189: Chapter 189 Will Unnie be alright?

"Clang—!" A loud sound like metal snapping came from outside the window, and immediately after, the entire room plunged into complete darkness.

Ham Eunjung's gasp and the sound of knocking on the door rang out almost simultaneously.

Song Tianhao opened his eyes instantly in the darkness, his brain switching from sleep to wakefulness in 0.1 seconds.

He threw off the quilt, stepped barefoot onto the cool floor, felt for his phone on the bedside table, and lit it up: 2:17 AM.

Ham Eunjung's voice came from behind the door panel, having lost her usual composure, carrying a rare panic, and even a hint of a tremor.

Song Tianhao grabbed the jacket thrown on the back of the chair and threw it on, while his other hand had already reached for the high-intensity flashlight he had placed on the nightstand when he entered.

Pressing the switch, a bright beam of light pierced the darkness. He walked quickly to the door and pulled it open.

Outside the door, Ham Eunjung was wearing only thin cotton pajamas, her long hair disheveled over her shoulders, her face appearing unusually pale in the interplay of the phone screen light and the flashlight beam.

Song Tianhao's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately tilted his head to listen.

Sure enough, the faint, low rumble of the diesel generator outside the window had vanished.

There was only the terrifying sound of the gale-force winds and torrential rain lashing against the building.

It really was a power outage. In the middle of the night on this isolated island, amidst the storm. And Park So-yeon was running a high fever.

"Follow me." Song Tianhao's voice was exceptionally calm, as if he were merely announcing tomorrow's itinerary.

He held up the flashlight, signaling Ham Eunjung to follow, while his other hand had already pulled out his phone and quickly dialed the Female Assistant's number.

The phone was answered after just one ring; clearly, the assistant had also been awakened by this sudden turn of events. "President!"

"The generator has stopped, and Park So-yeon has a fever. Go check the backup power and the generator room immediately to see if you can restart it. The first-aid kit is in the bottom drawer of the living room cabinet; find it and bring it to Park So-yeon's room immediately. Also, bring a few bottles of clean drinking water and some towels. Hurry!" Song Tianhao spoke quickly and clearly, without any wasted words.

"Yes! Right away!" The Female Assistant's voice immediately became tense and professional.

Hanging up, Song Tianhao had already followed Ham Eunjung to the door of her and Park So-yeon's room.

The door was ajar, and inside was pitch black. Ham Eunjung pushed the door open first, and the flashlight beam swept in, revealing a figure curled up on the bed.

Park So-yeon was curled up entirely in the quilt, with only half her face exposed. In the dim light, her cheeks were an unnatural flush, her breathing was rapid and heavy, and her brows were tightly furrowed, as if she were enduring great pain.

She seemed to hear the commotion, her eyelids fluttered, but she couldn't open them, only emitting a vague moan from her throat.

Song Tianhao walked to the bedside in a few steps, placed the flashlight on the nightstand, beam facing upward, providing basic illumination. He reached out and gently pressed the back of his hand against her forehead.

So hot.

The temperature was frighteningly high; the moment their skin touched, he could feel that abnormal burning heat. He tested her neck and palms as well; they were equally scorching, and her palms were dry.

"It's a very high fever, an acute high fever." Song Tianhao judged immediately, his voice still steady, but his speed of speech increased slightly. "When did it start? What are the symptoms? Besides the fever, where else is uncomfortable? Is there any vomiting or diarrhea?"

He fired a series of questions at Ham Eunjung, but his gaze remained locked on Park So-yeon's face, observing her reactions.

Ham Eunjung was taken aback by his series of professional questions, then forced herself to calm down and recall: "About... about an hour ago, I was sleeping, half-dazed, and heard Unnie turn over and whisper that she was cold."

"I thought it was because the rain had cooled the temperature, so I covered her with my blanket too. Later, I was fully awakened by thunder, and when I touched Unnie, I found she was burning hot. I called out to her, but she only groaned and couldn't speak clearly. There's no vomiting or diarrhea, just that she kept saying she was cold, but her body was very hot."

At this moment, rapid footsteps came from the corridor. The assistant rushed in, clutching the first-aid kit, with a few bottles of water and a stack of clean towels tucked under her arm, panting: "President, the first-aid kit! Water!"

