Chapter 37 Important Note: Re-examination

Chapter 37 Important Matter: Check-up

Lin Yunshu’s fever broke by morning, but his cold symptoms persisted for a full week.

His respiratory tract seemed weak—whenever he caught a cold, he would cough incessantly. He wore a mask on his commute every day, and you could see he'd lost weight.

Zhou Yu no longer rushed to show off his cooking skills. Instead, he went ahead and hired a nutritionist and a housekeeper to provide Lin Yunshu with a full course of dietary therapy, along with IV immunoglobulin.

After five days, Lin Yunshu’s coughing wasn't as bad.

The next day, Zhou Yu had a business trip abroad. After thinking it over, he decided to take only Li Xun along and leave Lin Yunshu in the country to keep an eye on the collaboration with Tan Cong.

After all, Lin Yunshu’s cold wasn't completely gone. The significant climate differences between countries, combined with international travel and jet lag, would be too much for his fragile health.

The collaboration with Tan Cong had already been finalized—a major production and project, with Cassi as the largest investor leading the project.

It was indeed necessary to have someone stay behind to handle things at home.

The television drama had already begun filming. During the current slump in the industry, this platform-backed S+ mega-production was getting a surprising amount of hype.

The launch ceremony was mobbed by fans and paparazzi, blocking the exits completely. Chen Shuyang was so frightened that he called Lin Yunshu that evening, exclaiming, horrified, that being a celebrity was terrifying.

Even though there wasn't a single fan there for him.

“You have no idea,” Chen Shuyang said, still shaken. “The camera flashes were as blinding as a nuclear blast. Even half an hour after leaving, I was still seeing double.”

He had already wrapped up for the day and was in his hotel room, having just taken off his wig and taken a shower. Without delay, he immediately called his brother to report in.

“What’s even more incredible are our male and female leads,” he said with a look of awe. “They’re truly big stars—they can see better than anyone. Under those blinding flashes, they didn’t even blink and could accurately spot their own fans and send heart signs to them.”

He shook his head repeatedly. “Good thing no one was taking pictures of me, or they’d all be unflattering shots.”

“Actually,” Lin Yunshu said, “I was just on Weibo, and there are quite a few photos of you.”

Chen Shuyang didn’t believe it. “How is that possible? I don’t even have a fan account holder. You're kidding me.”

“Really, why would I lie to you?”

Lin Yunshu picked up his tablet, looked up the launch ceremony of the new drama, and held it up to the camera.

“Look, see? There are plenty of photos with you in them.”

Chen Shuyang leaned in for a closer look—it was true.

Although they were all taken by other celebrities’ fan account holders, he had been captured in the background while they photographed their own idols. Some comments even asked who he was.

“Everyone says you have a unique vibe,” Lin Yunshu complimented.

Actually, they meant he had an interesting look.

Chen Shuyang had a world-weary face, was tall and lean, and at first glance came across as arrogant and aloof.

But this was his first time being a celebrity. Suddenly standing alongside major stars and facing so many fans and camera flashes, he was incredibly stiff.

As the tallest man on site, he stood in a corner like a conspicuous telephone pole, his world-weary expression betrayed by clear yet clueless eyes.

He was the epitome of a college student failing to act cool.

So, when relaying this, Lin Yunshu put a positive spin on it: “They said you look very kind.”

“Alright, no need to comfort me,” Chen Shuyang said as he searched for himself. “They just mean I don't look smart. Another comment even said I look like a playboy. One photo can be interpreted in completely different ways.”

He rubbed his chin and raised an eyebrow confidently. “Doesn’t that just show how versatile I am?”

Lin Yunshu: ":o"

Chen Shuyang marveled, “You know, I might really be cut out for this.”

Lin Yunshu: ":O"

He smiled awkwardly and continued scrolling through Weibo, exclaiming in surprise, “You have a fan supertopic! Congratulations on gaining your first fan!”

Chen Shuyang glanced casually. “That? It was created by my senior from the Cainiao Post Station.”

Lin Yunshu: “?”

“He’s already applied to be a moderator. No one else is competing with him, so he’s guaranteed to get the role,” Chen Shuyang said. “He says that once I become famous, his account will be worth something and he can sell it.”

Lin Yunshu: “…”

Some “great” senior he is.

He recalled how this same senior had made Chen Shuyang sign a hundred photos just days earlier, also claiming he would sell them later.

Lin Yunshu felt bad for him and wanted to reassure his brother that it was okay—he would have more and more fans of his own in the future!

But Chen Shuyang only grew more confident, smirking. “Now someone’s already planning to make money off me before I’m famous. I must really have a bright future ahead.”

Lin Yunshu: “…………”

In the end, he fell silent.

His intention had been to comfort his brother.

After all, as a recent college graduate suddenly thrust into the public eye under intense scrutiny, being judged from every angle, the psychological pressure must be enormous.

What he hadn’t expected was that Chen Shuyang’s ego was even bigger.

No matter the comment, under his unique interpretation, it turned into praise, ultimately concluding that he was destined to be the next big thing in the entertainment industry.

