The First Bloom 44

Zhenfeng let out a slow breath, his brows furrowed as he wrung out a cloth in a small basin of water. The damp fabric dripped slightly, droplets landing softly into the bowl as he folded it over and placed it against Jianyu's forehead. His skin was still clammy, his breathing shallow but steady.

Zhenfeng's lips pressed into a thin line. He wasn't sure why this was bothering him so much. It wasn't like Jianyu hadn't passed out before—hell, this wasn't even the first time he'd been forced to take care of him. But something about the way he had collapsed tonight, so suddenly, so completely, in the territory of others—Zhenfeng didn't like it.

His gaze flickered to Jianyu's face. His expression was peaceful now, but his fingers had twitched earlier, like he was gripping onto something in his sleep. Zhenfeng sighed.

"Just what kind of dream are you stuck in, huh?" he muttered under his breath, carefully readjusting the compress.