The air conditioning was on, yet the room felt stifling, barely cooler than the outdoors.

Ye Li was half-kneeling by the bed, murmuring to himself as he stroked Niu Shurui's face and hand.

Hearing the sound, he turned. Liang Yan had never seen him look so disheveled. His eyes were bloodshot and red-rimmed, terrifying and frightening. Damp strands of hair clung to his forehead, as if he'd been drenched. He looked utterly lost and helpless.

Almost instantly, Liang Yan rushed forward. She'd braced herself for a difficult situation, but found Niu Shurui was awake, her complexion even better than Ye Li's. "What happened?" Liang Yan asked.

Ye Li shook his head, speechless, or perhaps simply unsure.

Niu Shurui looked at Ye Li. "Go outside for a moment."

"No…" He clutched her hand, leaning closer.

Niu Shurui sighed, stroking his head with her free hand. "I'm fine. Let the doctor examine me; it will be quick. Go outside, take a shower. By the time you're done, I'll be fine too."

These words seemed to reassure him. His tense muscles relaxed, though he continued to press her hand to his lips, kissing it repeatedly before finally getting up to leave.

Liang Yan watched, astonished. She'd never seen Ye Li like this, and began to wonder if the Ye Li she knew was even real.

It was common knowledge that Ye Yanhui had arranged for Niu Shurui to treat Ye Li, but this was the first time she'd witnessed the aftermath firsthand. A wave of respect washed over her. "Doctor Niu, don't worry. Even if it's a terminal illness, I'll do my best to help you live a few more years."

Niu Shurui laughed, the first genuine laugh Liang Yan had heard from her in days. "It's not that serious. I think I tore something… down there."

Liang Yan's face flushed with embarrassment. Now she understood why the Ye family had chosen Niu Shurui over more established doctors.

"There wasn't much bleeding," Niu Shurui continued, her voice calm and collected. "Judging by the location of the pain, it's near the opening, but I'm not sure if there's any deeper damage. Could you take a look?"

Liang Yan opened her medical bag. "If that's the case, I'll need to do a more thorough examination."

Niu Shurui nodded. "Give me a strong dose of anesthetic."

Liang Yan assumed Niu Shurui simply feared pain and thought nothing more of it. Suspecting the relationship between Niu Shurui and Ye Li might be more than professional, she took her time with the examination.

Ye Li, having hurriedly showered, found the door locked. Afraid to knock, he paced anxiously outside, breaking out in another sweat. The housekeeper, observing this, felt a pang of something akin to pity.

When the examination was finally over, Liang Yan realized she too was drenched in sweat. Niu Shurui, in contrast, had remained remarkably composed throughout. If Liang Yan hadn't seen the internal injury herself, she might have believed Niu Shurui was perfectly fine.

After a moment, Liang Yan spoke, trying to sound reassuring. "It's just as you thought. The tear is superficial and small. Medication should heal it in a few days. However, there's significant swelling. I'd recommend abstaining from intercourse for at least two weeks, perhaps longer, after it heals."

Niu Shurui nodded, relieved, though exhaustion was evident in her features. Two weeks. That should be enough.

As Liang Yan packed her things, a nagging feeling of unease grew. How could a psychiatrist become involved with a patient like this? If it were any other psychiatrist with Ye Li, she might not have thought twice about it.

But this was Niu Shurui.

She hesitated several times, unsure how to broach the subject. Finally, Niu Shurui, noticing her expression, asked, "What's wrong?"

"Is there… anything I can do to help you?" Liang Yan asked.

Niu Shurui regarded her for a moment. "Could you pour me some water? Please?"