Chapter 45: Like Being Soaked

Chapter 45: Like Being Soaked

Ying Li felt like he was drowning, his nose and mouth filled with water. Intense coughing made him gasp for air, feeling as if he was about to cough out his lungs.

There was a sharp pain in his chest, and beside his ear, he could hear Xie Wen's anxious voice.

"Brother Li, are you okay?"

Xie Wen was overwhelmed with guilt. He was stunned when Ying Li fell, and couldn't catch him in time, letting Ying Li plunge straight into the water.

Shen Yao quickly swam over, frantically helping Ying Li clear his airway: "Cough it out, you'll be fine once you do."

The hand on his back was patting gently, and Ying Li coughed with all his might. After several minutes, the paleness of his lips began to fade.

A crowd gathered at the pool's edge, and a staff member asked, "Are you better? Should we call an ambulance?"

Holding onto the arm around him, Ying Li looked up and spoke hoarsely, "No need... just inhaled some water, I'm fine now."

His nose and throat still hurt, feeling as if bugs were crawling inside, dry and itchy. Ying Li coughed a few more times to clear the water from his lungs, looking up with moist, reddened eyes. Water droplets hung from his chin, his face looking radiant yet frail, his thin chest heaving, every breath trembling.

[Such a pitiable little pup who fell into the water. Let big sis kiss and hug you.]

[What do I do? He looks so obedient like this, I feel like taking the lead rather than letting him. What's this vibe I'm feeling?!]

[You're not alone in that.]

Seeing Ying Li in such a state, Shen Yao was worried: "Take a moment to recover, and if you feel unwell, please let me know."

Ying Li gave a weak nod: "Mm."

The strenuous coughing had taken its toll on him. His limbs felt limp, hanging bonelessly in the water. Sensing the arm supporting him was about to let go, he cried out in alarm, gripping that hand so tightly his nails dug into the flesh.

A dull pain emanated from the arm, and Qi Xie remarked, "It's shallow, you won't drown."

The arm under Ying Li's armpit was veined, its light blue blood vessels subtly pulsating beneath the skin. After being tightly pinched by Ying Li, the grip around him tightened, holding him in a protective embrace, much like cradling a child.

"Th-thank you."

Ying Li felt a bit embarrassed. As he attempted to stand, he realized the water in the pool was indeed shallow, only reaching below his waist.

The buoyancy of the water felt intriguing. Tentatively, he took a step, feeling both as if he had found footing and as if he might slip at any moment.

Shen Yao found his cautious demeanor endearing, "Don't you know how to swim?"

Ying Li pursed his lips, shaking his head, "No..."

He had always been a non-swimmer. In his hometown, many had drowned in the local river, so from a young age, he was strictly prohibited from going near the water. After starting school, he never acquired swimming skills. When he fell into the water, panic took over. The warm water made him feel as if he had plunged into boiling water. Had Qi Xie not rescued him in time, he might have truly drowned.

The little fish, flushed all over, was slapped onto the shore by the disturbed water, stranded between the rocks. Ying Li picked it up and gently released it back into the water.

Xie Wen's gaze briefly fell on him, then shifted away quickly, suggesting, "Brother Li, maybe you should change into fresh clothes..."

When Ying Li stood up, his entire back was fully exposed.

[He's so fair-skinned! Did he apply powder? I can't believe someone can be this pale.]

[That handprint on his back is so intense! Doesn't the captain know how to be gentle?]

[Is it possible he's just too delicate, turning red at the slightest touch?]

[Captain, tell us how it feels to touch the young caregiver's back! Is it smooth?]

Ying Li turned around, noticing all eyes on him, he tilted his head in confusion, "Hm?"

Xie Wen pointed to Ying Li's back, "Your shirt's torn at the back."

"What?"

Following Xie Wen's pointing finger, Ying Li realized the state he was in, his face immediately flushing with embarrassment.

His shirt was torn from the neckline, revealing his smooth, rounded shoulders. On his porcelain-fine back were several distinct handprints, stark against his slender spine.

No wonder his back felt so cold...

[Damn, he's blushing! Such an adorable look of shyness. Makes me want to push him against the bath's edge even more!]

[The quality of that shirt is questionable at best, though it does add a certain charm, hehe.]

[Hilarious! Captain must've been too eager and couldn't control his strength.]

[I wish I could touch that young man's smooth, fair, and tender back too.]

[Enough already! This chatroom is full of thirsty folks.]

The hot spring pool was filled with mist, making everything hazy. Ying Li's skin was exceptionally fair, turning a soft pink wherever the warm water touched. Glistening droplets trailed down his back, following the curve of his waist and gathering in a small dimple, like a tiny pond.