"Give me the flashlight, and you go check the electricity. First, check if it's an external line problem, then see how much fuel is left in the generator and if it can be manually restarted. Be careful; the wind and rain are strong, watch out for electric shocks." Song Tianhao took the first-aid kit and quickly ordered.

"Yes!" The assistant immediately handed the other flashlight she was holding to Ham Eunjung and turned to rush back into the dark corridor.

The girls in the other rooms had clearly been awakened as well. Footsteps, the sound of doors opening, and muffled gasps and questions echoed in the corridor.

Park Hyomin appeared at the door, her hair messy, having only thrown on a jacket. All sleepiness was gone from her face, replaced only by panic: "Unnie, why is the power out? What's wrong with Soyeon Unnie?"

She saw Park So-yeon on the bed, and her voice went out of tune.

Immediately after, Lee Qri, Jeon Boram, Park Ji-yeon, and Kim Hyuna also gathered, crowding the doorway, their faces full of worry and confusion.

The sudden darkness and their teammate with a high fever made these girls, who usually shone brightly on stage, appear fragile and helpless in the flickering flashlight beam.

"Soyeon Unnie!" Park Ji-yeon started to rush in with a crying tone, but Lee Qri grabbed her.

"Jiyeon, don't crowd, let the President handle it." Lee Qri's voice was still relatively calm, but her fingers gripping Park Ji-yeon's arm were forceful.

Song Tianhao had already opened the first-aid kit. Under the flashlight beam, he quickly scanned the medicines inside. Fever reducers, cold medicine, stomach medicine, anti-inflammatories, topical medication, gauze, a thermometer... The supplies were relatively complete.

He took out the electronic thermometer and signaled to Ham Eunjung: "Support her, I'm taking her temperature."

Ham Eunjung quickly sat on the edge of the bed, carefully helping the dazed Park So-yeon sit up slightly, leaning against her. Park So-yeon seemed very uncomfortable, her brows furrowed even tighter, muttering something vaguely.

Song Tianhao gently tucked the thermometer into her armpit, his fingers brushing against her scorching skin. Her body trembled slightly.

The tens of seconds waiting for the reading seemed exceptionally long, amidst the flickering flashlight beam and the violent wind and rain outside. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on that small electronic screen in Song Tianhao's hand.

"Beep—!"

Song Tianhao took out the thermometer; the number on the screen made everyone's heart sink: 39.8 degrees.

"So high!" Jeon Boram covered her mouth.

"Will Unnie be okay?" Park Hyomin's eyes were already red, her voice choked with sobs.

Song Tianhao's face was expressionless, but his eyes were sharp. He quickly flipped out a box of fever reducer, which was common acetaminophen tablets. He picked up the instruction manual and, using the flashlight, carefully read through the indications, dosage, and contraindications.

Then he looked up at Ham Eunjung, his tone serious: "Does Soyeon have any history of drug allergies? How is her health usually? Does she have heart disease, or liver or kidney problems?"

Ham Eunjung immediately shook her head, speaking quickly: "No! Soyeon Unnie's health has always been very good, she occasionally gets a cold, but I've never heard of any drug allergies, and she has no other chronic illnesses!"

Song Tianhao nodded and confirmed the medicine packaging and dosage again. Then he unscrewed a bottle of water and signaled to Ham Eunjung: "Hold her steady."

He carefully broke out two pills, and with his other hand, gently lifted Park So-yeon's chin. Her lips were somewhat chapped due to the high fever. Song Tianhao's voice dropped very low, carrying a strange, soothing power: "Soyeon, open your mouth, take the medicine. You won't feel uncomfortable after you take it."

Perhaps it was hearing a familiar voice, or perhaps it was subconscious trust, but the dazed Park So-yeon actually opened her mouth slightly. Song Tianhao carefully placed the pills under her tongue and then brought the water bottle to her lips, tilting it slowly.

"Drink slowly, swallow it."

Park So-yeon obediently took small sips, her throat bobbing a few times as she swallowed the pills and water together. But she seemed to choke a little, coughing, her body trembling slightly.

Song Tianhao immediately moved the water bottle away, and with his other hand, gently patted her back with moderate force and a steady rhythm. Only when the coughing subsided did he lay her back down.

