Beside him, Ling Yuchen stared at his phone, his eyes seriously scrolling through the chat history.
The phone displayed a WeChat chat interface, with the contact name noted as Su Qingbei.
Learning that Xia Wantang had a stomach problem and refused to go to the hospital, he could only ask Su Qingbei what precautions he should take.
Su Qingbei then sent him some notes.
And mentioned that if the pain was mild, no special treatment was needed.
However, if the pain worsened, timely medical attention would be necessary.
Xia Wantang glanced at him, stirring the porridge in her bowl with her spoon, still lacking appetite.
When Ou Ma entered the kitchen, she leaned in and whispered, "Can I not eat if I don't want to?"
Ling Yuchen put down his phone and, after looking at the large bowl, frowned.
"Eat a little less. I'll get you a small bowl."
A stomach ailment meant one couldn't starve, but also couldn't overeat; it required small, frequent meals.
As Ling Yuchen was about to fetch a bowl, Han Xiao preempted him, "I'll get it. Young Master, please sit."
Xia Wantang pushed the large bowl further away, which eased some of the pressure in her heart.
With such a large bowl, she would feel guilty if she didn't finish it.
Once she had eaten from it, others wouldn't be able to.
Ou Ma meant well, and she was afraid of refusing Ou Ma's kindness.
In short, Ou Ma's excessive concern put a lot of pressure on her.
But if someone didn't truly care, they wouldn't treat her this way.
This kind of care was something she had once envied and longed for.
Every time she returned to their hometown with the Xia family.
Her grandparents would show the same concern for Xia Wanfu and Xia Yichen.
And she was always the superfluous one.
At that time, Xia Wanfu and Xia Yichen were always impatient, and she thought they were ungrateful and didn't know how fortunate they were.
Now, she was experiencing pain and happiness at the same time.
Han Xiao brought a bowl from the kitchen.
Ling Yuchen took it and gave it to Xia Wantang, saying, "Serve yourself as much as you want to eat."
"Okay."
Ling Yuchen's timely and considerate care made Xia Wantang feel very comfortable.
Ou Ma's cooking was indeed excellent.
This shrimp and lean meat congee was soft, delicious, fresh, and sweet. Even Xia Wantang, with her lack of appetite, ate two small bowls.
However, in Ou Ma's eyes, this was still not much, and she would definitely be hungry at night, as congee was not very filling.
Ou Ma picked up the hot congee, preparing to take it back to the kitchen.
"Wantang, I'll heat this congee for you in a clay pot. If you're hungry tonight, you can have some more."
"Okay, thank you, Ou Ma."
After the warm congee settled in her stomach, her stomach felt much more comfortable. While others were still eating, Xia Wantang went to sit alone on the sofa.
Wen Xuanyuan sent her several messages.
She also sent a few short videos, saying she was still at the Ling family's banquet and was currently having dinner.
So, Ling Yuchen had come to accompany her ahead of time.
"Holding your stomach will help. Here's some hot water."
Ling Yuchen brought a thermos and a hot water bottle, handing them to her together.
Xia Wantang looked up at him. He appeared cold and heartless, but was actually gentle and considerate.
She held the hot water bottle to her stomach, and the warmth reached her heart.
Being cared for and valued felt wonderful!
She thought that Ling Yuchen had already taken so many steps towards her, and she should move closer to him instead of retreating.
Ling Yuchen placed the water cup on the tea set and instructed, "If the pain gets worse, you must tell me."
Xia Wantang nodded obediently, her face blushing slightly. She wanted to say something but ultimately couldn't.
Ling Yuchen turned to leave after putting down the cup, but Xia Wantang, seeing this, anxiously reached out and grabbed his hand.
Ling Yuchen turned to look at her and asked with confusion, "What's wrong?"
Xia Wantang remained silent, only tightening her grip on his hand.
After a moment of stunned silence, Ling Yuchen sat down beside her.
The others, with remarkable tacit understanding, went to the kitchen.
Han Xiao was enjoying himself, washing dishes with Ou Ma, while Qiao Xinyue sat in a corner with a look of resentment.
The two washing dishes chatted happily, and Ou Ma's smile grew more pleased.
Xia Wantang held Ling Yuchen's hand tightly but said nothing.
She wanted to spend a quiet moment with him, doing nothing, saying nothing, just being there.
Ling Yuchen always seemed to know her thoughts, as if he had known her for a long time.
In fact, if one made an effort to understand, nothing would be impossible, nothing would be incomprehensible.
After a moment, Ling Yuchen squeezed her hand, his eyes full of tenderness.
"Do you want to go for a walk?"
The weather had been clear for days, and the night sky was filled with stars.
The mountains offered an even better view.
"Okay."
She hadn't left her room all day, and her bones felt weary.
Ling Yuchen held Xia Wantang's hand back and led her out the door.
Emerging from the air-conditioned room, the night breeze felt slightly warm and comfortable against her skin, enveloping her.
The entire world still held the lingering warmth of the sun, but the temperature at this moment was perfect, neither cold nor hot, and very pleasant.
Looking up, the crescent moon hung high, and stars dotted the sky.
Looking down, two long shadows overlapped.