Shen Yao felt that soaking in hot springs could be dehydrating. Why else would his mouth feel so dry?

Xie Wen mentally repeated "Eyes off!" ten times.

So beautiful, Song Ji Mo once again appreciated his excellent taste.

The torn piece of fabric floated on the water's surface, looking like a little tail trailing behind Ying Li. He felt immensely embarrassed, hunching his shoulders slightly: "I'll go change my clothes."

He was wearing jeans below, which were quite absorbent. The wet fabric darkened and felt heavy. As he emerged from the water, it splashed around him.

A staff member was quick to fetch a bathrobe, but someone else was even quicker.

"Make do with this." A pair of white gloves offered the robe.

Bian Qiao had somehow made his way to the water's edge, the cuffs of his pants dampened by Ying Li's splashing.

"Thank you," Ying Li said, wrapping himself from head to toe. To the others, he added, "I'll be heading back first."

Bian Qiao took a step to follow him, "Let me accompany you."

The soaked jeans felt heavy, dripping water with every step.

It looks like I've wet myself.

Qi Xie gazed at his shivering silhouette, his eyes darkening and heart racing.

The night was chilly, and the draft beneath the bathrobe combined with the damp pants sticking to his legs made Ying Li shiver even more. He had to walk a considerable distance past the hotel's garden to reach the elevator.

They were staying on the twenty-fourth floor. Inside the elevator, Ying Li noticed the water dripping from his pants, leaving wet marks on the floor.

Bian Qiao glanced down and inquired, "What happened?"

Ying Li replied, a bit sheepishly, "I probably should have taken off my pants or wrung them out earlier."

Otherwise, anyone unaware might think he had an accident, which would be so embarrassing.

A faint smile played on Bian Qiao's lips as he said, "Indeed."

Ying Li shivered and tightened his bathrobe, commenting, "You didn't really have to come up with me. The fans can't see you anymore."

Raising an eyebrow, Bian Qiao responded, "The cameraman might dock my pay for that."

They were supposed to be individually followed by a camera during the live broadcast. Ying Li felt a pang of sympathy for the cameraman.

The elevator ascended slowly, the hum of the machinery evident.

"The girl who was trapped in the elevator with you all today cried out of fear." Bian Qiao turned to look at him, seemingly casually asking, "What happened in there?"

He had also noticed Song Ji Mo holding onto Ying Li's wrist.

There had been a crowd at the elevator door, and even as the rescue team pulled them out, Song Ji Mo seemed reluctant to let go.

Ying Li briefly described the events inside the elevator.

Bian Qiao commented, "It does sound dangerous."

"Oh, by the way," Ying Li suddenly remembered, "does Song Ji Mo have a severe case of claustrophobia?"

Bian Qiao's lips twitched, "Claustrophobia?"

Ying Li nodded, "Yes."

Bian Qiao seemed to have understood, and without hesitation, he exposed Song Ji Mo: "He's not ill."

Ying Li was momentarily taken aback, muttering, "Then why does he look so pained...?"

The elevator wall, as smooth as a mirror, reflected his expression. First, his brows furrowed, but in just a brief moment, they relaxed as if he'd convinced himself. He nodded and said, "It's good he isn't."

Bian Qiao caught every shift in his expression and looked at him curiously, "Aren't you angry?"

"Why should I be?" Ying Li tilted his head slightly, his chin raised, "Isn't it better that he doesn't have the illness?"

Bian Qiao remarked, "He deceived you."

It took Ying Li a couple of seconds to register, still seeming puzzled: "Is that... really deception?"

He hadn't been harmed or lost anything; what reason would Song Ji Mo have to deceive him?

After escorting him to the room, Bian Qiao stood at the door without entering, "You should take a shower quickly to avoid catching a cold."

Bian Qiao had a strong sense of personal boundaries and was quite meticulous about cleanliness. He rarely allowed others into his room. Apart from the first day when Ying Li helped clean his room, he had never been in there again.

Ying Li expressed his gratitude, "Thank you."

The hotel's hot springs were sourced from natural underground springs. Even after processing, there was a hint of a sulfuric odor which Ying Li wasn't particularly fond of.

Ying Li, who tended to get cold easily, preferred his bathwater quite hot. Soon, the bathroom was filled with steam.

The hot water stung a bit when it hit his back. From the mirror, Ying Li could see the distinct handprint on his back – all five fingers clearly marked and the edges swollen.

His gaze inadvertently landed on the dirty laundry. How could Qi Xie be so strong? His t-shirt was torn from the collar to the shoulder. It was irreparable. He had just bought it last month and had only worn it twice. Now, it was ruined.

With a heavy heart, Ying Li threw it into the trash bin and then hung up his pants to dry after washing them.

