Even with familiar tastes in her memory, Wanxia couldn't perceive any flavor because the bitterness of the medication had tainted her taste buds, and the air she breathed was filled with the scent of disinfectant, rendering all her senses numb.
Though the woman seemed obedient, even if she didn't want to eat, as long as Gu Shaozhi fed her, she would open her mouth and swallow.
She was distracted, eating as a mechanical action, her gaze unfocused and absent-minded, thinking of nothing in particular, her mind unable to concentrate, like drifting on a deserted island, unable to find any sense of grounding.
When a bowl of congee was finished, Gu Shaozhi pulled out a napkin and wiped the corner of her mouth.
The plain boiled water that Secretary Liu had poured before leaving was no longer hot, and Gu Shaozhi reached for it, bringing it to Wanxia's hand, "Drink some water."
Wanxia held the cup, the warmth from the cup wall seeped continuously into her palm.
