Sadly for Matthew Xi, he couldn't rest comfortably. In his entire life, Matthew Xi had never fell asleep on the sofa. Regardless of how exhausted he could be, his body never rested anywhere aside from his bed — even inside his own car or in Paul Qian's place. He never had a good sleep in that apartment.
Therefore, although his eyes were closed, Matthew Xi's mind was conscious about his surrounding. Just then, he heard something that broke the silence of the room.
It was the gentle sound of the sheet before a delicate footstep. Slowly, the footsteps grew audible as it drew closer to him.
Matthew Xi would have opened his eyes with that slight sound. However, he didn't. The reason? He didn't know as well.
As the soft footsteps drew closer, Zoey's strong presence also circled around his vicinity. 'Why is she awake?' He thought inwardly. Wasn't she asleep?
Not long after, Matthew Xi sensed her light natural odor and her minty breath touching his face. Zoey was close — too close that even though his eyes were closed, Matthew Xi could feel her breath. His heart pounded frantically, uncertain of what she would do.
Still, he didn't dare to open his eyes and pretended that he was sound asleep. What would she do? Matthew Xi didn't know if she would take advantage of him while knowing he was vulnerable or anything of the sort.
That was why he steeled his heart and prepared for the worse. Oh, his poor dignity...
Meanwhile, Zoey leaned forward, staring at his imperious and bewitching front. 'I can't guess if he's sleeping or just pretending...' she thought inwardly.
Hence, to know if he was asleep or not, Zoey leaned closer and reduced the gap between them. Knowing him, he would open his eyes and would probably shower her with glaring daggers. But he didn't.
"After what I've done to him earlier, he still fell asleep. Guess he had a long day too." Zoey murmured, the side of her paled lips curled into a gentle smile.
Aside from all the teasing she had pulled earlier, Zoey truly appreciated that he stick in his words. Matthew Xi had no idea how big deal it was for her that he was willing to look after her after knowing how messy she could be.
Zoey never forgotten that she was practically a stranger to him. It just happened that Matthew Xi was a kind person in his own peculiar way. Hence, Zoey could easily turn things in her favor.
"Thank you." Soft and meek, Zoey whispered as she placed the extra blanket on him. When he was outside, Zoey requested for an extra blanket, but she fell asleep so she forgot to give it to him.
After that, Zoey stood up and was about to go to sleep. However, her steps suddenly stopped as her breathing grew heavier. Clasping her chest, Zoey glanced back at him before heading outside.
Matthew Xi heard the door opened and closed before he slowly opened his eyes. Looking down, an inexplicable emotion danced in his eyes before he raised his gaze towards the closed door. Where did she go?
Checking the time, it was nearly past midnight. Does that mean she went to see her first love?
Matthew Xi didn't want to think of anything negative, but his silly thoughts could not help it. Although the blanket and her soft 'thank you' slightly reduced his annoyance, Matthew Xi still felt restless.
He gravitated whether to search for her or wait for her. "Tsk," clicking his tongue in annoyance, Matthew Xi didn't think further and headed outside.
He didn't go there to watch over no one. Therefore, he should find the patient, right? No matter how shallow his reason, Matthew Xi didn't like the idea of Zoey meeting someone else when he's practically there.
Just as he rushed outside, Matthew Xi halted in his steps. Turning his gaze to his right, a sigh of relief escaped his mouth seeing her sitting on one of the chairs outside the room.
���What are you doing here?" He asked, catching Zoey's attention, which made her raise her head to him.
"Calming myself before I'd lose control and take advantage of the beauty sleeping inside my room." Although Zoey's lips were pale, she chuckled and humored him.
Obviously, Matthew Xi noticed that something was amiss. Zoey's complexion was paler than usual and beads of sweats drenched on her forehead.
"Are you all right?" He asked, genuinely concerned at her well-being as he knitted his brows. Was she truly sick? She was fine moments ago. Was she bluffing? But why? She knew he was sleeping, right? There's no reason for her to fake anything right now.
"Yes," Nodding her head, a force smile formed on the side of her lips. However, it was not enough to convince him.
Hence, Matthew Xi walked to her and squatted down. Sizing her up, he knitted his already creased brows. "What's wrong?" He asked, sensing her heavy breaths.
Just then, Zoey held on to him tightly before pulling him into her embrace. "Don't look," She panted, her body trembling as she clenched her teeth.
"You..." giving her a side eye, Matthew Xi involuntarily caressed her soaked back. He didn't know her problem, but one thing for sure, Zoey didn't want him to see her in this kind of state.
"It's fine, it's fine." Those words came out naturally from his lips, trying to calm her down despite his cluelessness.
The two remained like that for as long as he could remember until Zoey calmed down.