(6K words! I heard that a friend ended his work abruptly because of low subscription numbers, which makes me sigh. In more than a year before starting "Mixed," I also couldn't make ends meet, and my royalty payments couldn't cover basic monthly living expenses... Being a professional writer is such an insecure job. The fact that "Mixed" managed to reach 1.5 million words in over five months is due to the support from everyone. I hope those who enjoy "Mixed" will subscribe to the official version if they can. Every cent you spend will directly contribute to my family's living costs. Bless all the brothers supporting "Mixed"!)

The voices of Li Yan and Guan Ziyi weren't loud, but the sound coming from the hospital bed behind him was even fainter, yet it was very clear to his ears.

"You're awake?" Li Yan quickly put away his phone and ran to Yue Yao's bedside.

In her current condition, she couldn't lie on her back or stomach comfortably, only on her side.

"Mmm..." Yue Yao's voice was weak, but seeing that Li Yan was alright, her eyes were filled with relief.

"I'll go get the doctor!" Li Yan held her hand, somewhat excited, his eyes slightly moist. Although he was already reassured by the doctors that her life wasn't in danger, he couldn't truly rest easy until she woke up.

There's a saying that goes, "When it concerns yourself, you tend to become chaotic," even the calmest person finds it hard to remain completely composed when someone they care about is in trouble.

Yue Yao wanted to shake her head but found it difficult, so she made an effort to smile and said, "It's okay... I'm not a porcelain doll... I know my own body... no need to call a doctor..."

At the train station, after handing the gun to Li Yan, she lost consciousness. She didn't know what happened afterwards, and now, just waking up, her weak body and exhausted spirit made her cling to Li Yan even more, wanting him to stay with her without interference from doctors or others.

Li Yan nodded, "Then I'll tell you about your situation..." He briefly explained the findings of the private doctor and the statements from the doctor at this hospital, to put Yue Yao at ease.

"Mmm... I told you, I'm okay, my body is... better than the average person," Yue Yao smiled with contentment.

She wasn't worried about her own body; in short, since she had shielded him from bullets, she had already been prepared to sacrifice her life, so she wouldn't fear pain or injury. In the broader perspective, as an assassin, she had long since come to terms with life and death. But seeing the energetic Li Yan from the morning looking weary in just a short while—though she didn't know how much time had passed, just felt unconscious and woke up feeling this time—seeing him now full of fatigue, knowing he was worried about her made her feel relieved hearing that her injuries weren't too severe, so he wouldn't worry too much.

"Drink some water..."

Although she had received blood transfusions and was on IV drips, with some hydration going into her body, too much blood had been lost, leaving her pale, with dry lips. Seeing her weak appearance, there wasn't much else they could do at the moment, but she could still drink some water. Li Yan hurriedly poured a little water and then held it while blowing to cool it.

The simple acts of pouring warm water and blowing it cool so she could drink it sooner fell into Yue Yao's eyes as an indescribable feeling of happiness. It felt like she was sick, and he was taking care of her, giving her medicine. Such scenes had been imagined countless times in her mind, but a big man like Li Yan couldn't imagine how some subtle things could provide them with special feelings. Of course, she wasn't weak and didn't often fall ill, so such caring opportunities were rare, making her current happiness even more precious.

Seeing her staring blankly at him, Li Yan asked with concern, "Yue Yao, are you alright? Apart from your injuries, is there anywhere else uncomfortable? Maybe I should find a doctor to have a look!"

"No need… I'm just…" Yue Yao quickly averted her gaze and came up with a reason for herself, "I'm just wondering where this place is? It seems like a proper hospital?" Her heart rate accelerated a bit, secretly glad that Li Yan, concerned about her condition, hadn't noticed what she was just thinking; otherwise, she would feel embarrassed...

Given their level of mutual understanding, if not for Li Yan's focus on her injury, it would have been easy to see her earlier mood, though he might not completely understand it.

But just then, Yue Yao's heart rate monitor suddenly beeped rapidly, prompting Li Yan to look at her with concern, "Why did your heart rate suddenly increase?"

"No…no problem, I think... some water will do, is it cool enough?" Yue Yao was mortified, quickly trying to appear more spirited so he wouldn't worry, then swiftly changed the subject.

There wasn't much poured, so it cooled quickly. Li Yan blew on it again, then took a small sip to test, "It's fine, just warm."

But as he brought the cup to Yue Yao's lips, he realized how inconvenient it was for her. Lying on her side, her lips were vertical; she couldn't even swallow, let alone drink from the cup!

"Looks like we might need a straw..." Li Yan chuckled wryly, observed for a moment, and realized there was no straw here. If he were to lift Yue Yao, the movement would be significant and might even affect her wounds.

"Never mind… I'm not really thirsty…" Yue Yao's heart rate had stabilized, so she gestured for him not to bother.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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