Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

"Have you eaten?" Evan asked Abby, his voice still hoarse but just loud enough for her to hear.

"I have," Abby replied. "But now I'm hungry again. You've been asleep long enough. Do you even know what time it is? It's past nine in the evening. Don't try to talk-if you need to say something, type it out on your phone and show me."

Evan's condition had noticeably improved, and Abby felt a wave of relief. She had been genuinely worried he'd stay sick for days just because of the spicy food.

"Okay," Evan rasped, his voice strained but obedient.

Abby handed him the bowl of porridge. "Here, eat this. It's plain, but at least it has a bit of salt for flavor."

Evan, clearly famished, finished the porridge in no time.

"Do you want more?" Abby asked. "There's another bowl in the thermal lunch box." Evan shook his head.

It was late, and he didn't want to overeat. Besides, he was mindful of his physique-he couldn't afford to ruin it. He hadn't won Abby's heart yet, and he needed to maintain his charm and appearance.

After finishing his infusion and taking his medicine, Abby left the hospital around ten o'clock that night.

instead, watching as she walked out of the inpatient building. He followed her movements until she reached the parking lot, got into her car, and drove away.

phone rang,

and picked it up from the bedside table. The caller

she remembers

have to call so late? Was

Evan answered the call.

you feeling? Your grandmother told me you have a bad cold. Honestly, it's embarrassing that

loves spicy food.

that in the future? You'll have to cook for yourself-make two versions of everything: non-spicy for you and extra spicy for

out a long

note of grievance, but Rosella wasn't about to let him

into this one," she teased. "Ending up in the hospital over some

as a kid. Back home, the chef always catered to everyone's tastes, preparing both spicy and

V

Rosella said, her tone playful. "You sound like a duck. Are you even