"Acute cold, combined with the sudden drop in temperature over the last two days, has lowered her immunity." Song Tianhao said to everyone gathered at the door, his voice steady, carrying a reassuring power, "The high fever looks scary, but as long as we reduce it in time, it won't be a big problem. After taking the medicine and with physical cooling, her temperature will come down."

As he spoke, he deftly wrung out a wet towel, folded it into a rectangle, and gently placed it on Park So-yeon's forehead.

Then he wrung out another one and looked at Ham Eunjung: "Use warm water to help her wipe her neck, armpits, and groin; these are areas where major blood vessels pass, so heat dissipates quickly. Keep her hands and feet warm, don't let her catch a chill."

Ham Eunjung immediately took the towel and, copying Song Tianhao's manner, carefully unbuttoned the top two buttons of Park So-yeon's pajamas, gently wiping her scorching neck and collarbone area with the warm towel. Her movements were a bit clumsy, but very earnest.

Song Tianhao began to wipe the inside of Park So-yeon's arms. His movements were gentle and steady, as if he were treating a precious, rare treasure, completely ignoring the surrounding gazes and Park So-yeon's skin, which was slightly flushed from the high fever.

In the dim flashlight beam, the lines of his profile appeared somewhat cold and hard, but his lowered eyelashes and focused expression strangely blended into an indescribable gentleness.

Park Hyomin, at the door, watched this scene, and for some reason, tears fell; she quickly wiped them away with the back of her hand.

"Don't all crowd here." Song Tianhao didn't even look up, his voice not loud, but carrying an irrefutable force, "Too many people mean poor air circulation, which isn't good for the patient. Follow my arrangements."

He stopped his movements, his gaze sweeping over the worried faces at the door, and issued instructions with a steady speaking speed:

"Eunjung, stay and help me take care of Soyeon. Jiyeon, Boram, you two go to the kitchen to boil some hot water, fill a few hot water bottles, and by the way, check if there's any ginger to boil some ginger tea for later.

Qri, Hyomin, you go and check if the doors and windows in all the other rooms are closed tightly, especially the rooms where we keep our equipment and luggage, to prevent leaks. Hyuna, you go check on the assistant to see what the situation is with the generator, and come back and tell me immediately if there's any news."

His instructions were clear and precise, and everyone had something to do. The panic was smoothed away as if by an invisible hand. The girls looked at each other and nodded firmly.

"Yes, President!"

"We're going right now!"

"Oppa, please take care of Soyeon Unnie!" Park Hyomin said with a nasal tone, then followed Lee Qri and turned to leave quickly.

Kim Hyuna also responded immediately, grabbed her flashlight, and jogged toward the generator room downstairs.

The room became much quieter instantly, leaving only the sound of the howling wind and rain outside, the slightly heavy breathing of Park So-yeon on the bed, and the faint friction sound of the towel wiping her skin.

Ham Eunjung followed Song Tianhao's instructions, wiping carefully, fine beads of sweat seeping onto her forehead. She looked up at Song Tianhao from time to time, wanting to say something but hesitating.

"What do you want to ask?" Song Tianhao didn't look up, focused on his movements, his tone calm.

"President... how do you know these things?" Ham Eunjung finally asked, her voice very soft, "Medical knowledge, and just now, directing everyone..."

Song Tianhao's movements paused for a moment, then continued, saying faintly: "I used to play extras on film sets, so I had to know a little bit of everything. When filming in the wilderness, there are many accidents, so basic first aid and emergency handling are survival skills."

He omitted more complex explanations, such as those messy, seemingly innate knowledge and experiences from the "System". "Besides, now I am the President, the person who brought you out. Your safety and health are my responsibility."

His voice was not loud, and even had no fluctuation, but every word struck Ham Eunjung's heart. Responsibility. That word again. But hearing it now, it was more reassuring than any flowery promise.

Time passed slowly amidst wiping, changing towels, and monitoring body temperature. During this time, a short, attempted-start roar came from downstairs, but it only sounded a few times before stopping abruptly. After a while, rapid footsteps echoed in the corridor, and Kim Hyuna and the assistant ran back, looking frustrated.

"President!" The assistant wiped the sweat from her face, unable to tell if it was from anxiety or running, "The external line was likely short-circuited by branches blown down by the wind or something else; we can't fix it for the time being.

