Today, when Jian Yuncheng didn't rise from bed, Jian Yiling felt something was amiss. After waiting for a while and still not seeing him, she decided to push open the door to his room.
To her dismay, she found Jian Yuncheng still fast asleep. Moving to his bedside, she gently placed her hand on his forehead. The heat radiating from him confirmed her suspicion: he was running a fever.
Jian Yuncheng was aware of his condition; if he wanted to avoid a trip to the hospital, he would need to take his medicine obediently. Just as he prepared to reach for the pills, Jian Yiling was quicker, bringing the medication to his lips.
He opened his mouth and accepted the pills. Immediately after, she held a glass of lukewarm water to his mouth, allowing him to drink with minimal effort.
As the medicine took effect, Jian Yuncheng found himself enveloped by a wave of drowsiness. Throughout this time, he sensed someone nearby but was too tired to react, only aware of her quiet presence. He felt her change the damp towel on his forehead, a subtle reminder of her attentive care.
Hours passed in a blur, and when Jian Yuncheng finally awoke, he felt considerably better. The first thing he noticed was Jian Yiling, who was sitting quietly by his bedside, engrossed in a book. She looked serene and gentle, quietly keeping vigil over him.
Sensing that he was awake, Jian Yiling stood up and left the room. Jian Yuncheng blinked in confusion, wondering what she was up to.
Before long, Jian Yiling returned, this time carrying a steaming bowl of scallop congee. She carefully placed the bowl on the bedside table, her bright eyes fixed on him as if to ensure he would eat.
Was she supervising him while he ate? Jian Yuncheng glanced at the congee, which looked and smelled delicious, igniting his appetite. He realized he hadn't eaten anything since breakfast.
Without hesitation, he picked up the bowl and took a sip. After the first taste, he found himself unable to stop. The congee was remarkably delicious—perhaps it was the hunger that made it seem so sublime, but this seemingly ordinary bowl of scallop congee tasted extraordinary.
Just as he was savoring the congee, he noticed Jian Yiling slip out of the room again. A few moments later, she reappeared, this time balancing a tray with both hands. On the tray were eight small bowls, each containing a beautifully presented dish.
There was a plate of pan-seared salmon; a bowl of stir-fried carrots and wood ear mushrooms with burdock; pickled white radish; a soft-boiled egg; a bowl of bonito fish and tofu soup; a piece of tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet); a tuna hand roll; and a small fruit platter. Each dish looked exquisite and enticing.
Jian Yuncheng initially thought he was already full from the congee, but the sight of the delicately prepared dishes reignited his appetite. He dug into the eight small bowls and, to his surprise, finished every last bite.
After eating his fill, he felt completely revitalized. He glanced at the empty bowls—there wasn't a trace of food left. Jian Yiling took the bowls away without saying a word, but her actions spoke volumes.
Watching his little sister, who was now quietly cleaning up after him, Jian Yuncheng felt his earlier irritation melt away. Her nurturing demeanor was hard to resist, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for her care.
Once he was done, Jian Yuncheng opened his laptop. He had slept for most of the day and needed to catch up on some work. As he focused on his tasks, his thoughts drifted back to the delightful breakfast he had just enjoyed. He wondered when Jian Yiling had learned to make such Japanese-style breakfast dishes; they were simply delicious.
He resolved to ask An Sao to prepare a similar meal for Yuncheng when he returned from the hospital. What Jian Yuncheng didn't realize was that An Sao had taken a day off today, and Mo Sao was at the hospital helping Wen Nuan. For now, it was just him and Jian Yiling at home.
As Jian Yuncheng resumed his work, he couldn't shake the warmth that filled him—not just from the food but from the simple joy of being cared for by his little sister. It was a reminder of the bond they shared, a bond that only seemed to grow stronger through moments like this.