Huo Jingtang fetched water for her and asked her to feed Qin Yuxuan.
"With Yuxuan like this, I'm afraid you'll have to inconvenience yourselves by staying here tonight," Huo Jingtang said, glancing at the night sky outside the window.
He was inside the cabin, with heating, so he wore a black dress shirt and casual pants, looking dashing and tall. The soft light overhead illuminated his face, highlighting his sharp facial contours, his prominent nose, and his resolute chin. His dark eyes were as profound as the vast night.
"It's been a lot of trouble today, especially for Xiaoxuan... once he wakes up, we'll leave," Qin Yucen turned to see him, who radiated charm at any given moment, momentarily dazzled by the brightness of the crystal lamp.
"I've really enjoyed being with Xiaoxuan, you don't find this kind of innocence on just anyone," Huo Jingtang spoke the truth.
People in the business world were inscrutable, filled with schemes and cunning, but in the face of Qin Yuxuan, he could completely relax, without any guard, nor the need to have his nerves on edge.
"Is there any hot water? I would like to wipe Xiaoxuan's face and hands, it would make him more comfortable," Qin Yucen quickly changed the subject.
"I will get some for you, just wait a moment," Huo Jingtang then left the bedroom.
Huo Jingtang went out first and saw Zhong Lang standing there, "What are you doing, hurry up and clean up."
The two of them put the dishes into the kitchen sink. Zhong Lang lowered his voice, "Second Brother, why do you come out to Lin County for fishing every week? Turns out you like Qin Yucen, are you trying to woo her?"
Huo Jingtang ignored him and turned on the tap, "Wash the dishes."
"Second Brother, you won't even admit your feelings for someone else. All this effort with water fetching and providing supper," Zhong Lang brought the conversation back to the topic, "I've never had the fish you cooked before. Would you go to such lengths to please her and her brother if you didn't like her? It seems to me that Yuxuan is a bit different... Though he is indeed handsome... It's such a pity..."
Huo Jingtang grabbed a knife and waved it in front of Zhong Lang, the blade glinting menacingly.
Zhong Lang placed his hand over his mouth and immediately made a zipper-locking motion with his fingers.
As he watched Huo Jingtang walk away, he started washing the dishes while happily humming a tune...
Even the stoic Second Brother has his spring.
Huo Jingtang brought in the hot water, placed it on the cabinet beside them, and handed a towel to Qin Yucen.
"This... I can take care of it. Thank you," Qin Yucen said as she received the towel from him, noting that someone of his status probably never had to care for anyone before, yet he was so attentive to them, "Xiaoxuan has caused you trouble again."
"Since I'm already troubled, this one time won't make a difference," Huo Jingtang stretched out his hand again, "My hand has gone soft."
Qin Yucen then took the clean towel and carefully wiped Qin Yuxuan's feverish cheeks, neck, and hands, dissipating the heat from the alcohol, making him more comfortable.
After wiping twice, Huo Jingtang took the water to pour it out.
"Xiaoxuan will be fine after some sleep, why don't you come out and sit for a while," Huo Jingtang suggested.
"I still feel more at ease watching over him here," Qin Yucen sat by the bed, her fingers lightly brushed over Qin Yuxuan's black hair on his forehead, her eyes full of tender affection, "You must have noticed that Xiaoxuan has intellectual challenges, right? That's why no one in the village wants to play with him; they're afraid of 'catching' his stupidity. Thank you for not looking down on him, and for spending time with him. Today was the happiest day in Xiaoxuan's life."
The unbearable sourness surged in Qin Yucen's throat and spread to her lips and teeth; she lowered her lashes.
"You don't have to thank me; being with Xiaoxuan, I also felt very relaxed. It was as if I returned to the carefree days of my childhood," Huo Jingtang stood behind her, his gaze travelling over her delicate shoulders to settle on the peaceful face of the sleeping Qin Yuxuan, who looked as innocent as a child, "There will be more and more happy days like this in the future."
"I hope he can be happy every day too," Qin Yucen clasped her brother's hand and pressed it to her face, her bright eyes softened with moisture.
"Have you considered taking Xiaoxuan to the city for a check-up? He's actually very smart. He shouldn't just be left to his own devices. With proper guidance, he could be very different. He would not feel inferior, he would be secure, sunny, and cheerful, facing this unfair life with a positive attitude," Huo Jingtang tentatively suggested, "I know of a brain specialist abroad; if you need help, I would be happy to assist."
Qin Yucen blinked twice with her fan-like lashes, her eyes veiling the mist of tears: "First, I'll get him checked out in the city to see how Xiaoxuan is doing, and if need be, I'll come to you."
"That's fine," Huo Jingtang nodded.
His eyes were bright, his gaze like a lamp guiding the way in the dark night, offering a tiny glimmer of light in the darkness, yet it was a tremendous warmth.
Qin Yucen pressed her lips together in a smile, looking at his sincere eyes as if time had come to a standstill. She was the one to avert her gaze first, "Where will you sleep tonight?"
Qin Yuxuan had taken his bed, so what about him?
"I'm not sleepy. I might go sea fishing, or I'll just sleep on the sofa for a while," Huo Jingtang didn't want her to worry, "I've managed this way before. If you need anything, you can call me or Zhong Lang; I'll go out first."
Huo Jingtang did not want to disturb her and turned to leave.
Zhong Lang had finished washing up and was sitting in the living room eating fruit. Seeing Huo Jingtang, he beckoned, "Second Brother, have some fruit."
Huo Jingtang walked over and sat opposite him: "You sure know how to enjoy yourself."
"Second Brother, the real enjoyment is watching a beauty," Zhong Lang stuffed a piece of apple into his mouth, "I think I finally understand. You're playing the long game: Miss Qin doesn't fancy you, so you cozy up to her little brother first. I didn't expect the mighty Second Brother to hit a snag."
"We are just friends," Huo Jingtang poured a glass of water for himself, casting a cold glance at him, "She's married."
Upon hearing this, Zhong Lang's eyes widened, his reclined posture quickly corrected to sitting upright: "Which lucky guy got such a beauty? But, Second Brother, although it's rare for you to be moved by ordinary affections, don't get carried away and become someone's mistress. Take care and move on!"
His words seemed to revel in Schadenfreude.
"…" Huo Jingtang simply ignored him, picked up the water glass for a sip, then stood up and walked away, exiting the cabin.
Huo Jingtang sat alone on the deck, facing the cold wind, and picked up a fishing rod.
Above him was the tranquil deep black night sky, with stars sparkling like bright diamonds scattered across the Milky Way. In the dim light of night, the quiet surroundings faintly echoed with the rhythm of the nearby tides ebbing and flowing, adding an enjoyable melody to the otherwise dead silence.