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Earlier that morning, Fu Xuan began experiencing slight discomfort and unusual sensations.
Normally fully focused during her recitation sessions, she now found herself momentarily spacing out after reading each article. These intervals were brief; with a short rest, Fu Xuan could regain her composure and continue reading. As such, it didn't appear too noticeable at first.
However, by evening when Su Qing saw Fu Xuan again, her symptoms had become quite apparent.
Fu Xuan knocked and entered. "Master, regarding the deduction assignment you gave me last time, I...I've completed it."
Her cheeks flushed, and her voice sounded somewhat weak.
Noticing this, Su Qing promptly responded, "Fu Xuan, are you feeling unwell? Perhaps you should take today off to rest."
Approaching, slightly breathless, Fu Xuan replied, "No, Master, I'm not uncomfortable. Besides, I have other tasks to attend to later..."
[Stelle: Fu Xuan is pushing herself way too hard!]
[Natasha: She's overdoing it.]
Su Qing glanced at her twice more, then stood from behind his desk, raising his hand.
"Ah, Master..." Holding her completed assignments close to her chest, Fu Xuan instinctively lowered her head, ready for Su Qing's customary pat.
However, instead of a gentle touch, Su Qing gently parted her pink bangs and placed the back of his hand against her forehead.
Feeling the heat radiating from her skin, Su Qing furrowed his brow. "It's burning up; you're sick."
Fu Xuan lifted her flushed face, slightly embarrassed. "Sick? I don't think so, Master. Why don't you check my homework first..."
Even as she spoke, sounding somewhat dazed, her determination remained unwavering.
Su Qing took the assignments from her hands and placed them on the table. "Given your condition today, let's not push yourself further. Focus on getting some rest."
***
Su Qing summoned a physician from the Alchemy Commission to examine Fu Xuan.
"The symptoms clearly indicate severe overexertion. She likely hasn't been resting properly lately," the female physician concluded after examining Fu Xuan. "You aren't someone who falls ill often, correct?"
"Mm-hmm..." Fu Xuan lay on the bed, feeling utterly drained, unable to deny her weakened state any longer.
The physician nodded. "With your constitution, when illness does strike, it tends to hit harder."
"It's not a major issue. After taking the prescribed medicine and getting plenty of rest, you should recover well. However, it's crucial that you don't overexert yourself again."
"Thank you," Su Qing expressed his gratitude to the healer as he escorted her out.
When Su Qing returned to the room, Fu Xuan had already taken her medication and lay back down on the bed. Her loose pink hair draped across the pillow, and she murmured softly, "Apologies, Master. I've caused you trouble."
"Caring for a sick disciple is hardly any trouble." As Su Qing spoke, he gestured from afar, mimicking a light flick to her forehead. "And remember, I've told you not to be so formal; stop constantly apologizing."
"Sorry... ah..." Fu Xuan realized just as she said it that she had inadvertently apologized again. She clutched the edges of the blanket and shrank further under it.
Su Qing smiled gently, noticing his frail disciple. Softening his tone, he reassured her, "All right, don't worry about these things now. Focus on resting first. Is there anything you'd like to eat? I'll prepare it for you."
"Anything is fine..." Fu Xuan felt her appetite waning.
"All right then," Su Qing said gently, "get some rest first."
In Fu Xuan's recollection, she seldom fell ill; her last bout had been long ago. In this rare state, she found herself feeling unusually frail and vulnerable.
As she watched Su Qing preparing to leave the room again, Fu Xuan hesitated, somewhat reluctant to let her go. She considered calling out to her master.
However, it was true that she had indeed pushed herself too hard recently. As soon as she lay back on the bed, a wave of drowsiness washed over her. Closing her eyes, she gradually drifted off to sleep.
***
Time swiftly passed, bringing evening upon them.
Su Qing entered carrying a steaming bowl of congee and softly woke Fu Xuan at the bedside.
Fu Xuan slowly opened her eyes, still slightly groggy, her long lashes fluttering gently.
Despite earlier claiming no appetite, the aroma of the food prepared by Su Qing suddenly sparked her hunger when she took a whiff.
Su Qing placed the bowl down on another chair nearby. "How are you feeling now? Did resting help your appetite? Can you eat by yourself?"
Can I eat by myself?
Fu Xuan pondered the question, somewhat dazedly. If she said no, would her Master feed her...?
Normally, Fu Xuan would never feel comfortable asking her master to feed her under any circumstances.
However, it's widely known that illness can make a person vulnerable, especially someone like Fu Xuan who rarely fell sick. The last time she was this ill dates back to when she was very young, and even then, it was her mother who cared for her.
Although still unable to verbally request such treatment from Su Qing, Fu Xuan managed to hide beneath the blankets, casting a pitiful gaze at her Master, conveying her wish through her eyes alone.
[Stelle: Ultimate Technique: The Art of Pleading with Watery Eyes!]
[March 7th: That technique name is way too long!]
[Qingque: But seems surprisingly effective, huh?]
Su Qing noticed Fu Xuan's expression immediately. He quickly understood that his disciple wanted to be fed but felt too embarrassed to ask outright.