Lin Yunshu felt he had worried for nothing.

With an attitude like that, Chen Shuyang would succeed at anything in the entertainment industry.

“Cough… cough!”

A cough suddenly tickled his throat. Lin Yunshu’s expression changed as he set down his phone and leaned over to grab the water glass on the coffee table.

“What’s wrong?” Chen Shuyang asked, his tone turning serious.

Lin Yunshu couldn’t respond, coughing so hard he felt lightheaded. His hand trembled, nearly knocking over the glass.

On the screen, a hand suddenly appeared, caught the glass and set it safely on the table.

Zhou Yu came into view, his large hand rubbing Lin Yunshu’s back as he pulled him into his embrace and soothed him by rubbing his chest. “Easy now, take it easy. What's brought this on?”

Lin Yunshu shook his head, breathing rapidly.

He felt a tightness in his chest and raised his hand to pound on his chest forcefully, when someone caught his wrist.

“Be gentle, baby!” Zhou Yu yelped.

Lin Yunshu’s neck flushed, his temples damp with cold sweat. It took him a moment to catch his breath.

Zhou Yu handed him some water, supporting the back of his head so he could lean against his shoulder—still shaken.

He carefully placed a hand over Lin Yunshu’s chest, worried he might have injured himself with those two punches earlier.

“Are you hurt, baby?”

“I’m fine now.” Lin Yunshu waved his hand lightly.

Off to the side, Chen Shuyang remained ignored on the phone screen.

His entire face was squished against the camera, as if trying to crawl out of it. Seeing Lin Yunshu looking better, his anxious expression softened.

“Did you catch a cold again?” he asked.

Lin Yunshu held up two fingers, slightly apart: “Just a little.”

“Just a little? That cough sounded serious!”

Zhou Yu snatched the phone.

Chen Shuyang frowned again, irritation flashing across his face—the kind that flares when two alphas meet and instantly dislike each other. “Do you even know how to take care of someone?”

Expecting Zhou Yu’s usual sharp retort, he was taken aback when the man simply looked helpless, holding the phone. “You’re right—it *is* my fault. Any good suggestions? Tips?”

So uncharacteristically humble, Chen Shuyang was thrown off—his anger largely dissolving.

“Well…” he said awkwardly, rubbing his nose, “My brother hasn’t been feeling well lately. You should stick close to him…”

“Enough,” Lin Yunshu took the phone back. “I told you—it’s nothing. Just a mild cold.”

“You always say that,” Chen Shuyang muttered. “Every time you catch a cold, it drags on for weeks.”

Lin Yunshu sighed. “I know. I’ll go take medicine now. You must be exhausted after today—go rest. You’ve got filming tomorrow.”

Chen Shuyang didn’t reply but began gathering his things. He usually listened to his brother.

“You—” he pointed at Zhou Yu, “—you’d better treat my brother right. Got it?”

Zhou Yu: “Understood, bro-in-law.”

Chen Shuyang: “…I’m hanging up now.”

The screen went dark. Zhou Yu tossed the phone aside and sighed, rubbing his face. “Felt like I’d just been scolded by the in-laws. Pretty embarrassing.”

Lin Yunshu smiled, amused.

Though he knew the man was only partly sincere—and mostly performing—he still patted his shoulder lightly in comfort. “Shuyang was just teasing.”

“I know.”

Zhou Yu grabbed Lin Yunshu’s hand, tugged it closer, kissed the inside of his wrist, then stood to fetch his medicine—all in one smooth motion.

Lin Yunshu: “…”

After swallowing the medicine with warm water, the soreness in his throat finally eased.

Lin Yunshu sank into the sofa, lazily tucking his legs beneath him.

“Have you packed your bags?” he asked.

Zhou Yu was leaving for work the next day.

“All packed,” Zhou Yu murmured, wrapping his arms around him from behind and resting his chin on Lin Yunshu’s shoulder. “I’ll be gone five days. Be good while I’m away—and don’t get sick again, okay?”

“You talking to me like a kid?”

Lin Yunshu laughed. His throat was still hoarse from earlier coughing, making his laughter rough and breathy—but especially tender.

Zhou Yu held him tightly, burying his face in his neck, breathing in his omega’s scent.

Since their marriage, they’d never truly been apart.

But thinking about Lin Yunshu’s recent poor health—back-to-back allergies and colds—he deeply hated the idea of sending him overseas to endure all that. His heart twisted with worry.

Zhou Yu realized he was experiencing separation anxiety. He hadn’t even left yet—but already missed him terribly. Even with Lin Yunshu still in his arms, it felt as though they’d been apart for ages, making him reluctant to let go.

He sighed silently.

The proud, flamboyant, joking facade faded—his embrace turning heavy, lingering.

“I really can’t bear to leave you,” he whispered.

Lin Yunshu’s heart stirred.

His fingers trembled faintly. He opened his mouth—but no words came.

In the end, he simply clasped Zhou Yu’s hand in return, gently stroking the alpha’s large, veined hand—soothing, steady.

·

Early the next morning.

After seeing Zhou Yu and his team off, Lin Yunshu brought Guo Shengyao back to the company.

