0019: The Temperature of Revival

“So hot…” Xu Lin whimpered, opening his eyes to the familiar ceiling. He immediately felt sticky and uncomfortable all over. After taking the fever medicine, wrapped in both the quilt and the embrace of the air conditioner, he’d sweated profusely, leaving him drenched and reeking. But at least he wasn’t cold anymore—his fever seemed to have broken.

Still, he didn’t dare shower just yet. The bathroom heater could help, but it was wiser not to risk it right after a fever. A change of clean clothes would have to do.

Climbing out of bed, he turned his head and saw a beauty curled up beside him. With every breath, her long lashes, delicate nose, and rosy lips trembled ever so slightly. Truly, a celebrity was a celebrity—her features so refined that whether thin or plump, she was a sight to behold.

Xu Lin smiled faintly, moved carefully to avoid waking her, and gently draped a small blanket over her before quietly leaving the bed. He stepped out of the room, intent on finding his phone, only to spot Mrs. Li emerging from the bathroom. She saw him at once and hurried over.

“What’s going on?” Mrs. Li grabbed his sleeve, her expression more serious than he’d ever seen. Xu Lin’s heart skipped a beat.

“Mom, I had a fever last night and came to the room for some medicine. She insisted I stay in the room and sleep after taking it. That’s all, I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“You had a fever—why didn’t you call me?”

“You and Dad both have work today. I couldn’t bring myself to wake you.”

“But you didn’t mind disturbing her sleep? Still, the girl must really trust you.”

“I was half out of it with the fever, couldn’t even speak properly.”

“Well, she certainly trusts you. Tell me honestly, son, do you like Qingchan?”

Mrs. Li regarded him seriously. She knew her son wasn’t a child anymore, and some things needed to be clear.

“She’s a pretty girl—of course boys like her. But liking and loving are different. If I’m sure I love her, I’ll go after her,” Xu Lin replied ambiguously, and Mrs. Li let the matter drop.

“Just remember, son, if you really like someone, and she likes you too, don’t ever let her down.”

“I know.”

Xu Lin then checked his temperature—down to 37.3 degrees. He took some cold medicine, freshened up, and prepared to head to school.

“With this temperature, are you sure you’re okay? Maybe I should call in for you,” Mrs. Li said, her heart aching at how pale he looked.

“No, as long as the fever’s gone, I’m fine.”

“If you feel unwell, tell your teacher.”

“I’m not stupid. By the way, since you and Dad are both at work, how about giving Qingchan a house key?”

“Of course.”

“After all, I’ve only known her two days, and you just one, but you trust her—that’s good.”

“I can tell she’s a good girl. She may look reserved, but she’s gentle. I felt it after a few conversations.”

“Well, I’m off. You and Dad take care at work—the roads are under construction.”

“Alright. If you feel worse, don’t push yourself.”

“Got it, Mom.”

Leaving home, Xu Lin slung his backpack over his shoulder and biked toward Ji Yun’s place. He didn’t text her this time, trusting their silent understanding. Sure enough, as he arrived at Building 9, he hadn’t waited half a minute when a lively figure approached, pushing her bicycle.

“Over here.”

“Xu Lin!” The girl broke into a broad smile and quickened her pace.

“Class monitor Ji, what’s with the messy hair?”

“It got flattened while I slept—I woke up late and didn’t have time to wash it…”

Embarrassed, Ji Yun ruffled her hair. Xu Lin set down his handlebars, reached out his hand like a comb, and gently smoothed her hair from the crown down.

Ji Yun instinctively wanted to pull away, but feeling his hand slide over her head, and seeing the earnestness on his face, she quietly leaned in closer.

Half an hour later, after grabbing a bite to eat, the two arrived in the classroom. It was still early; only a few students were there, some still eating.

“The class monitor’s here.”

“Yeah.”

“Xu Lin, have you eaten? I bought an extra stuffed pancake. Thought I’d finish it, but I couldn’t.” Ning Da, the class’s resident foodie, held up a bag.

