But even as he says it, his hands are still clenched in his lap — knuckles white — still holding back everything he couldn't unleash.
Perhaps it was the murderous aura still radiating from Dong Yingming, Yao Ziyang began to stir. He hadn't completely fallen asleep and heard everything Dong Yingming had said. His ears turned a rosy red and his heart swelled with warmth and sweetness.
'So this is the kind of protection the original Yao Ziyang received during his time here. How nice.'
Yao Ziyang thought and was grateful to have been the one to be on the receiving end of such care. Slowly he sat up from the bed. The smell of lunch was tantalizing and he was beginning to feel starved.
"Brother Dong, I'm hungry. Let's eat."
His voice was soft but much clearer. His gaze landed on the steaming bowls and the pitiful sandwich and plain soup. Today, he will definitely share his delicious portion of food!
Dong Yingming helped rearrange the pillows behind Yao Ziyang then picked up the congee. They began their routine of eating. However, before Dong Yingming could feed Yao Ziyang the first spoon, he is stopped by an innocent question:
"Do you think this tastes good?"
His voice was so pure and soft, it left Dong Yingming stunned. Did he not like the taste? Did he want something else? Though he's recovered a fair bit, it was still too early to eat heavier foods.
Dong Yingming's expression darkened slightly. What could he do? If his man wanted to eat something else, he'd oblige no doubt! However, if it was something not suitable for his current health status, he'd have to deny him. Could he bear to let down his lover who is in such a frail state?
Seeing Dong Yingming staying still, Yao Ziyang took his silence as a confirmation. A lighthearted chuckle escapes his lips as he lifts his hand and places it on top of Dong Yingming's that was holding the half full spoon.
Gingerly, he applies a bit of pressure to push it towards Dong Yingming.
"Brother Dong, it's so delicious. Try it."
Faced with the expectant and sparkling inky eyes of his lover, Dong Yingming felt helpless and allowed the spoon to touch his lips. Slowly, he eats the congee meant for the patient in front of him. He gives an approving nod.
"It's good."
Thinking that would be the end of things, he then quickly scoops another half spoonful. Yet he is again stopped. His gaze moved from the spoon to Yao Ziyang's bright and vividly shining nightsky eyes. Yao Ziyang once again pushed the spoon towards Dong Yingming's mouth, his hand never leaving the other's. As if he were feeding the older man himself.
This only happened three more times before Dong Yingming had had enough. This was Yao Ziyang's food! Why was he being forced to eat it? Did Yao Ziyang really dislike his food that much? Finally Dong Yingming spoke up, his voice low with suspicion.
"Why are you feeding me your food? Is it actually not to your satisfaction, Yao Ziyang?"
Yao Ziyang flinched. He'd been caught, but his good intentions have been taken as being an insolent pampered young master! Before traveling over he was as poor as a dog! He never lived the life of a rich elite and only knew of their lifestyle through tv dramas and novels! All BL, of course.
Quickly, Yao Ziyang explain himself, sounding as pitiful as he could while giving a look of hurt.
"Brother Dong, my food always tastes so good. I see you only eat light and small dishes. I just wanted to share some of my good food with you. Brother Dong, please don't misunderstand my good intentions, my heart won't be able to take it!"
Hearing Yao Ziyang's response and seeing the pained look he was given, Dong Yingming felt both a surging warmth and bitter pang in his heart. His lover was only trying to share his good things with him and yet he accused the man of acting spoiled and being suspicious!
"I'm sorry, Baby Bird. But you don't have to do that. My food is good enough for me. This food is for you, to help you recover. Thank you, but I'll feel more at ease if you finish all your food, okay?"
Yao Ziyang felt reluctant but still nodded. At least he accomplished his goal of feeding this man. Next time, he will do it with his own hands. Yao Ziyang softly smiled at the thought of lovingly feeding his favorite character with his own hands, like a real couple.
Dong Yingming managed to feed the daydreaming Yao Ziyang the rest of his congee and the golden milk with no further interruption. After that was finished, he ate his own meal and cleaned up.
When Dong Yingming opened the door to his cell, he was greeted by Chang Xiao and Zhang Wei. They had come back after placing Zhao Heng in an unused solidarity cell. Curious but remaining steel faced, he handed Chang Xiao the tray of plates and bowls then turned to face Zhang Wei.
"What is it?"
"Ah-um! I've come to give the patient his message and acupuncture, it's best if done late in the afternoon for optimal efficiency!"
Zhang Wei nervously explained. Dong Yingming sized the elder up before finally making way for the doctor. His menacing aura did not go away however, but this did not matter much as Dr. Zhang was used to it. He slipped past Dong Yingming and walked inside.
Dr. Zhang adjusted his demeanor and approached the bed with the familiarity of someone who had been monitoring this patient far more closely than he would admit. He'd seen the boy when he was pale and burning, shaking with fever and unable to even sit up on his own. He remembered the way Dong Yingming had stood at his side, stone-faced and silent, eyes flicking to every gesture the doctor made.
But now…
Dr. Zhang paused.