His schedule was packed. With Zhou Yu away, household responsibilities fell entirely to him.

He dove straight into meetings upon returning, had lunch with Tan Cong, reviewed quarterly reports from various subsidiaries in the afternoon, then relocated for more meetings.

By the time he got home from work, it was already 9 p.m.

Yu Shu had waited anxiously—left and right—but hadn’t seen the couple return, so she’d fallen asleep curled up by the door.

The moment Lin Yunshu pushed the door open, he was greeted by a puddle of cat.

The kitten stirred at the sound, lifted her head, saw it was Dad, stretched luxuriously, then circled his legs—sticky and affectionate.

Lin Yunshu couldn’t help but laugh, feeling all his fatigue melt away.

He scooped her up and played for a while, fed her a cat treat, then dragged his weary body to wash up and prepare for bed.

After showering and lying down, Zhou Yu’s video call rang through—right on time.

"Sweetheart—"

The video was still loading, but the voice had already come through the screen.

Lin Yunshu couldn't help but laugh, getting comfortable against the pillow as he picked up his phone. "You made it?"

Zhou Yu was already at the hotel, still wearing the same suit he had on when he left—clearly, he had just arrived.

"Just got here," he said. "I knew it was getting late for you and wanted to see you before you went to sleep."

Lin Yunshu joked, "Now that you’ve seen me, are you reassured?"

"Not really," Zhou Yu replied, his expression grew serious. "You don’t look well."

Lin Yunshu was surprised. The day was hectic, and he'd only taken a quick shower—he hadn’t noticed how he looked.

"Are you tired, or is something wrong?" Zhou Yu asked with concern.

"No," Lin Yunshu said. "Just a bit sleepy. I didn’t have time for a nap today."

There were indeed dark circles under his eyes. Zhou Yu wanted to talk more, but seeing how exhausted he was, he resisted the urge.

"Alright," he relented. "Get some rest. There’s nothing urgent tomorrow morning, so sleep in a bit. You can go to the office later."

Lin Yunshu smiled faintly. "Okay."

The corners of his lips curved upward, the warm glow of the bedside lamp softening his features. He had a sharp jawline, and his collarbones were prominent beneath his slender neck.

Zhou Yu felt a stir in his heart, and he reached out as though to touch his face through the screen.

"Goodnight, sweet dreams," he said.

·

Since Zhou Yu was away, Lin Yunshu left the bedroom door open when he went to sleep.

Exhausted, he fell asleep faster than usual. Half-asleep, he felt something pulling at the blankets, and then a warm, furry presence wriggled into his arms.

Lin Yunshu was too tired to open his eyes, but he could hear the kitten’s rumbling purrs, like a little motor.

Yu Shu, finally seizing the opportunity with her dad away, had successfully climbed onto the bed. She was even clingier than her father, snuggling and nuzzling relentlessly.

It had gotten colder lately. With Zhou Yu usually holding him at night, Lin Yunshu hadn’t noticed it before, but now, with the bed suddenly feeling empty, he couldn’t get warm. His hands and feet were cold.

But as the kitten curled up in his arms, he instinctively held her close, seeking her warmth, and drifted off completely to the sound of her purring.

He woke again to the sound of frantic scratching and urgent meows.

Morning had come, and bright morning light streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting a hazy glow across the bed. Lin Yunshu’s vision was blurry.

Yu Shu was pacing anxiously by the bed, meowing loudly and pawing at him again and again.

Through blurry eyes, he vaguely noticed a red stain on the kitten’s paw pad—like blood.

Blood…

He woke up instantly.

He sat up abruptly, grabbing the kitten and checking her over frantically, his heart pounding in his throat.

Strangely, no matter how thoroughly he examined her, checking every part of her, he couldn’t find a single wound.

But there was unmistakably blood on Yu Shu’s paw.

Confused, Lin Yunshu released the kitten and automatically pressed his hand against the pillow, where he felt a strange, wet feeling.

He looked down and was startled to see a patch of half-dried blood staining the pillowcase.

As his senses returned, he noticed a strong, metallic scent of blood filling the air.

Lin Yunshu picked up a mirror and saw that half of his face was smeared with blood.

So the blood was his own…

His mind went blank for a second.

In the mirror, his face was pale, but dark, ink-like blood stained his nose and mouth, trailing down to behind his ear where it had begun to dry.

A loud roar echoed in Lin Yunshu’s mind, and his heart felt like it was exploding in his chest.

Why was his nose bleeding again so suddenly?

Hadn’t it stopped for a while now?

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Beep! Beep! Beep!

His phone began ringing shrilly, adding to his splitting headache.

Gritting his teeth and pressing a hand to his temple, he grabbed the phone and silenced it.

The screen lit up—it wasn’t an alarm but a calendar reminder:

Important: Follow-up Appointment

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Author’s Note: PS: Not angst.

————

So tired, almost out of drafts. From now on, I’ll struggle to update daily [crying]. If any readers have made it this far, could you maybe give me a little praise? Just a tiny bit of motivation to keep going [pleading][pleading].