Notwithstanding the constant seductions, Bai Ye did hold up to his side of the bargain as our deal continued. We selected a list of simple exercises to slowly ease him back into physical activities, which he practiced meticulously every morning. He would then sit at my desk and read those incomprehensible scripts, while I brewed the medicine and went through my own material to study. The day would pass in blissful silence as I occasionally glanced up at him, marveling at how different this quietness between us felt from the one weeks ago.