Tang Li Yue's fingers curled against her palm.
Not enough to break the glove.
Close.
Lu Chengran noticed.
Of course he did.
His hand moved slightly, then stopped before touching her.
Wise.
Very wise.
Professor Han looked at Dr. Xia. "Why Yu Sheng?"
"He survived a bite during the first evacuation wave. Fevered for eight hours. Did not turn. Developed brief bursts of heat and cold, then none. Ma believed he represented a bridge case."
"Bridge to what?" Lu Chengran asked.
Dr. Xia's face hardened. "To whatever Ma thought would make him important."
Yu Sheng gasped.
His back arched.
Black veins shot up his neck.
Professor Han and Dr. Xia moved together.
"Hold his shoulder," Professor Han said.
Lu Chengran stepped forward.
Tang Li Yue did too.
Dr. Xia looked at her. "Do not touch the wound."
Tang Li Yue smiled without warmth. "Doctor, I know more than to pet infected bites."
"I do not know what you know."
"Then learn quickly."
