Due to her own torment, the rain, and her depressed mood, Fu Xiaotang’s hand was severely infected. The doctor warned that without proper care, it would scar. She also had a high fever that wouldn’t subside, leaving her in a daze, half-awake, half-asleep. Many people came to see her, including Xiao Tao who stayed with her all night, Chef Yao, Xiao Shui, Sister Eleven, and others. Yet, Fu Xiaotang was restless in her subconscious because she hadn’t seen Fang Junjie. Yes, she hadn’t realized how much she longed for his presence, how accustomed she had become to his company. Even in her feverish state, her mind was filled with thoughts of whether he would come, overshadowing even the news of someone’s wedding.
She drifted in and out of consciousness, sometimes seeing Fang Junjie, which made her heart leap with joy, thinking he couldn’t bear to ignore her. But before she could say anything, he would vanish, leaving her to wonder if it was all a dream. If it was a dream, she’d rather not wake up since he was there. If it was a dream, she hoped to wake up soon to see him. Thus, she alternated between sleep and wakefulness, unable to distinguish between dream and reality.
In the middle of the night, perhaps due to the IV fluids reducing her fever, Fu Xiaotang became slightly more aware, but not fully awake. Her first thought was a disheartening one: he hadn’t come. Xiao Tao must have called the Celestial Mansion, and he must have received the call, so why hadn’t he come to see her? Did he still not forgive her?
Fu Xiaotang sighed in self-pity, turned slightly, feeling thirsty, and murmured, “Xiao Tao’er…” Someone leaned in, “Awake? What do you need?” Fu Xiaotang paused for a second, then smiled; it must still be a dream. “Ah Jun, I think I saw you. I’ve seen you many times today.” Her smile was vague as she reached out to touch the face before her, deepening her smile. “But none as clear as now. Every time I didn’t get to say anything before you disappeared, and I felt so sad. I just wanted to see you, so I kept sleeping.”
