Chapter 20 God-Tier Applesauce

[Doctor Zhen Jian]

I began moving her joints through various ranges of motion, starting with her neck, then her back, arms, and legs. Each finger and toe received careful attention to prevent stiffness. The room was filled with the faint creaking of her joints and the soft rustle of my movements.

After washing my hands, it was time for breakfast. I grabbed a few apples, oranges, and bananas, crushing them separately in small bowls. The sweet scent of the fruits filled the air, a pleasant contrast to the usual medicinal aromas.

"Hello, Mrs. Patient, this is your doctor Zhen Jian," I said gently, leaning close to her ear. "I am back with breakfast. I do not know what type of fruits you like, so I will check your heart rate. If you don't like one, your heart rate will go up because the body reacts more aggressively to something we don't like."

I placed my fingers on her wrist, feeling the slow, steady pulse. Her breathing was also slow. "Hmm, is she asleep?" I wondered aloud, whispering, "Mrs. Patient?"

I listed the fruits. "Well, I guess she doesn't like bananas, oranges, or apples." When I mentioned apples, her breathing quickened slightly, and her pulse increased for a second.

"Okay, that's good that you like apples. I personally like the red ones from my farm the best. Haha," I chuckled softly. "Do you not like red apples and prefer green ones?" Her pulse quickened again, and I laughed. "Haha, we are the same then."

I brought the crushed red apples, now a smooth applesauce, to her lips. The sweet, tart scent filled the air as I prepared to feed her. "Here we go, Mrs. Patient," I said softly, carefully spooning the applesauce into her mouth.

***

[Huo Lian]

Haaa, I was so tired from cursing at him. The frustration left me drained, but it seemed futile. Perhaps ignoring him would be a better strategy, yet hunger gnawed at my resolve. Just as my stomach began to protest, the scent of fresh apples wafted through the air, teasing my senses.

Damn, he had to bring breakfast the moment I felt hungry. Despite my anger, the need for food was undeniable. I tried to resist, thinking I could endure a day without eating, but the aroma was irresistible. And then, he brought red apples. 

WHAT THE FUCK can he actually read minds? If he can, why can't he understand that him cleaning me is uncomfortable? Shit, my body reacted to him trying to put away the food. Now he's going to feed me. No, I feel like dying.

As he spooned the applesauce into my mouth, the rich, sweet flavor overwhelmed me. GOD DAMMIT, WHY IS it so good???

"Oh, sorry Mrs. Patient. I'm not used to feeding people. You have some on your lip. Let me clean it for you." 

He brought a soft hand towel and gently wiped off the leftover apple sauce from my lips. The gesture was so tender it made my cheeks burn with embarrassment. I wanted to disappear. I can't even look at him in the eye anymore. My pride was shattered in front of this child. 

I cried without tears, my heart hatefully resentful. Ultimately, I realized it was my fault . He was doing all this to care for me, but it was simply too embarrassing. I had no memory of ever being cared for like this. My father hated me, and the palace staff were indifferent. He was the first person to ever perform such acts of kindness. I couldn't get used to it.

"Okay, Mrs. Patient, I have to open up the clinic now, but I can't leave you alone here, nor is it good for you to remain in bed for too long. There's a recliner overlooking the outside with lots of sunlight that should be good for you."

Hmm, yes, sitting up is a good idea. I might even learn to adjust to my situation better. He picked me up with his calloused hands and gently placed me in the recliner.

My perception was still small; I could feel the counter where he was standing behind. He stayed within arm's reach of me. Sigh, he is too attractive. He is indeed a good doctor.

[Doctor Zhen Jian]

I placed the recliner to catch the gentle morning sunshine. It was crucial to keep her within arm's reach in case she began to lean over or something, so I moved the chair near the counter. The clinic door creaked open, letting in a breeze that carried the scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth.

Ahh, ready for the new day. I felt the sunshine and felt refreshed as well. The odd feeling I was experiencing yesterday was gone, and now I was back to my old self. I couldn't recall why I felt so strange all day, but what really mattered was that I felt fine today.

I had someone I needed to care for day and night. Getting her back on her feet was my priority. I glanced at my patient, laying in the recliner, absorbing the morning sun. Her delicate features were illuminated by the light, making her look almost ethereal.

"You will be back to normal before you know it," I whispered, reaffirming my promise to care for her.