Chapter 19

Lately, large patches of hives have been appearing on Li Kai’s body for no reason. They are incredibly itchy, and even the most private parts of his body have not been spared.

He went to a dermatologist and got tested for allergens, but they found nothing he was allergic to. He tried various anti-allergy medications, but his condition remained unpredictable.

Even without medication, the welts would disappear for a while, only to flare up again a few days later with no apparent pattern. Sometimes, they were even accompanied by a low-grade fever.

The various physical discomforts, combined with anxiety and insomnia, tormented him, making it impossible for him to eat or sleep properly. Seeing him grow thinner and more haggard by the day brought me immense satisfaction.

“Are you still in contact with Su Yuluo?” I asked casually at the dinner table, idly picking at my food.

“You don’t trust me?” Li Kai put down his chopsticks, his eyes filled with anger, but they lacked any spark.

“That’s not important. What’s important is that you don’t pass any diseases on to me.”

I smiled at Li Kai, my eyes full of mockery and scorn.

“I saw Su Yuluo in the ER a couple of days ago. She was having spontaneous nosebleeds, and it was quite severe. I heard they had to work on her in the ENT department for a long time before it stopped.”

At my words, Li Kai’s face changed dramatically.

“I’m full. I’m going to play some games.”

I watched as Li Kai went into the study with a heavy expression. He was in there for a long time before he came out.

That night, in the quiet of the late hours, I checked his computer’s browser history and saw his searches:

“What causes insomnia, forgetfulness, low-grade fever, night sweats, and canker sores?”

“What disease can cause recurring, unexplained allergies?”

…

“What diseases can be transmitted through high-risk sexual behavior?”

And even, “What are the early symptoms of HIV? What is the incubation period? What is the window period?”

Once a person develops a fear of having AIDS, it’s like opening Pandora’s box. Fear, anxiety, and despair will constantly surround and consume them until they have a mental breakdown.

And once that seed of doubt is planted in their heart, no matter how hard they try to uproot it, it will have a tenacious hold on life, finding ways to sprout and grow.

And how could I miss such a perfect opportunity to nurture its growth?

I would use every means possible to water and fertilize it, to make the seed mature as quickly as possible.

Because the window period for some diseases can range from six weeks to three months. Time was limited.