The backup generator's fuel is almost exhausted. We forced it to start earlier, but it only maintained low power for less than half an hour, and now it's completely out of fuel. The spare fuel canister is empty. The B&B Owner said that since they don't usually need it, they didn't keep a reserve..."

The assistant's voice grew lower and lower, filled with a sense of frustration. Kim Hyuna also bit her lip, looking at Song Tianhao with eager eyes.

The light in the room grew dimmer; only the flashlight and the few emergency camping lanterns brought in later emitted a limited glow. The power was completely cut off, meaning no electrical appliances could be used, including any potentially necessary medical equipment. Heating also became a problem, as the nighttime temperature had dropped significantly due to the rainstorm.

There was a brief silence, broken only by the sound of the wind and rain, and the breathing of the patient on the bed.

However, Song Tianhao's face did not show the gravity or anger that the Female Assistant had anticipated. He simply nodded calmly, as if he had already foreseen this outcome.

"As expected. In this weather, the fuel supply ship definitely won't be able to make it over. Conserve the battery on the flashlight and emergency lanterns and hold out until dawn." He wrung out a towel and placed it on Park So-yeon's forehead, his movements devoid of any panic. "Right now, the most important thing is that she is okay. We'll deal with other issues once it's light out."

His composure seemed contagious. The panic and frustration on the faces of the Female Assistant and Kim Hyuna gradually faded, replaced by a sense of trust that "if the President says it can be solved, it definitely will be."

"President, what should we do now..." the Female Assistant asked.

"Go check all the doors and windows again, especially the ones downstairs. Then go get some rest and conserve your energy. If the weather improves tomorrow, I might need you to contact the outside world or handle other tasks." Song Tianhao instructed. "Kim Hyuna, you go back to rest as well. Eunjung and I will keep watch here."

"President, let me stay and help, too?" Kim Hyuna said immediately.

"No need. Having more people isn't useful; it will only disturb the patient's rest. Be obedient and go to sleep." Song Tianhao's tone was unquestionable.

Kim Hyuna looked at Park So-yeon, who was still fast asleep on the bed, then at Song Tianhao's calm profile. Finally, she nodded, retreated with the Female Assistant, and gently closed the door.

The second half of the night passed amidst the intermittent sounds of wind and rain. Song Tianhao and Eunjung took turns applying physical cooling measures to Park So-yeon, monitoring her temperature with a thermometer every so often.

The fever-reducing medication seemed to be taking effect; Park So-yeon's breathing gradually steadied, her tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and her forehead no longer felt so scorching hot to the touch. Around four in the morning, her temperature was measured again and had dropped to 38.5 degrees.

Song Tianhao let out a long sigh of relief, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly. He looked at Eunjung, who had been struggling to stay awake, her eyes bloodshot from exhaustion: "You go get some sleep too. I'll keep watch for the rest of the night."

Eunjung immediately shook her head, her voice tired but insistent: "President, your hand is still injured, and you've barely closed your eyes. You still have to lead everyone tomorrow. You should go rest; I'll keep watch over her."

"I'm fine. This little injury doesn't affect me." Song Tianhao moved his bandaged right hand and motioned for Eunjung to look at the bed. "Her fever has gone down, and she's sleeping soundly now. The rest of the night should be fine. You're a patient too and need rest. Go sleep on the bed." He pointed to the other side of the double bed.

"But..."

"No 'buts'. This is an order from the President." Song Tianhao interrupted her, his tone gentle but firm. "A crisis is the litmus test for team cohesion. Right now, only one of us is sick, but everyone else is healthy and can support each other. This is more important than anything else. Go rest and conserve your strength. If the weather improves tomorrow, filming might continue, or there may be other things that need to be handled. You need to be in good condition."

Eunjung looked at Song Tianhao. There was obvious fatigue on his face, with faint shadows under his eyes, but his gaze remained clear and firm, carrying an irresistible power.

She opened her mouth, but eventually swallowed her words and whispered: "...Yes, President."

Eunjung was indeed exhausted, both physically and mentally. She climbed onto the other side of the bed with light, cautious movements, lay down fully clothed, and pulled the quilt over herself.

