Under Yu Qianwei's shy gaze, Yang Shuisheng used the hem of her torn floral shirt to barely bandage the wound on her chest that had been treated with herbal medicine.

Although simple, it at least blocked out that blush-inducing spring light.

Yang Shuisheng then released his hand that had been pressing on her chest, took a half step back, and let out a long breath.

"alright."

Looking at Yu Qianwei's disheveled appearance—red and swollen eyes, disheveled clothes, and large expanses of her smooth, fair skin still exposed—he couldn't help but frown and ask, "Why did you come all alone to this deep mountain forest? Don't you know it's dangerous in here?"

"I... I was just feeling bored in front of my house, and when I saw some dragonflies, I wanted to catch a couple."

Yu Qianwei, still shaken, sniffed and said with a thick nasal voice, "Later I saw a gray wild rabbit hopping around, so I followed it in."

"I don't know how I ended up in such a deep place."

"Then the snake fell down from the tree."

As she spoke, tears streamed down her face again, clearly showing how terrified she was.

Yang Shuisheng was both amused and exasperated; the reason given was truly innocent.

He shook his head and said with a hint of teasing, "My dear young lady, your curiosity almost cost you your life."

"Luckily, I was gathering herbs in this area today. If I had been a step later or hadn't heard it, the whole village would be feasting on you tomorrow."

"What nonsense are you spouting? Can't you say something nice?"

Yu Qianwei was both embarrassed and angry by his words. Forget about crying, she raised her weak fist and lightly punched Yang Shuisheng's arm. Two red blushes quickly rose on her face as she glared at him.

But the fear in her eyes was gone, replaced by a hint of coquettishness and dependence, as if she had survived a disaster.

"Okay, okay, say something nice."

Yang Shuisheng readily agreed, his joking expression fading as he said, "Most of the snake venom in your body has been sucked out, and the remaining herbal poultice will gradually neutralize it."

"However, it's best for you to stay in bed and rest for the next two days. Don't run around or do any strenuous exercise. Drink plenty of water to help your body metabolize the remaining toxins."

"Remember to keep the wound dry. I'll change the dressing again tomorrow, and it should be fine then."

"Okay, I understand."

Hearing his earnest instructions, Yu Qianwei felt much more at ease and nodded, "Thank you, Yang Shuisheng."

Her tone was much more natural this time.

But then she looked at Yang Shuisheng with a troubled expression.

"Um... Yang Shuisheng, could you do me one more favor and go all the way?"

"Hmm? What do you want to do?" Yang Shuisheng asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I...I don't want my parents to know I was bitten by a snake."

Yu Qianwei bit her lip, her face turning even redder, and her voice was so low it was like a mosquito's hum: "And to be bitten in such a place."

She pointed to the bandage on her chest, her eyes filled with embarrassment and unease: "If my parents knew I was bitten here by a snake, and that you did that to me... they would definitely think I've lost my innocence."

"Beating and scolding me is the least of my worries. If those gossipy women in the village find out, who knows what they'll say? That's why I'm afraid."

Yang Shuisheng instantly understood her concerns.

In a remote rural place like Peach Blossom Valley, if a man were to look at and touch a young, unmarried woman's chest, and even suck on it, even if it was to save her life, it would be considered a terrible rumor that could ruin a girl's reputation.

If Yu Jian, the village chief who values ​​his daughter's innocence and future more than anything, found out, he would probably cause a huge uproar.

"Okay, I understand what you mean."

He nodded understandingly: "So, how would you like me to help you?"

Yu Qianwei seemed to see a glimmer of hope; her eyes lit up, and she quickly said, "Could you come to my house and steal a piece of clothing for me?"

"I can't go back like this; if I go back, I'll definitely be exposed."

"Just grab any of my coats or shirts, I'll put them on and cover the wound so my mom won't see it."

"Steal clothes?" Yang Shuisheng immediately shook his head upon hearing this, his tone resolute. "No way, I won't do anything like stealing chickens or dogs. This is a matter of principle."

"How can this be considered petty theft?" Yu Qianwei exclaimed anxiously. "You did this to help me, it's... it's a good deed of heroism, it's different."

"That won't work either." Yang Shuisheng's attitude was firm, but he was quick-witted. After thinking for a moment, he said, "How about this, stealing clothes is definitely out of the question, but I'll try to find a way to lure your parents out of the house for a while."

"As long as they're not home, you can just go back and quietly change your clothes, and no one will know."

Yu Qianwei was taken aback, but upon closer inspection, she realized it made sense.

This method is better than having Yang Shuisheng steal clothes.

It avoids the risk of theft, achieves the goal, and is safer.

"Yes, yes, yes! That's a great idea!"

A delighted smile immediately spread across her face, and she nodded repeatedly, "Yang Shuisheng, you're so smart!"

"I don't know how to thank you enough."

"You really want to thank me?"

Looking at her relieved and somewhat adoring gaze, Yang Shuisheng suddenly felt a mischievous urge.

He turned his head slightly, as if he wanted her to wipe his sweat or something, so he said in a half-joking tone, "Just saying thank you isn't enough, we need to do something real."

"Actually?"

Yu Qianwei blinked her big, teary eyes and looked at him with a blank expression.

My gaze fell on Yang Shuisheng's well-defined and strong profile. His chin was taut, and it looked rather handsome in the dappled shadows of the trees.

The focused, decisive, and reckless way he sucked out the snake venom for himself just now was like a small hammer gently tapping on Yu Qianwei's heartstrings.

"A practical expression of gratitude."

Is he implying something?

Is it...

Yu Qianwei's face flushed even redder than when she was poisoned.

My heart started pounding uncontrollably.

She looked at Yang Shuisheng's profile, which was so close to hers, and her mind was a jumbled mess.

He saved my life and was so considerate of me... and after what he did to me just now, I don't think I really dislike him.

When it comes to expressing gratitude, this seems to be the only way.

She took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, closed her eyes, stood on tiptoe, and quickly kissed Yang Shuisheng's cheek like a dragonfly skimming the water.

The touch was soft, moist, and carried the unique fragrance of a young girl; it was fleeting.

Yang Shuisheng's body stiffened abruptly, and he was completely stunned.

He slowly turned his head and looked at Yu Qianwei in disbelief, his face filled with astonishment and confusion.

He was just saying it casually, and his intention was just to ask her to help him wipe his sweat. How did she end up kissing him?

After the kiss, Yu Qianwei immediately realized what she had done. She was so ashamed that she wanted to disappear into the ground. She covered her burning face and didn't dare to look Yang Shuisheng in the eye. She turned around and tried to run away, but her legs gave way and she almost fell over again.

"I just wanted to thank you. um... I'll leave the task of getting my parents away to you."

She uttered these words incoherently, not caring whether the herbs bandaged her chest would fall off, and staggered outside, clutching her tattered clothes and bowing her head.

Yang Shuisheng stood there, touching the spot on his face where he had been kissed; a warm, soft sensation still lingered there.

He looked in the direction Yu Qianwei had left, and after a long while shook his head with a mixture of helplessness and amusement.

What kind of mess is this...?

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like