He's Gone

Amidst He Juan's reassuring murmurs and soothing caresses, He Xie eventually succumbed to sleep, still with his face wet with tears. 

With a movement as if he was handling a cracked porcelain, He Juan settled him down on the bed and drew the blanket up to his neck. He placed his palm on He Xie's forehead and frowned when he sensed that the man's temperature was still higher than norm.

He quietly walked to the door and slid it open, beckoning to Chen Youzhi outside. "Bring me a warm cloth and a glass of warm water."

With a nod, Chen Youzhi went to fulfill the request and returned shortly after. He Juan took over the items and murmured his thanks to him before returning to He Xie's side. He pulled a chair over, sat down and began to wipe away the trails of tears from He Xie's face with the warm cloth, hoping to ease his discomfort.