Chapter 37: A Sudden Collapse and an Unexpected Doctor

A parched sensation clawed at Lin Ziyao’s throat, as though she had been lost in a desert for an eternity without water. It wrenched her from a deep slumber. She tried to stir, to push herself up for a glass of water, but her body refused to obey.

It was only when she was fully awake that she remembered Qin Yu had pulled her into the same bed last night. Though Lin Ziyao had vehemently resisted, Qin Yu’s reasoning had been undeniably sound, leaving her no room for argument: it was Lin Ziyao herself who had admitted to being afraid of the dark.

The boomerang she’d thrown had, unexpectedly, struck her own head.

Propping herself up, she glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. The hands indicated it was precisely half past seven in the morning, meaning today marked the start of the fourth episode’s recording.

“Awake?”

Lin Ziyao’s movements within Qin Yu’s embrace had quickly roused Qin Yu, who was accustomed to light sleep.

Qin Yu’s languid expression seemed to suggest that her sleep quality had significantly improved last night.

Seeing that Qin Yu was already awake, Lin Ziyao no longer worried about disturbing her sleep.

She gently shook the arm draped over her, prompting, “I need to get up!”

“It feels a bit warm!”

After such a comfortable night’s rest, Qin Yu longed to linger in bed, unwilling to rise. However, the combined warmth of their bodies beneath the covers was making her feel increasingly hot.

With her back to Qin Yu, Lin Ziyao rolled her eyes where Qin Yu couldn’t see, retorting, “What do you expect? Of course, it’s hot when two people are hugging in bed!”

Having said her piece, she gently removed Qin Yu’s hand from her body.

“I need to get up now!”

Lin Ziyao quickly rose and poured herself a glass of water, gulping it down greedily. At last, the parched sensation in her throat subsided. Only then did she gather her clothes and head to the bathroom to change.

Qin Yu, who had been lounging in bed for a moment longer, watched Lin Ziyao’s busy movements, finding her own drowsiness largely dissipated. She began combing her hair in the room, awaiting Lin Ziyao’s return.

Soon, both women, now dressed, descended the stairs.

As she stepped onto the stairs, Lin Ziyao felt as if she were treading on sand, expecting to sink in with each step. She had never before realized how incredibly soft the villa’s flooring was.

Lin Ziyao pulled out her chair and called out to Qin Yu, who was pouring drinks, “Could I have a glass of soy milk, please? Thank you!”

A moment later, Qin Yu returned with two drinks, placing a cup of soy milk in front of Lin Ziyao.

No other guests had arrived in the dining room yet. Qin Yu reminded her, “As I mentioned yesterday, that reporter from last time is coming for a follow-up interview.”

With a slight recall, Lin Ziyao remembered Qian Fang, the reporter from their previous encounter.

“Do we have time this afternoon?”

She wasn’t yet aware of Director Chen’s schedule for today’s activities and worried about a potential clash with the production team’s planned filming.

Qin Yu, who had been taking small bites of her bread, paused after hearing the question before replying, “When I heard the news yesterday, I already confirmed it with Director Chen. This morning is just for minor activities, only requiring a few guests to participate. The main event is tonight’s premiere screening.”

Tonight, the first episode of the variety show ‘Star Week’ would air. Director Chen had deliberately kept the final cut under wraps from all guests beforehand, aiming to capture their most authentic reactions during the premiere.

“That’s good then!”

With Qin Yu’s confirmation, Lin Ziyao felt reassured and began to enjoy her breakfast.

Yet, the dryness in her throat intensified, making even a small bite of bread difficult to swallow.

She reached for the glass of soy milk, but after a dizzying spin, her vision plunged into darkness.

Faintly, she felt herself falling into Qin Yu’s embrace just before she collapsed.

“Ziyao, what’s wrong?”

Qin Yu’s concerned words echoed in her ears, and then, Lin Ziyao lost consciousness entirely.

Meanwhile, in Jiang City, at an apartment:

“Is that so? Alright then,” Qian Fang said, disappointment lacing her voice as she hung up the phone and set down her prepared bag.

Jiang Yi, passing by with a face mask on, couldn’t help but ask in surprise, “Weren’t you supposed to go for an interview today? Did they stand you up?”

“Qin Yu called, saying Lin Ziyao suddenly has a fever and isn’t well enough for an interview.” Qian Fang looked rather dejected, the sudden cancellation of the arranged interview clearly a blow.

“Oh, then do you think they’re in need of a doctor right now?” Jiang Yi suddenly asked her friend, her interest piqued.

Qian Fang gave her two massive eye-rolls. “Obviously!”

Then, a realization dawned on her. She looked at Jiang Yi, pointing at herself, “Are you saying—?”

“As a doctor, I can’t just know there’s a patient and not help, can I? Besides, I have a very good impression of Lin Ziyao,” Jiang Yi said, rubbing her hands together.

But Qian Fang knew her friend through and through. “You just want a photo and autograph with Qin Yu while you’re there, don’t you?”

“Hehehe, that’s just a bonus,” Jiang Yi said, gently tapping her head and playfully winking.

Boundless darkness seeped into Lin Ziyao’s consciousness. She had been here once before, at the very moment her soul first left her body.

Had she died again?

Before Lin Ziyao could ponder further, her consciousness resurfaced, regaining control of her body.

“Mm…” Her eyes squinted open to a narrow slit, allowing a sliver of light to penetrate.

“Ziyao, how are you feeling?” Qin Yu asked softly, seemingly noticing Lin Ziyao had woken.

“Water…” Lin Ziyao managed to utter, her voice strained.

A spoonful of water was quickly brought to her lips. Soon after, Lin Ziyao gathered enough strength to fully open her eyes.

Besides Qin Yu, she recognized a long-haired woman. “Doctor Jiang? What are you doing here?” Lin Ziyao asked, surprised.

“I happened to hear you had a fever, so I came to check on you!”

Jiang Yi smiled, reaching out to gently stroke Lin Ziyao’s head, the smooth touch making her linger.

“Doctor Jiang happens to be Qian Fang’s friend; they came together,” Qin Yu explained.

Qin Yu, standing by the bed, was providing the explanation. She had initially called Qian Fang to cancel the scheduled interview, but shortly after, Qian Fang called back, offering to bring a doctor friend along.

Qian Fang’s suggestion had led Qin Yu to abandon her initial thought of taking Lin Ziyao to the hospital. After consulting with Director Chen, she had agreed to the proposal.

Currently, Qian Fang was wandering around the villa, chatting with other guests to gather their opinions on both of them.

“I’ll go get the warm congee from the kitchen first,” Qin Yu said.

Qin Yu rose and headed out the door, having prepared Lin Ziyao’s lunch in the kitchen.

It was already nearing noon, but with everyone concerned about Lin Ziyao’s health, Teacher Xu Li had voluntarily taken on the important task of cooking.

Only Jiang Yi and Lin Ziyao remained in the room.

Jiang Yi’s earlier smile gradually faded, replaced by a serious expression as she began to speak.

“Ziyao, I need to scold you. How could you not remember your own period schedule clearly?”