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"Dong'er," Fu Yichen murmured, supporting him by the waist and rubbing his back. Once he seemed to have finished retching, Fu Yichen drew him into a gentle embrace.

Zhou Rendong blinked open his eyes, seeing the familiar face, mistaking it for a dream. With a soft whimper, he burrowed closer.

"Brother Yi..."

His voice, frail and tender, felt like a feather drifting down into Fu Yichen's heart, stirring a ticklish sensation.

"I'm here," Fu Yichen whispered, wiping away a tear that had escaped Zhou Rendong's eye. He placed a hand on Zhou's stomach, massaging it gently.

Zhou Rendong hummed in acknowledgment, tilting his pale face upwards, struggling to focus his gaze.

"You came..." he murmured dreamily.

"I've always been here," Fu Yichen replied, understanding that Zhou was caught between dreams and reality. Tenderly, he pressed a soft kiss to Zhou's parched lips.

"Brother Yi," Zhou Rendong's fingers tightened on Fu Yichen's robe as he tried to offer a weak smile. "I'm alright," he murmured, trying to alleviate the worry evident on Fu Yichen's brow.

From a nearby container, Fu Yichen took out a bowl of well-cooked meat porridge. As he moved to feed Zhou, the smell seemed to worsen Zhou's nausea.

"I can't," Zhou whispered, hand flying to his mouth.

Instantly, Fu Yichen sealed the bowl and clutched Zhou tightly, shouting, "Stop!"

The driver outside signaled the horses, and the carriage gradually came to a halt.

Fu Yichen pushed aside the curtain of the carriage window, addressing Jin Feng, "Dong'er can't handle this pace. You escort Master Wan to the capital first."

Zhou Rendong tightened his grip on Fu Yichen's clothing, murmuring, "It's okay... I've... been through this before."

Fu Yichen knew precisely what 'before' Zhou was referring to, and his heart ached anew.

Wan Wenyuan, from another carriage, threw a bottle of pills to Fu Yichen. "Give him one every day. It'll maintain his strength."

Nodding in acknowledgment, Fu Yichen then turned to Gu Huo, "You should accompany Master Wan to the capital. Please ensure his safety alongside Jin Feng."

Gu Huo, being Wan Wenyuan's patient, was expected to accompany him. However, his gaze lingered on Yuan Yue.

But Yuan Yue seemed oblivious, his concern centered solely on his young master.

Knowing Gu Huo's intentions, Fu Yichen decisively spoke, "I'll personally take care of Dong'er on this journey. Let Yuan Yue go ahead to the capital with the others."

"What?" Yuan Yue protested. "But the young master..."

"Ensure Master Wan's safety for Dong'er's sake."

After a moment's pause, Zhou Rendong finally grasped their conversation. Trusting Fu Yichen's decision, he took Yuan Yue's hand, reassuringly, "It's alright, go ahead."

Yuan Yue wiped away tears, hugging Zhou Rendong tearfully before stepping out of the carriage. With lingering glances back, Gu Huo hoisted him onto a horse.

Jin Feng noted this with a slight frown. But priorities demanded urgency, so he led the group onward.

Fu Yicen, now only accompanied by a few shadow guards and a coachman, reduced their pace and headed for the nearest inn.

Taking out the medicine given by the revered doctor Wan, Fu Yicen poured out a pill and tried to feed it to the young one. However, the moment it approached his mouth, he resisted and buried his head into Fu's chest.

"Be good. The medicine will help you recover faster."

Zhou Rendong mumbled, "I won't take it. It'll make me vomit."

Left with no choice, Fu Yicen ingested the pill himself, then gently lifted Zhou’s face, leaning down to kiss him.

“Mmm…”

Zhou Rendong sniffled, opening his eyes slightly, "Mmm... Yicen...”

“It's me, Dong'er…”

He tenderly kissed Zhou Rendong's parched lips, and as he got him somewhat dazed, he gently parted his lips and transferred the medicine.

“Mmm… No…”

Sensing the taste, Zhou Rendong resisted. However, Fu Yicen was persistent, holding him firm, determinedly sealing their mouths together.

"Yicen… I feel awful!"

"My love," Fu Yicen whispered softly. Zhou Rendong's eyes glistened, leaning weakly against him, allowing the intimate moment.

Unsatisfied, Fu Yicen took a sip of water, sharing it.

The medicine dissolved quickly, and as Zhou swallowed, the remedy reached its destination.

Relieved, Fu Yicen released him.

Zhou Rendong’s cheeks flushed. Clasping Fu's attire, he gazed up at the defined jawline of the man, feeling a bit better, even the nausea seemed to recede.

"I've become a burden again."

His voice carried a hint of sullenness.

Fu Yicen brushed his lips gently, eyes softening, "Dong'er, you've been incredible, enduring for so long."

Encouraged by the praise, he lifted his chin defiantly, "Had you not stopped me, I could have made it to the capital."

Seeing his struggling speech, Fu Yicen sighed, indulging him, "Yes, it's all my fault."

"Mmm." Zhou Rendong seemed a bit more spirited, playfully twirling the ends of Fu's hair.

"Once you've recovered, you can punish me as you see fit," Fu Yicen said tenderly, touching his noticeably thinning collarbone.

Hearing this, Zhou Rendong pursed his lips, shaking his head, murmuring, "I wouldn't punish you."

Fu Yicen chuckled softly, patting him on the back. "Rest now; we'll soon arrive at the upcoming town."

Whether it was the effects of the medicine or the comfort of Fu Yicen's embrace, Zhou Rendong managed to sleep soundly during the journey.

By the time he awoke, Fu Yicen had already settled him into an inn.

His entire body felt sore and achy, causing him to grunt in discomfort.

Glancing around the room and not seeing Fu Yicen, memories of that dreadful day returned, and he began to tremble with fear.

Not even pausing to put on shoes, he bolted out of bed and towards the door. But just as he was about to dash forward, he ran straight into a solid chest.

"Mmm."