Chapter 9: Fever Dreams

Chapter 9: Fever Dreams

So late, little brother Hui? Mei trilled playfully, backing out the door with a large plate in her hands. Today, I managed to sneak some extra chickeLittle brother Hui! Startled, she dropped the plate.

Hui lunged and caught the plate. He smiled up at her. Elder sister Mei, I got a little beat up today.

A little? I thought you were a ghoul at first glance! Look at you, all coated in blood. She tutted and shook her head. Here, sit down, sit down. Eat. Let me fix you up, and tell big sis all about it.

Thank you, big sis Mei, Hui said, letting out a tired sigh. He sank down on the stairs and leaned over his plate, scarfing up the generous portion of chicken atop todays congee.

Mei leaned over him. Delicate fingers felt along his scalp. Hui winced. Sis Mei

Right there? She hovered a hand over his head. Warm energy flowed into his skin, knitting his scalp shut. His skin prickled. Sharp needle-like pangs and a low ache sank in alongside the energy.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Hui flinched away, frowning. It hurts.

Oh, dont be a baby. It doesnt hurt that much, she said, shaking her head.

I dont like pain, he whined, scooping up more congee.

Mmm-hmm. Now, now. She grabbed his chin and turned his face toward her. Before he could escape her grasp, she gripped his nose and snapped it back into place.

Ow! Hui yelped.

If you dont like pain, you shouldnt get beaten up in the first place, Mei advised. She pressed her hand over his nose. The warm energy flowed again, joined by the prickling ache.

Hui scowled, then held his face still when the expression made his nose hurt worse. Owowow

Darkness. A sickly heat that burrowed into his head and stomach. Hui shifted, restless. Something damp slid off his forehead. He shook his head, then grimaced. Hurts, hurts!

Water at his lips. He opened his mouth, then coughed, choking on it. Hui forced his eyes open, but couldnt make anything more than a vague figure out. Too blurry. Cant focus. MMei?

Hot porridge at his lips. He sipped at it, then choked. Ugh! Tastes burnt and bitter. Sis Mei, s bad.

Silence. The figure stood. Alone in the room once more, Hui fell back into a fitful sleep. In his dreams, qi rushed into him. Pouring into his dantian, too much for him to hold. His dantian strained, nearly breaking. He desperately circulated the energy, but no matter how fast he circulated it, it wasnt enough. Qi rushed through his body recklessly, worsening the injuries he already bore. Ah No qi, then too much qi. If it isnt one thing, its another!

A cool hand on his forehead. External energy guided the qi through his body. The flow quieted, restricted back to a flow he could handle. Hui leaned into it. Sis Mei, feels good.

No answer.

Savory steam met his nose. Hui twitched. Elder sister Meis congee! Id know that scent anywhere! He struggled to sit upright, reaching out.

His hand found a spoon. Pulling it closer, he sipped it, then laid back, satisfied. Much better than whatever that other stuff was. Eagerly, he awaited another bite.

The next spoonful was cold and bitter. Hui bucked up, but before he could spit it out, a hand clamped over his mouth, forcing him to swallow. He shook his head, displeased. S-sis, wwhat?

Medicine, a low voice replied.

Furrowing his brows, Hui shifted. Thats not Sis Mei. He struggled to open his eyes.

A hand over his eyes. Sleep.

Helpless to resist, Hui drifted back asleep. As he fell asleep, a satisfied smile stretched over his face. Old memories replayed in his head, of lying on a bare apartment floor. Of dragging himself to the sink for water, so weak he could barely lap it up, eating moldy bread because it was all that laid in reach, then vomiting it all up again. Ive never had someone take care of me while I was sick before. Im so glad I was reborn.