He Ruoyi's sarcastic look confirmed Ming Yutong's fears. He Ruoyi's disdain for her was evident, and Ming Yutong felt a pang of discomfort.
"Indeed, Miss Ming," He Ruoyi said with a sneer, "It seems you've confirmed my suspicions. It's quite bold of you to come here. This place has always been off-limits to outsiders. Even if you are here, you shouldn't overstay your welcome. Little Jingshi is sick and needs rest. Please ensure you don't disturb him."
He Ruoyi's words were clear: Ming Yutong should leave as soon as possible.
"And there's one more thing I'd like to point out, though it might sound harsh," He Ruoyi continued. "You are a person of status, so it's best to be mindful of your position. Don't engage in shameless behavior."
Ming Yutong scoffed, "How I behave is not something you need to instruct me on."
He Ruoyi's face stiffened, but before she could respond, she heard Aunt Huo's footsteps approaching. Swallowing her words, He Ruoyi watched as Aunt Huo came in with a paper bag, handing it over to her.
He Ruoyi took the bag with a last disdainful glance at Ming Yutong and left without another word.
Aunt Huo, noticing Ming Yutong's puzzled expression, explained, "Miss He was here to pick up Mr. Fu's outfit for tonight's banquet."
Ming Yutong recalled that there was indeed a business banquet this evening, to which she had been invited. However, she had forgotten about it because of Little Jingshi's illness.
Now knowing that Fu Yinxiu would be attending the banquet and wouldn't be home for dinner, Ming Yutong felt relieved.
She decided to stay and keep Little Jingshi company instead of attending the banquet.
She could leave before Fu Yinxiu returned.
Seeing He Ruoyi again had strengthened Ming Yutong's resolve to avoid meeting Fu Yinxiu.
Every encounter seemed to affect her deeply and leave her hurt. It was better to avoid seeing him altogether.
Ming Yutong composed herself and smiled at Aunt Huo, "There's no need to explain anything to me."
Auntie Huo was puzzled by Ming Yutong's demeanor but decided not to press the issue. Ming Yutong returned to the kitchen and continued preparing porridge for Little Jingshi.
Once the porridge was ready, Ming Yutong figured that Little Jingshi would be waking up soon. She poured a bowl and carried it upstairs.
Entering the room, she saw Little Jingshi just waking up, rubbing his eyes with his hands still under the blanket.
Hearing the door open, Little Jingshi turned his head and, spotting Ming Yutong, his eyes widened with delight. "Tong Tong!"
He sat up excitedly. "I can't believe you're really here! I thought I was hallucinating because of the fever!"
Ming Yutong carefully placed the tray on the bedside table and smiled. "I've been here for a while. You were asleep, so I went downstairs to make you some porridge. Aunt Huo said you vomited all your lunch, so this should help you feel better."
As she spoke, Ming Yutong gently touched Little Jingshi's forehead with hers.
Little Jingshi's face turned red at the gesture. He was used to Aunt Huo checking his temperature like this, but it felt different with his mother.
Little Jingshi's heart raced, and his face turned red with embarrassment.0
When Ming Yutong pulled her head back, Little Jingshi, blushing, nestled into Ming Yutong's embrace, enjoying the comforting scent of her and feeling her tenderness.
It felt so good to have his mother with him while he was sick.
"Tong Tong, you're so kind," Little Jingshi said, his voice filled with affection.
Ming Yutong lowered her head and kissed his forehead. "Do you still feel unwell?"
"My head hurts a bit, probably from sleeping too much, but my body isn't cold anymore. My hands and feet just feel heavy," Little Jingshi replied honestly.
"After a high fever subsides, it's normal to feel uncomfortable," Ming Yutong said softly. "Are you hungry now?"
Although he wasn't very hungry right after waking up, seeing the bowl of porridge in front of him made him nod. "A little bit."
Ming Yutong tested the temperature of the porridge and brought the bowl over. It was a bit hot, but she could handle it. It needed to be eaten while it was still warm.
"Tong Tong, will you feed me?" Little Jingshi asked.
"That's what I'm here for," Ming Yutong said with a smile.
Little Jingshi grinned and snuggled into her lap, opening his mouth for Ming Yutong to feed him.
"It's really delicious," he said. "It's sweet and sour, and you can taste the sour plum bits. I didn't know rice porridge could taste this good. Tong Tong, you're amazing."
"Then finish this bowl," Ming Yutong said. "And see if you still feel uncomfortable. If you don't feel like vomiting anymore, you can eat something else later."
"I only want this," Little Jingshi said.
After Little Jingshi finished the porridge, Ming Yutong took the bowl away and came back to check his temperature.
Since he didn't have a recurring fever, Little Jingshi shifted in bed and patted the spot next to him. "Tong Tong, will you lie down with me for a while?"
Ming Yutong didn't refuse. She took off her shoes and lay down beside Little Jingshi.
Little Jingshi snuggled into Ming Yutong's arms and soon fell asleep again.
Ming Yutong gently patted his back, and in doing so, she also fell asleep.
When she woke up again, it was already completely dark outside.
She didn't know what time it was, but it was clear that both she and Little Jingshi had missed dinner.
Ming Yutong felt a bit guilty; she should have woken up earlier to get Little Jingshi up for dinner.
But she missed the time, and she felt like a negligent mother.
As Ming Yutong stirred, Little Jingshi woke up too.
He rubbed his eyes and asked, "Tong Tong?"
Seeing that it was already dark outside, Little Jingshi yawned and said, "What time is it now?"