So, Su Qing sat down, picked up the bowl and spoon, scooped a spoonful of congee, and offered it to her.
[March 7th: Wow, so jealous!]
[March 7th: Not only did Fu Xuan get to taste Su Qing's cooking during the simulation, but he even fed her by hand!]
[Kafka: ... ]
[Silver Wolf: Enjoying this, @Kafka, my dear teammate? Why so quiet lately? Is it your natural disposition?]
[Stelle: Ha ha ha, Silver Wolf is stirring things up!]
[Sparkle: Heartwarming team dynamics! Behind the Stellaron Hunter's concern for their reserved teammate lies a touching story!?]
[Firefly: Hahahaha! So heartwarming, too much! Even warmer than when I ignite the sea!?]
[Seele: ?? Laughing uncontrollably.]
Fu Xuan leaned against the pillow, slightly sitting up on the bed.
Her cheeks were flushed; besides the fever, there was also a hint of bashful redness. She obediently opened her small mouth, pink lips parting gently, and took a sip of the porridge offered by her master.
After just one bite, Fu Xuan looked at Su Qing, blinking her moist eyes with a soft, almost pleading tone that conveyed vulnerability. "Master, it's too hot..."
"Alright." Su Qing smiled warmly.
He scooped up another spoonful of porridge this time, but before offering it, he gently blew on it to cool it down.
After taking the cooled spoonful, Fu Xuan showed a faint smile. "It's delicious. Master, did you make this?"
[Kafka can't take it anymore.]
[She really can't bear it.]
[As if anyone could stomach this nonsense!!!]
[Kafka: ...Originally, I didn't want to say anything, considering you're sick.]
[Kafka: However, @Fu Xuan, aren't you being overly delicate here?!]
[Kafka: Letting Su Qing feed you is one thing, but complaining about it being too hot? You just have a fever; couldn't you blow on it yourself?!]
[Sparkle: ?? Kafka implies: Su Qing feeding her? Even I've never received such treatment!!]
[Fu Xuan: ...]
[Fu Xuan felt naturally embarrassed by this scene, so much so that any explanation seemed futile.]
[Except...]
[Fu Xuan: @Kafka, what, jealous now?]
[By resorting to this tactic—shifting embarrassment through attack!]
[Fu Xuan had observed others using this method multiple times during previous streams, finding it quite effective.]
[Kafka: ???]
[Kafka: @Fu Xuan, I used to think, as Luofu's Grand Diviner, you at least maintained some reserve.]
[Kafka: When you claimed your master-disciple relationship was ordinary, I even believed it somewhat.]
[Kafka: But revealing your true colors so quickly, huh? You're practically no different from Himeko Jingliu.]
[Himeko: ?]
[Jingliu: ?]
[Sparkle: ? Ha ha ha, Kafka's getting heated.]
[Silver Wolf: Looks like Kafka has finally met her match this time, and one who outdoes her in cuteness even from when they were kids!]
***
Under Su Qing's attentive care, Fu Xuan obediently took each spoonful of porridge.
Despite being a simple bowl, it tasted remarkably delicious. Realizing how skilled her master was in cooking, Fu Xuan's admiration for Su Qing grew further.
Later on...
After sweating during her illness and again while drinking the porridge, Fu Xuan felt uncomfortable and wished to wipe herself dry. Perhaps due to her feverish state, she found herself gazing expectantly at Su Qing, just as before, after expressing her desire to be wiped clean.
However, this time, Su Qing shook his head. "It's not too late yet; there are still people around in the Divination Commission. I can find a female diviner to help you with that."
Seeing her master's firm stance,
"No need, then..." Fu Xuan quickly adjusted her words as she burrowed deeper under the blankets, "Actually, I can manage myself."
Fu Xuan had a strong-willed nature, and within the Divination Commission, her only confidant was her master. She didn't want others witnessing her vulnerable state.
Su Qing brought over a basin of water and two towels, placing them on a chair. Then, he stepped outside to wait patiently.
Fu Xuan gripped the bed frame and sat up, her pretty face still flushed red. As she gently lifted the quilt, it revealed that her upper body was clad only in intimate undergarments and a small vest, both slightly damp with sweat.
[Firefly: Ah???]
[Bronya: @Fu Xuan, ah? Is that all you're wearing?!]
[Qingque: Oh no, the Grand Diviner seems truly delirious from fever. Even though she's sick, asking Su Qing to wipe your sweat like this... It really is...]
[Fu Xuan (covering her face)... Qingque, please stop.]
[Fu Xuan covered her face, ears turning noticeably red.]
[Just as Qingque suggested, perhaps I was indeed quite ill at that moment.]
[Regardless, even being close to my master, one must always be mindful of propriety between genders!]
[Were my senses truly clouded by the fever? How could I look so eagerly at my master, hoping he would help me wipe away the sweat?!]
[Is it possible that after such a long time without falling ill, just one sickness can damage my mind?]
[Kafka: ...Good thing Su Qing remains consistently dependable.]