The screen of the mobile phone on the washbasin flickered. Shen Yao texted that there was no need to come down; they'd be back soon.

Drying his hands, Ying Li replied, "Okay."

Exiting the chat, Ying Li saw the group chat with just the six of them. On a whim, he clicked on it. The last message dated back to the night of the "Truth or Dare" game.

He checked the group members' list, which showed he had three friends added. He hadn't added Qi Xie on WeChat and was hesitant to remind Qi Xie to take his medication in the group chat.

He clicked on Qi Xie's WeChat profile picture again, sending a friend request with the message: [Remember to take your medicine.]

That morning, he noticed two fresh scratch marks on Qi Xie's hand. The makeup artist had to apply a generous amount of concealer to cover them. Ying Li wanted to remind him once more not to hurt himself but held back the words just before they left his lips.

What did it matter to him if Qi Xie hurt himself? His sole responsibility was to manage the villa's cleanliness and their daily needs. Everything else was beyond his control.

As he set down his phone to dry his hair, a 'ding' announced a new WeChat message. Qi Xie instantly accepted his friend request: [Open the door.]

Was Qi Xie outside?

Ying Li's eyelids twitched involuntarily. He quickly exited the app, pretending he hadn't seen anything.

But just as he was about to turn off the screen, another message from Qi Xie appeared.

[They're on their way up.]

The message carried an unmistakable sense of threat.

A shiver ran down Ying Li's spine. It was nearing eleven o'clock. Why was Qi Xie seeking him out at this hour? Could he possibly want to...?

Ying Li held onto his phone, paralyzed, as new messages continued to pop up.

[On the 11th floor now.]

【13。】

【15。】

Each word hit Ying Li like a death knell. The unspeakable words from the previous night replayed in his ears like a haunting refrain. He was genuinely terrified.

Why was Qi Xie treating him like this?

Qi Xie was utterly insufferable!

【22。】

In a flurry, Ying Li dropped his phone and rushed to open the door.

As he cracked the door open slightly, a dark figure swiftly entered, and the solid wood door slammed shut behind him.

Ying Li's heart raced, and he could almost hear the sound of Shen Yao and the others passing by.

"I think I just saw the captain..."

"You must be mistaken; didn't the captain come back earlier?"

It was such a close call.

Ying Li didn't want anyone to see Qi Xie visiting him, let alone be misunderstood. His actions while opening and closing the door were more cautious than a thief's.

In contrast, Qi Xie looked utterly unperturbed. Was he not afraid at all?

Qi Xie didn't carry the scent of sulfur, suggesting he'd taken a shower. Instead, there was a cool hint of mint about him.

He lifted his hand, lightly touching Ying Li's trembling lashes, "Have you been crying?"

Yes, he had been on the verge of tears from frustration.

Pushing away Qi Xie's hand, Ying Li turned to leave, retorting, "Not at all."

"It took you so long to open the door. What were you doing?" Qi Xie withdrew his hand and followed, "Were you avoiding me?"

That single statement from Qi Xie froze Ying Li in his tracks. Based on Qi Xie's threat the night before, Ying Li knew all too well what 'punishment' awaited him for avoiding the man. He quickly replied, "I wasn't avoiding you... I was just busy."

"Drying your hair?"

Ying Li had been trying to think of an excuse, and to his surprise, Qi Xie provided one for him. Seizing the opportunity, he obediently murmured in agreement.

Long fingers threaded through his hair, Qi Xie commented, "It's still damp."

Ying Li didn't dare move away, allowing the touch, "I haven't finished drying it. Let me continue."

With that, he picked up the hairdryer and diligently went back to work.

His recently-trimmed hair was short and dried quickly.

As the hum of the hairdryer ceased, a hush fell over the room.

Qi Xie stood close beside him, his presence impossible to ignore.

Ying Li stowed the hairdryer away in the drawer, and as he turned, he collided with a solid wall of muscle, his legs nearly giving way, almost causing him to fall back onto the cabinet.

As Qi Xie leaned down further, it seemed he particularly enjoyed this intimidating stance, looking down on Ying Li with an overwhelming presence that left him breathless.

Ying Li studied Qi Xie's face intently, searching for any signs of distress.

But today, Qi Xie seemed perfectly composed. His cheeks weren't flushed; he wasn't out of breath, and his demeanor was steady.

Still, Ying Li remained cautious, gingerly asking, "Have you taken your medication?"

"No," Qi Xie admitted candidly, "I didn't take it this morning, nor at noon."

A cool minty sensation wafted near his neck.

"Zhang Shao Ling entrusted you to ensure I take my meds, and this is how you oversee it?"

Accused without reason, Ying Li's face drained of color. Hadn't he been responsible enough? He had reminded Qi Xie multiple times, only stopping short of feeding him by hand.

