao's weakened state.
"Tianming, do you have any more classes?" Fan Wenting asked, turning to Chen Tianming.
"No, I'm done for the day," he replied.
"Then help Meiqin take He Tao back to her room."
"Sure, no problem," Chen Tianming quickly agreed, eager for the chance to be with He Tao. He approached and said to Liu Meiqin, "Let me help you." He carefully took hold of He Tao's soft, almost boneless arm and gently helped her up.
As they walked, Chen Tianming inhaled He Tao's fragrance, feeling a sense of euphoria. While pretending to look down, he used his peripheral vision to admire He Tao.
He Tao was wearing a white crew-neck T-shirt today. Whether intentional or due to her illness, the shirt underneath was red, making it quite noticeable. According to color coordination principles, wearing a red shirt under a white one makes the red stand out significantly.
"Mr. Chen, aren't we there yet?" Liu Meiqin asked, puzzled.
Chen Tianming looked up and realized he had stopped at his own door instead of He Tao's, which was next door. Lost in thought, he had unconsciously led them to his own room.
Liu Meiqin took He Tao's key, opened the door, and helped Chen Tianming get her to her bed, removing her shoes and letting her lie down.
"He Tao, do you have any medicine?" Liu Meiqin asked.
"In...on my desk," He Tao said weakly, pointing with difficulty.
Liu Meiqin found the medicine and read the instructions. She picked up the nearby kettle. "Oh, there's no water. He Tao, how are you feeling?"
"My head hurts, and I just want to sleep," He Tao said, frowning in pain.
"Then rest for a while. I'll boil some water. Mr. Chen, could you stay and watch over He Tao?" Liu Meiqin smiled at Chen Tianming before heading to the kitchen.
He Tao soon fell into a steady sleep, her breathing even.
With nothing else to do, Chen Tianming looked around He Tao's room before focusing on her. He Tao's long eyelashes, slightly upturned lips, and peach-like face tempted Chen Tianming, making him want to kiss her.
He glanced toward the kitchen, hearing some noises—likely Liu Meiqin boiling water.
Chen Tianming continued to gaze at He Tao, feeling a growing urge to touch her. "He Tao, He Tao," he called softly.
He Tao didn't respond, seemingly fast asleep.
Chen Tianming's lust got the better of him. He kept an eye on the kitchen while slowly reaching for He Tao. He had a plan: if Liu Meiqin came out, he would quickly withdraw his hand to avoid being caught.
He felt a thrill as he touched He Tao, but it seemed too firm. Realizing he was touching her shoulder, he retracted his hand, lightly tapping his head in frustration.
He glanced at the kitchen again; Liu Meiqin was still there. Emboldened, he decided to try again, this time keeping his eyes on his target to avoid another mistake.
"Should I or shouldn't I?" he asked himself, knowing it was wrong to take advantage of He Tao's vulnerable state. But he decided to go for it.
"Mr. Chen, what are you doing?" Liu Meiqin's voice startled him from behind.
"I was just checking if He Tao still had a fever," he stammered, quickly pulling back his hand.
"I've finished boiling the water. You can go now; I can take it from here," Liu Meiqin said with a smile.
"Okay," Chen Tianming nodded, returning to his room.