Xia Yuqing's heart raced. She glanced down at Lu Jinchen, shivering beside her, fever burning his skin. A storm of fear, guilt, and helplessness crashed over her. Her hands hovered over him, trembling, unsure whether to obey the cold command or risk everything to save the man she loved.
Her breaths came in ragged gasps. The night was cold, the world was silent, and the choice she had to make could cost her everything. Despair washed over her like a tidal wave. She wanted to reach out, to hold him, to get him to a hospital—but Long Mingze's cold threats kept her rooted in place.
"Get up!" he commanded.
But she didn't move. Her lost, tear-filled eyes remained glued to the man lying before her. Her chest ached as the tears spilled down, streaming freely across her pale cheeks.