As her body touched the soft bedding, drowsiness surged over her instantly. In the second before she fell into a deep sleep, she saw, through a daze, that Song Tianhao had turned off most of the emergency lanterns, leaving only the smallest one in a corner far from the head of the bed, emitting a faint but warm glow.

He then gently moved the only chair in the room, placed it by Park So-yeon's bedside, and sat down. His figure, in the dim light, resembled a silent mountain.

The last trace of unease in Eunjung's heart dissipated, and she fell into a deep sleep.

Who knows how much time had passed—perhaps an hour, perhaps a few minutes. A faint, unconscious groan came from the bed.

Song Tianhao opened his eyes almost immediately; he had only been resting his eyes and hadn't actually fallen asleep. He leaned forward, adjusted the flashlight to its dimmest setting, and shone it on Park So-yeon's face.

Her eyelashes trembled, and she slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze was initially unfocused and bewildered, her vision blurred, as if she hadn't yet figured out where she was or what had happened.

"Soyeon?" Song Tianhao's voice was very low, carrying the hoarseness typical of someone who had just woken up, but it was exceptionally clear in the silent room. "Can you hear me? How do you feel? Is there anywhere else that feels uncomfortable?"

Park So-yeon's vision slowly focused, landing on Song Tianhao's face, which was inches away.

In the dim light, his silhouette was somewhat blurred, but his eyes were startlingly bright, clearly reflecting her image along with undisguised worry.

He was very close, close enough that she could smell the faint scent of ointment and a trace of tobacco on him, and could clearly see the new, bluish stubble on his chin, as well as the faint shadows under his eyes.

Fragments of Park So-yeon's memory pieced themselves together: the raging storm, watching a movie, playing games, his words of being "willing," the coldness that set in after returning to her room, then the high fever, chaotic dreams, the torture of alternating between ice-cold and scorching heat, and the gentle wiping and blurred figure she felt when she occasionally drifted into consciousness...

So it was him. It was him who had been keeping watch here the whole time.

Her throat was painfully dry; she tried to swallow, but it triggered a slight cough. Song Tianhao immediately brought the warm water he had kept on standby to her lips and carefully lifted her head. "Drink slowly."

The warm water moistened her dry, cracked lips and throat, bringing some relief. Park So-yeon took a few small sips from his hand, then shook her head to indicate she had enough.

Song Tianhao laid her back down and used the back of his hand to test her forehead temperature again. It was much better than before; although it was still somewhat warm, it was no longer that alarming, scorching heat.

"President..." Park So-yeon began, her voice hoarse, barely more than a breath. "I'm sorry, I've caused you trouble..."

She tried to sit up, but Song Tianhao gently pressed down on her shoulder.

"Don't say silly things." Song Tianhao's voice was soft but carried an unquestionable strength. "Being sick is not your fault. Sleep, I'm here."

Through her thin pajamas, his fingers could feel the temperature of the skin on her shoulder; it had already come down. He withdrew his hand and sat back down in the chair.

Park So-yeon lay on the pillow, turned her head, and looked at Song Tianhao sitting in the chair.

The faint light shone from behind him, gilding his silhouette with a soft halo. He sat there, his posture not exactly straight, even slightly relaxed and hunched, but inexplicably, he gave off a sense of unshakable stability. It was as if with him there, no matter how great the wind and rain, no matter how deep the dark night, there was nothing to fear.

"Sleep." He said it again, his voice low and gentle, like a lullaby.

Perhaps it was the effect of the fever-reducing medication, perhaps her body was still weak, or perhaps it was the strange sense of peace brought by his words, "I'm here," but intense drowsiness washed over her again.

Park So-yeon's eyelids grew heavier and heavier. Before she sank completely into darkness, she thought vaguely that his hand seemed to have been resting gently on her hand, which was outside the quilt, warm and dry.

By the time dawn was approaching, the raging storm that had lasted all night finally began to weaken. The sound of raindrops tapping against the window was no longer so dense and violent, turning into the patter of ordinary rain. The wind had also died down, no longer howling like ghosts and wolves.

Eunjung was still fast asleep, her breathing even.

Park So-yeon woke up first. She felt that although her body was still a bit weak, that heavy sense of high fever and the splitting headache had disappeared, replaced by the frailty and clarity of someone who had just recovered from a major illness.

She slowly opened her eyes. The room was no longer pitch black; a grayish, pre-dawn light was filtering in.

