Chapter 5
After the fever meds, my temperature dropped in hours.
At noon, Shen Zhe brought lunch.
Maybe my imagination, but his face seemed grim.
I glanced again, but the shadow was gone.
He set the tray down and came to the bed. “Yao Yao, I made your favorites.”
I stayed buried under the covers, silent, planning a hunger strike.
No matter what he said, I wouldn’t emerge.
Finally, helpless: “What will it take for you to eat?”
“Unless you let me go.” My muffled voice came.
“Yao Yao, you know that’s impossible.” He sighed, about to say more when his phone rang.
While he answered, I peeked at the source of the aroma.
Sweet-and-sour pork tenderloin and spicy diced chicken—my favorites.
My stomach growled untimely. I swallowed, then dove back under, determined to protest.
I held out three days, starving myself to near delirium, my stomach aching faintly.
They still wouldn’t release me.
On the fourth morning, when Shen Kuo appeared with fried noodles, I cracked.
The scent filled the room, making me salivate.
“Still not eating?” He teased, holding the plate close.
The rich aroma overwhelmed me. I grabbed chopsticks and devoured it.
He smirked, patting my back, handing warm water. “Slow down, don’t choke.”
I gulped it, continuing to eat.
He seemed to casually ask if my period still hurt.
Eating eagerly, I didn’t hear clearly and nodded absently.
Only before bed did I realize how stupid that was.
Shen Zhe and Shen Kuo inexplicably decided to take turns sleeping with me nightly, claiming concern for my cramps.
I doubted the excuse was made up, but had no say.
First night: Shen Kuo.
Lights off, I stiffened, huddling at the bed’s edge, far from him.
Time ticked, my eyelids heavy.
In the night, hands pulled me into an embrace, warm palm on my abdomen, the faint cologne soothing.
Waking, I found the hand on my waist. Struggling tightened it.
Shen Kuo, eyes closed, lazy: “Move again and see what happens.”
Feeling his body’s change below, I froze, barely breathing.
“Period not over?” He opened eyes, emotions swirling, voice raspy with restrained desire.
My heart sank—what did this pervert want?
Probably waiting for my period to end to…
I shut eyes, feigning sleep, mentally calculating.
Day five of my period—usually three more days left.
I couldn’t wait passively; I had to escape before it ended.