“Physically she appears fine. The young master insisted on bringing Miss Xia to the hospital for a full check-up. I suspect she might have…” The doctor hesitated before continuing, “Some issues in that aspect, though not severe.”
That aspect?
“Which aspect?” Tang Yushen’s handsome brows furrowed deeply, his expression grave.
“Perhaps some psychological stress,” the doctor replied.
Psychological stress?
It stood to reason. Given how the Xia family had treated her, living long-term in such an environment would make anyone abnormal if they remained unaffected.
He waved his hand lightly.
Chen Hei escorted the doctor out.
Tang Yushen waited by the doorway for Xia Qiaoxi.
Over ten minutes later, Xia Qiaoxi emerged with faint redness tingeing the delicate upward curve of her eyes.
Her current calm demeanor contrasted sharply with how he had found her when bursting into the room earlier.
One couldn’t tell she had been so anxious and unsettled just moments before.
Tang Yushen spoke softly, “Have something to eat, then we’ll go to the hospital for a full check-up.”
“I’m fine, really. Why do I need a check-up?” Xia Qiaoxi didn’t want to go to the hospital.
“Of course you need one. You’ll be my woman from now on, I need to know if there are any health issues.” Tang Yushen lowered his head, “If there are problems, I’ll have them treated. Once cured, you’ll still be mine.”
Still his little treasure.
“Sorry for making you worry…” Xia Qiaoxi whispered, facing his handsome features so close to hers.
“I was quite worried indeed. My heart is still racing wildly. Feel it…” Tang Yushen grabbed her hand and pressed it against his chest.
Through his white dress shirt, Xia Qiaoxi could feel the warmth of his skin, and beneath it, hidden under ribs and layers of flesh, his heart beating rapidly.
Just as fast as when he first pulled her from the rooftop edge into his embrace during their initial meeting.
Like a startled deer’s frantic heartbeat.
Xia Qiaoxi tried to withdraw her hand, but he held it tightly.
“Is it fast?” Tang Yushen leaned closer, “Hmm?”
Had Xiao Xi’er not noticed he’d shaved today?
Did he look handsome?
Was she captivated by him?
Falling in love at second sight?
Perhaps she’d even throw herself into his arms!
“Quite fast.” Xia Qiaoxi twisted her wrist, “You should calm down. I’m not going to die.”
Not going to die?
She was so delicate – she’d weep and demand hugs over a mere scratch on her hand.
Now with psychological issues…
He had psychological issues too – lovesickness, critically ill, with only her as the cure.
They shared similar afflictions, truly a match made in heaven!
“Don’t you dare die.” Tang Yushen stroked her fingers, “Xiao Xi’er must live a long life this lifetime.”
He wouldn’t let her repeat her previous life’s early demise.
He would protect her, cherish her, adore her, until old age.
This lifetime?
Xia Qiaoxi felt puzzled – what did he mean?
“Are you reborn?” Xia Qiaoxi chuckled incredulously, “There’s no such thing as rebirth in this world! If you really were reborn, did you steal someone else’s lover in your previous life too?”
Her thoughts certainly wandered freely.
Still able to joke – it seemed she had calmed down now.
“I’m not reborn.”
They had previous lives.
But it was reincarnation.
Not rebirth.
Tang Yushen held her slender wrist – too thin, even her bones felt so fragile they might snap with a twist.
Entering the restaurant downstairs, Xia Qiaoxi stared at their joined hands. Wasn’t he going to let go?
How was she supposed to eat?
She wasn’t left-handed.
“Ah Yu…” Xia Qiaoxi moved her hand slightly, “My hand.”
Tang Yushen immediately let go, but the moment he parted from Xia Qiaoxi, his lovesickness flared up again. Both his body and soul felt so empty, so lonely, so desperately craving a hug!
Xia Qiaoxi felt her scalp tingle under his gaze. Tang Yushen kept staring at her without even blinking.
His gaze was scorching and intense, pleading like a little puppy waiting for its owner’s affection and pats.
If she were to pat Tang Yushen, would he wag his tail happily?
If he had one, that is.
An imaginary tail seemed to be wagging at her.
Xia Qiaoxi tilted her head, “Do you want something to eat?”
“Are you going to feed me?” Tang Yushen couldn’t conceal the excitement in his eyes, “If you feed me, I’ll reluctantly eat a little.”
“Then don’t force yourself…” Xia Qiaoxi had no intention of feeding him.
She just felt uneasy under his stare.
That gaze…
Was even more uncomfortable than a 360° surveillance camera.
“Then shall I feed you?” Tang Yushen compromised, “My little Xixi, I want to feed you.”
He wanted her to sit on his lap, with one arm wrapped around her slender waist, able to pinch the soft flesh at her waist, and smell her fragrance. Little Xixi would let him have his way.
“No, that’s not necessary…” Xia Qiaoxi put down her chopsticks, “I’m full.”
Tang Yushen: “…”
Did she claim to be full just because she didn’t want him to feed her?
She had only eaten a little!
Did she have the appetite of a bird?
If she didn’t want to eat, then so be it.
Later, when she was more familiar with the environment and had grown fond of him, she could eat while sitting on his lap.
After the meal, Tang Yushen took her to the hospital.
To cover his previous lie, Tang Yushen had her undergo a full-body check-up.
Xia Qiaoxi obediently complied.
She was almost unnaturally well-behaved.
Having developed a soft and gentle personality in the summer environment, he found it painful to watch. He couldn’t help but move closer to her, “The doctor said you’re fine, you just need to rest well.”
“Mm.”
In the car on the way back, Xia Qiaoxi calmly closed her eyes to rest.
Tang Yushen held her soft little hand. The doctor had said she had mild depression and neurasthenia, suffering from insomnia, frequent dreams, and a lack of security. Long-term exposure to a tense and stressful environment could lead to mental excitement, mental fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders, and even muscle tension pain.
These mental health issues were probably never addressed by the Xia family.
His little darling, only 21 years old, how could she be depressed?
How could she have neurasthenia?
By the time they returned home, Xia Qiaoxi had already fallen asleep.
Tang Yushen didn’t want to disturb her, so he carefully carried her out of the car and brought her back to the bedroom.
Lying on the bed, Xia Qiaoxi drowsily pulled the blanket over herself. Though the sun was blazing outside, the cold air in the room made her feel a bit chilly.
Tang Yushen sat by the bed, his fingers gently stroking her face. In just the few minutes since they entered, Little Xixi’s face had become cold from the air conditioning.
She probably wouldn’t wake up, right?
Tang Yushen leaned down, eagerly drawing closer to her face. It wasn’t like he hadn’t kissed her before, and she was too drowsy to notice anyway.
Just one kiss to ease his longing.
Just one.
Tang Yushen closed his eyes, his thin lips landing on her cheek.
Just one kiss didn’t seem enough.
He wanted to kiss Little Xixi’s lips.
His lips brushed against Xia Qiaoxi’s cheek, slowly moving downward.
Gently, lingeringly, they covered her lips.
Xia Qiaoxi was completely relaxed at that moment, allowing him to easily conquer and savor her essence.
Mmm.
So sweet.
Deliciously sweet.
This was Little Xixi’s flavor.
Tang Yushen’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he turned and strode away.
If he didn’t leave now, he would turn into a beast, doing whatever he wanted to Xiaoxi, taking whatever he desired.
Hearing the door close, the previously dazed Xia Qiaoxi opened her eyes.
She touched her lips, a sly smile flashing through her hazy eyes.