“I already ate outside. You can save it for after morning study. Aren’t you the guy who eats three every day? How come you couldn’t finish one today?”

“Honestly, you don’t look well—are you hungry?”

“I noticed too but didn’t want to mention it. You look a bit worn out—caught a cold?” chimed in Xing Xiaoyan from nearby.

“It’s just a cold, not hunger. You eat it—thanks for offering me your breakfast.”

“We’re classmates.”

“If you have a cold, take a rest. If you feel bad, let the teacher know.”

“Mm.”

Back at his seat, Xu Lin put his textbooks in his desk and glanced over at Ji Yun. She seemed unconcerned about his cold, absorbed in her book. He wasn’t upset; maybe she hadn’t heard, and besides, a cold was nothing to make a fuss about—otherwise, he’d have told her on the way.

He disliked burdening others with his own sickness or troubles, fishing for sympathy or care.

So, morning study ended. Many students who hadn’t eaten went to the canteen. Feeling weak, Xu Lin opened his textbook and rested his cheek on the desk, squinting at his geography book.

But to his surprise, just as the others were returning from breakfast or the restroom, a small hand reached out to him.

“Class monitor Ji?” Xu Lin turned his head and saw her holding out a thermos cup.

He took it, and suddenly several classmates glanced over. Ji Yun, a bit embarrassed, said softly, “The canteen’s been selling ginger tea and pear syrup for one yuan a cup lately. Since you have a cold, I got you some ginger tea—drink it while it’s hot.”

“Thanks, class monitor.”

With that, Ji Yun quickly turned away, but already the class was abuzz with quiet gossip.

“Hey, is something going on between those two?”

“What’s the big deal? Last time Xu Lin played the hero, now he’s got a cold and she brings him tea—seems normal.”

“Guess so.”

“But isn’t that the class monitor’s own cup?”

“Yeah, so does that mean…”

Meanwhile, on Ji Yun’s side, Zhuo Yan and a few other girls gathered round, ears pricked for gossip.

“Ji Yun, are you two dating?”

“No, why do you think that? Xu Lin has a cold, and I happened to have a cup—just thought I’d get him some ginger tea.”

She seemed utterly nonchalant, leaving the others even more puzzled. She was always kind to everyone, but never let a boy use her cup before.

Xu Lin paid no mind, opened the lid, and took a sip. It didn’t taste great, but for the sake of his health, he gulped down half the cup, then lay back down to read quietly. Soon his two best friends returned, and it was time for class.

First period was English with Su Qingwan. Xu Lin had planned to talk to her, but now, feeling so drained, he couldn’t muster the energy. As long as she stayed away from that man, it was enough. If she ended up repeating her old path, there was nothing he could do—fate wasn’t so easily changed, especially after experiencing the miracle of rebirth and time travel.

The bell rang. Su Qingwan entered right on time, dressed in crisp black—white shirt, black blazer and trousers, her ponytail giving her a neat, capable look.

Class began, reviewing the last two test papers and explaining likely exam topics. Time slipped by.

Xu Lin started to feel cold again—a bad sign. He’d overestimated himself—this wretched body!

Just then, Su Qingwan called his name. “Xu Lin, come up and write this.”

He stood, legs weak, and walked to the podium. As he drew closer, his steps faltered, and he collapsed toward the stage.

He was about to hit the podium step when a figure lunged forward and caught him, a fresh scent filling his nose.

“Careful…”

“Sorry, Miss Su…”

“Miss Su, Xu Lin had a fever this morning and took some medicine. Maybe it hasn’t fully subsided,” Ji Yun couldn’t help but interject.

Su Qingwan looked at Xu Lin, whom she’d helped up. He truly looked unwell, and an indescribable emotion welled up in her, turning into worry.

“Continue working on this reading comprehension. I’ll take him to the nurse’s office.”

“Okay.”

“Ji Yun, keep an eye on the class.”

“Alright.”

Watching the two of them leave, Ji Yun grew anxious—not just because of Xu Lin’s fever, but also fearing the two might clash again.