Anger and resentment welled up inside Ying Li. Biting his lip, he retorted, "I've reminded you countless times. If you choose not to take it, what can I do? Now you blame me, but if you don't care about your own health, how can you expect others to?"

"You don't care."

Qi Xie latched onto the crux of the statement, his eyes darkening.

Startled by his sudden change in demeanor, Ying Li's voice quavered, laden with emotion, "Why should I care?"

Whether Qi Xie took his medication or not wasn't Ying Li's concern in the first place.

In the next instant, Ying Li's petite face was caught and cradled in Qi Xie's large hand. Fingers harshly glided over his cheeks and lips, caressing with a malice-filled tenderness.

Qi Xie's touch, though restrained, turned Ying Li's lips an even deeper shade of red. Occasionally, his fingers grazed against Ying Li's teeth, an intimate tease.

With brooding eyes, Qi Xie continued to stare at Ying Li, making his scalp tingle in anticipation.

However, to Ying Li's surprise, Qi Xie suddenly loosened his grip, letting go.

Tentatively raising his eyes, Ying Li found Qi Xie arching an eyebrow, his expression a mix of contempt and sarcasm, "You're right."

Right about what?

In a daze, Ying Li watched as Qi Xie strode to the window, pushing it open with a forceful hand, letting the cool breeze rush in.

He lifted his hand, seemingly holding a white pill bottle, and made a gesture of tossing something outside, all under Ying Li's astonished gaze.

"Are you insane from this height?" Ying Li's eyes widened, uttering the first swear word of his life, "Madman!"

As Ying Li pushed him away and tried to rush downstairs, he hadn't gone two steps before Qi Xie yanked him back, holding him in an embrace that was part hug, part restraint.

A jolt from his head to his chin, tasting the metallic tang of blood in his mouth, his tongue brushing the inside of his cheek, Qi Xie said, "What's the rush? Didn't you say you didn't care?"

Ying Li was infuriated, struggling against Qi Xie's grip, shouting, "What do I care about? Throwing objects from a height is illegal! What if it hit someone?"

They might even mistake him for an accomplice, and he wouldn’t be able to explain himself then.

Ying Li's eyes were reddening in desperation, yet the man behind him held onto him as immovable as a fortress.

With his firm chin resting atop Ying Li's head, Qi Xie stated, "It won't hit anyone."

"You say it won't and that's it?" Fear evident in his voice, almost on the brink of tears, Ying Li pleaded, "Let me go, I need to check..."

Qi Xie, having never seen him so enraged, his fierce demeanor resembling a young kitten, with eyes all the more lively, cheerfully curled his lips, pinched Ying Li's shoulder, and playfully shook the item in his hand, "I didn’t throw it."

He didn't throw?

Ying Li stopped struggling, staring blankly at him for a few seconds, sniffled, and mumbled a soft, "Oh."

"What do you mean 'Oh'?"

Qi Xie gripped Ying Li's chin, forcing him to look up, a hidden fury in his gaze.

"If you didn't throw it, then it's okay," said Ying Li, voice trembling, "Just don’t scare me like that..."

Noticing the change in Qi Xie's expression and fearing he might lose his temper as he did the night before, Ying Li softly pleaded, "Can you take your medication first?"

Qi Xie stared back, "Two pills."

"Alright," Ying Li took the pill bottle from him, unscrewed the cap, and poured two pills into his hand, adding nervously, "Let me go, I'll get some water."

"No need."

Without lessening the force on Ying Li's shoulder, Qi Xie, without even taking a sip of water, swallowed the two pills dry, his Adam's apple moving visibly.

All the while, his gaze remained fixed on Ying Li, as if what he was swallowing wasn't merely pills but Ying Li himself.

A shiver ran down the spine.

After a moment, the breathing near his ear stabilized.

"You're alright now, aren’t you?"

Ying Li asked him in a hushed tone. The undertones of his words hinted at wanting Qi Xie to leave, yet he didn't dare to voice it explicitly, his timid demeanor inviting intimidation.

Qi Xie leaned in, suddenly closing the gap between their faces.

Forced to retreat half a step, Ying Li's slender wrist was suddenly seized by Qi Xie. His fingertips, whiter than bamboo shoots, trembled as Qi Xie pressed them against his lips.

Feeling the moist warmth against his fingers, Ying Li froze, hastily trying to pull away. "What are you doing?"

But Ying Li couldn’t free himself. It seemed that any slight movement would result in his bones being crushed. He looked up, fear evident in his eyes, as the moist breath from Qi Xie's mouth brushed against his face.

"My mouth hurts. It's bleeding."

Author's Note:

Ah, just admit you want to nibble on your wife's fingers, man.