By now, smoke was already rising from the kitchen stove in the backyard, dinner was being prepared.
Evening was when families gathered, making it the most substantial meal of the day. With the clinic closed, there was finally time to cook properly.
"Brother Huang Qi, I really want to eat Dong’anzi chicken."
[Dong’anzi chicken (东安子鸡): A Hunanese dish made with vinegar, chili, and ginger, known for its spicy and sour flavor]
"You’re too weak right now for something so spicy. I’ve made you porridge, you can have it when you’re better."
"I don’t often stay overnight at Grandfather’s. When will I get another chance?"
Just as Huo Shu reached his room, he heard voices from the kitchen, it sounded like the young ger.
He slowed his steps and moved closer.
The kitchen was steamy, the fire roaring.
The apprentice who had delivered the meal earlier was chopping vegetables, while a small, bundled figure sat on a low stool by the stove.
A hooded cloak covered his head, hiding his face, leaving only a pair of pale hands visible, elbows on knees as he warmed them by the fire.
"If you come next time, I’ll cook for you at noon too."
"But the clinic is too busy during the day to cook."
"My dear ger, if I gave you Dong’anzi chicken today, Physician Huang would chase me out!"
It wasn’t as warm after sunset, but it wasn’t cold enough to need a fire.
Huo Shu raised an eyebrow. The ger must have been seriously ill, yet his appetite seemed fine, even pestering for spicy chicken.
Without disturbing them, he turned back to his room.
Huo Shu packed his belongings, planning to leave early the next morning.
As he haphazardly stuffed his clothes into his bag, there was a knock at the door.
He frowned slightly, stood, and opened it. At first glance, no one was there.
Lowering his gaze, he saw a small figure wrapped in a furry cloak.
"Here, your cloak. Returning it."
The neatly folded cloak was held out to him. Huo Shu remained silent, looking down at the ger who kept his head bowed shyly.
When Huo Shu didn’t take it, the ger lifted it slightly higher.
Noticing a small box, about half the size of a palm, placed atop the cloak, Huo Shu asked, "What’s this?"
"Thank you for saving me today and bringing me back. As a mere ger, I’ve no way to repay you. These are some homemade ointments and liniments for bruises and injuries, a small token of gratitude for your kindness."
Raised with strict etiquette, he knew he shouldn’t interact with unfamiliar men. But out of courtesy, he felt he should personally thank the man who had saved him.
So when he heard Huo Shu was still staying in the courtyard, he dragged himself out of bed, tidied up the cloak, and waited for his return.
"I hope you won’t find it unworthy."
Huo Shu looked down at the ger, who wore a windproof vest over his autumn clothes and a fur-lined winter cloak.
He was completely bundled up, only his small face visible, as if it were deep winter.
His cheeks were still flushed from the fever, his whole body radiating warmth.
His voice, too, was hoarser than before, no longer clear.
The soft white bun had turned into a steamed peach.
"Physician Huang already thanked me. You needn’t go further."
Huo Shu took the cloak, and the box as well.
He could use the ointments, so the gesture was thoughtful.
Almost reflexively, he asked, though it sounded more like small talk than concern:
"Are you alright?"
Ji Taoyu sensed an air of indifference from the man, as if others’ well-being meant nothing to him. That he had saved him and even asked such a question was surprising enough.
He answered earnestly, "I had a fever earlier, but after medicine and rest, I’m much better."
Huo Shu could tell he was still unwell, the he imagined how bad it had been earlier.
Seeing him suffer stirred a faint regret in Huo Shu. If he’d known the ger was frail, he would’ve pulled him from the water immediately.
When Huo Shu didn’t respond, Taoyu tightened his cloak and said softly, "I won’t disturb you further."
He turned to leave, but just as he reached the doorway, a voice stopped him.
"Wait, what’s your name?"
Ji Taoyu paused. He hesitated, about to answer, then remembered You Erlang.
He hadn’t seen the exam results and had nearly drowned. In such a state, whether You Erlang had passed or not, it was improper to visit now to congratulate or console him.
But when his fever broke and his mind cleared, Huang Qi had told him - You Erlang had not only passed but ranked well. Though still unwell, JivTaoyu had been secretly delighted.
His engagement to You Erlang was no secret. Since childhood, his parents had hinted at it, and You Erlang had treated him kindly, occasionally gifting him books or trinkets. They weren’t deeply in love, but both understood the arrangement.
Now that they were of marriageable age, and with his father planning to formalize the engagement if You Erlang passed, Ji Taoyu knew scholars valued propriety. Being rescued from the water by a stranger was already scandalous, revealing his name would only complicate things.
Ji Taoyu turned back politely but kept his head down. "A ger’s name is insignificant, hardly worth mentioning. It’s your honorable name that should be known."
Huo Shu stood at the door, silently studying Ji Taoyu. Frail as he looked, yet he had a sharp tongue.
Without another word, Huo Shu turned and went back inside.
The door shut with a snap.
Ji Taoyu blinked at the closed door.
Is… Is he angry?
He twisted his sleeve. What should I do now?
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