Seeing the youth, Zhang Wei could hardly believe this was the sickly patient he had left mere hours ago! The boy—no, not a boy, really, just too delicate for this place—was sitting upright, propped slightly against a pillow. His hair was still tousled, his frame still slight, but there was color in his cheeks again. A faint flush, not from fever, but from warmth returning to his blood. His lips no longer had that cracked, feverish dryness. His eyes—when he looked up—were clearer. Not entirely rested, but no longer drowning in sickness.
"You're looking better!"
Dr. Zhang said, shocked, and with a flicker of something like relief in his voice.
Yao Ziyang blinked, then gave a faint, tired smile.
"Mm! I'm feeling much better too."
"This is quite the fast recovery! But I'd still like to give the message and acupuncture as an extra measure of precaution."
"Of course, Dr…um."
This wasn't the first time Zhang Wei had met Yao Ziyang but this was the first time Yao Ziyang was meeting his doctor while conscious! This was embarrassing but Zhang Wei didn't point this out and greeted the man.
"Zhang Wei, you can call me Dr. Zhang. I've been placed in charge of Master Dong Yingming's and your health."
"I see. Thank you for your hard work then, Dr. Zhang."
Dr. Zhang replied with a courteous nod, then crouched slightly to take a closer look. He reached out and tilted the boy's chin gently with gloved fingers. No flinch. That was new.
"Color's coming back."
He murmured to himself.
"Pulse steady. Eyes focused. Fever's broken."
The boy gave a soft laugh.
"Was I that bad?"
Dr. Zhang's eyes flicked sideways for a moment—toward the other side of the bed where he was waiting, watching every small interaction.
"You were bad enough that someone nearly lost their mind over it. The herbs did their job, ah my pills and Master Miao's herbal decoction didn't go to waste."
Dr. Zhang mutters for only the two of them to hear. Yao Ziyang smile softened at that, something private glinting behind his gaze but then froze at the last part.
Dr. Zhang straightened.
"Another two or three days of rest plus the medicine and you should be completely cured. When did you start feeling better? You were on the brink of passing out again before I left a few hours ago. This fast of a recovery is unheard of."
"After he drank that herbal decoction his fever suddenly broke. I tasted it as well and felt all my fatigue seem to disappear. Can you get more of that herbal decoction from your master?"
Dong Yingming said, almost commanding.
The doctor smirked but shook his head. He thoughtfully stroked his chin as if in deep contemplation.
"I can ask Master Miao but he's a very busy man. It may take some time but as his one and only disciple, I'll see what I can do."
Dong Yingming only nodded and didn't ask about the matter further. Yao Ziyang however, caught the name 'Miao' and felt like he'd heard this name before somewhere. Curiosity gnawing at him, he couldn't help but ask softly.
"This 'Master Miao' you mentioned, what is his full name?"
"Hmm? Why, it's Master Miao Ruiming, the one and only heir of the Miao family! He is my mentor."
Zhang Wei proudly declared. Dong Yingming stared hard at Yao Ziyang. It was understandable he would know about this peerless medical genius, afterall, the Yao family and Miao family were both prominent figures in high society. Yet he still felt a flush of jealousy at the thought Yao Ziyang could know and be familiar with another man other than him.
Yao Ziyang on the other hand was too stunned to pay any attention to the darkening aura beside him. It was never told that Miao Ruiming had a disciple and one so old and connected to Dong Yingming! What is with all these extra details having never been mentioned before? Could this be the result of his transmigrating here?
In the story, the female lead, Ming Liuyi, went behind the original Yao Ziyang's back and sought out the help of this medical genius to cure her husband and male lead, Yao Zizhou. Since then, they've had a harmonious friendship and she even got Miao Ruiming to help cure her best friend's husband who was also in a vegetative state!
What if, even with knowing the whole book and how it ends, it isn't enough to change his fate? It's clear there's more going on in this book world that he has no idea about! Yao Ziyang began to worry but was shaken out of this thoughts when he heard Zhang Wei instructing him to lay down.
"Okay, let's start with the message. Patient Yao, please take off your shirt and lay down."
The room grew cold immediately.
"Zhang Wei!"
Dong Yingming glared murderously at Zhang Wei. He spat out the elders name as if questioning and intimidating him. Zhang Wei froze in confusion. He was merely telling his patient to prepare for the message and acupuncture that they both agreed on! Not to mention his old age, he also didn't like men, this was only a medical request! He's innocent! Yao Ziyang looked on with glee.
'So this is a protective and jealous Dong Yingming. Ah, what should I do! I'm totally attracted to this man right now!'
Zhang Wei noticed the young man's pleased look and knew it was impossible to ask him for help in clearing his name. Putting on a serious expression, Zhang Wei gathered his courage and spoke eloquently.
"I need complete silence and concentration when treating my patients. Mr. Dong, if you must, please step outside and gather yourself."
Though Zhang Wei made the request, Dong Yingming did not move and inch. He merely snorted and ignored the old man. He was an elder! And a well respected doctor! Couldn't he get even a morsel of repect from this madman! Zhang Wei truly felt like crying now!
"Um, Brother Dong, maybe it's best if you do wait outside. It will only take a few moments. Please?"