After Fu Xuan fell ill, Su Qing took excellent care of her. However, precisely because his attentiveness was unwavering, when he felt it was time to leave and let her rest properly,
Fu Xuan reached out and gently tugged at his sleeve. Overwhelmed by her reluctance to let him go, she spoke with a hint of endearment, "Master—don't leave yet, please stay a little longer..."
Su Qing paused.
He had noticed that Fu Xuan's demeanor drastically changed when sick. The usually diligent, independent, and strong-willed Fu Xuan now seemed fragile and afraid of loneliness.
Given this, as her master, he couldn't bring himself to heartlessly depart. After a brief moment of contemplation, Su Qing made up his mind. He softly patted Fu Xuan's hand, indicating that he would indeed stay with her.
Seeing his decision, his disciple's face lit up with a sweet and reassured smile.
Well then.
Su Qing smiled back, feeling certain that this choice was undoubtedly worth it. He dimmed the room's lights and took a seat once more beside the bed.
Initially lying down, Fu Xuan turned her gaze towards Su Qing on the left side. Once their eyes met, they held each other's gaze for a moment before Fu Xuan suddenly rolled over, facing away from him.
Smiling, Su Qing asked, "What's this? Didn't you ask me to stay? Already feeling embarrassed?"
After resting and having some porridge, Fu Xuan felt slightly better, her mind clearer than before. Now, a sense of bashfulness began to creep in, especially upon hearing her master tease her.
"Ugh..." Fu Xuan's cheeks felt even hotter now, unsure if it was due to her illness or embarrassment.
After a moment, Su Qing spoke again, "As I said before, caring for a sick disciple is not something extraordinary."
"Moreover, failing to notice your deteriorating health and allowing you to fall ill is indeed my oversight as your master."
Facing away, Fu Xuan's petite body shrank slightly under the blankets. "Master, don't say that... It's all my own fault, not balancing effort with rest properly."
Su Qing smiled gently, "Alright, let's not argue over this. Let's consider it half-responsibility on each of us, shall we?"
"Mm..." Feeling her master's kindness, Fu Xuan stopped arguing and softly agreed.
Observing Fu Xuan turned away, Su Qing asked, "However, am I truly disturbing your rest by being here? Perhaps I should leave then?"
"No, not at all..."
Facing away, Fu Xuan composed herself slightly, suppressing her embarrassment before turning back to lie on her side. "I hope you'll stay with me, Master..."
In her weakened state due to illness, she couldn't help but feel clingy, wanting Su Qing near.
As a result of her movements and turning over, Fu Xuan's hair had become somewhat disheveled. Strands of pink hair scattered across her cheeks and pillow, accentuating the delicacy of her skin.
Noticing this, Su Qing reached out gently and tucked those loose strands behind her ear. As his fingertips brushed against Fu Xuan's skin, he could still feel her slightly elevated temperature from the illness.
"Alright, rest well now."
After arranging her hair neatly, Su Qing affectionately patted her head. "Your master won't go anywhere tonight; I'll be here to keep you company."
[March 7th: (Ascension) (Blissful)?]
[March 7th: Oh no, these gestures by Su Qing are just too lethal for my heart. ???]
Experiencing these actions firsthand, Fu Xuan was even more deeply moved.
She gazed at her master, his gentle concern reflecting in her eyes—a sight almost unimaginable.
Fu Xuan's fondness for her master skyrocketed to unprecedented heights.
Feeling the familiar head pat, Fu Xuan finally relaxed completely. Overcome by drowsiness, she closed her eyes. Surrounded by a sense of reassurance, Fu Xuan gradually drifted off to sleep.
Once he confirmed that Fu Xuan was asleep...
Su Qing took out his phone and began scrolling through it.
[Stelle: Wait! Ha ha ha, this is so abrupt!!]
[Qingque: Cheer up, don't set your expectations too high. After all, he has to stay with her constantly; can you blame him for checking his phone?]
[Stelle: No, no, it's just... With a historical setting involving divination and a master-disciple relationship on Xianzhou, seeing Su Qing suddenly using his smartphone feels like being on the wrong set!!]
[Kafka: ???]
[Kafka: I regret it now. Should have supported Fu Xuan earlier and skipped this part altogether.]
[Bronya: Ha ha ha, amidst such a heartwarming scene, Kafka is taking quite a hit.]
[Black Swan (laughs): But it seems this isn't over yet; Fu Xuan and Su Qing's relationship will continue to improve.]
[Stelle: Oh my Grand Diviner, can it get any better?!]
[Silver Wolf: ??? Wait, so these are the new characters?]
[Silver Wolf: Even being slow-witted scores high now! Yet despite all my bravery back then, I always ended up getting nothing!]
[Seele: hhh, even Silver Wolf can't handle it anymore—starting to feel envious!]
***
Under the care of the Alchemy Commission's prescriptions and Su Qing's attention, Fu Xuan enjoyed a restful recovery.
By the next day, she had largely improved. Although her illness was gone, upon regaining full consciousness, Fu Xuan realized the series of embarrassingly shameful actions she had taken the previous night.
Now uncertain, Fu Xuan wondered how she could face her master today...