She turned her head slightly, and the first thing she saw was Song Tianhao, who was leaning against the chair, seemingly asleep.

His sitting posture was uncomfortable, his head tilted slightly to one side against the back of the chair, his eyes closed, and his thick eyelashes casting a small shadow under his eyes.

Song Tianhao's face, which was usually calm, composed, and even occasionally distant, now revealed nothing but unguarded fatigue. The stubble on his chin was more pronounced, his lips were somewhat chapped from dehydration, and the pale bluish circle under his eyes was clearly visible in the gray-white light.

He was still wearing the jacket from last night, his right hand resting on the armrest of the chair, the bandage wrapped around it having loosened at some point, its edges frayed. He had just like that, in this uncomfortable chair, kept watch over her all night.

Park So-yeon watched quietly. Her heart felt as if it were being gently gripped by an invisible hand—aching, swelling with pain, and then slowly filled by a warm current, so full it was almost overflowing. The worry, reassurance, and gentle touches she had felt intermittently while drifting in and out of consciousness last night—those blurred fragments now had clear images.

She sat up gently and extremely slowly, afraid of making even the slightest sound that might wake him. Her body was still weak after the fever had broken, but she persisted, reaching out to grab her thin knitted cardigan from the foot of the bed. She leaned over cautiously, inch by inch, wanting to cover him with it.

Just as the cardigan was about to fall over him, Song Tianhao's eyelashes trembled, and he opened his eyes.

His eyes, freshly awakened, held a trace of lingering bewilderment, but almost instantly, that confusion was replaced by clarity and sharpness.

He first looked at Park So-yeon, his gaze quickly scanning her face to confirm her condition: "Awake? How do you feel?"

Song Tianhao's voice had the hoarseness of someone who had just woken up, much deeper than usual.

Park So-yeon's movements froze in mid-air, her hand holding the cardigan suspended there. Meeting his clear gaze, a blush of being caught in the act quickly rose on her face, whether from the lingering fever or something else, she didn't know.

She retracted her hand in a panic, clutched the cardigan to her chest, lowered her eyelashes, and whispered: "Much better, my head doesn't hurt anymore, and my body feels lighter. Oppa, you should go back to your room to rest; you must be very tired."

Song Tianhao didn't answer immediately but stood up, stretching his stiff and aching neck and shoulders from having held one position for too long, causing a faint "click" sound. Then he reached out and used the back of his hand to test her forehead temperature again.

His fingers were somewhat cool, but the touch was very light and withdrew as soon as it made contact.

"Hmm, the fever is gone." He nodded, a look of relief appearing on his face—though faint, it was definitely there. He walked to the window and pulled the curtain open a little.

The rain had almost stopped, leaving only winding water trails on the glass. The sky was no longer a gloomy, ink-black color but had turned into a clear, grayish-blue after being washed by the rainstorm. The clouds on the eastern horizon were thinner, faintly revealing a bit of brightness.

The sea was still churning with waves, foaming white, but compared to the rage of the night before, it seemed much calmer. The wind passed through the wet trees in the courtyard, bringing in damp, fresh air.

He turned back to look at Park So-yeon, who was sitting on the bed clutching her cardigan, her complexion still somewhat pale but her eyes bright. The corners of his lips curved slightly upward—a truly relaxed, tired, yet incredibly bright smile.

"The sky has cleared," Song Tianhao said.

At that very moment, a ray of golden sunlight stubbornly pierced through the gaps in the thick clouds on the eastern horizon, shining in at an angle, landing just right on his profile, illuminating the pale blue shadows under his eyes, the stubble on his chin, and his smile of relief.

Park So-yeon watched him, lit up by the morning light and his smile, and looked at the sky outside the window behind him that was gradually clearing. She suddenly felt that a corner of her heart, which had curled up due to sickness, darkness, and the unknown, was also unfolding completely and slowly along with this ray of sunlight and his smile.

It had cleared up.

But the next second, the smile on Song Tianhao's face faded slightly. He frowned slightly, his gaze fixed on the still-churning sea outside the window and the empty direction of the pier.

"But the generator is out of fuel," his voice returned to its usual calm, carrying a thoughtful tone. "The supply ship... it seems it may not be able to come today either."