Fortune Across the World

Chapter 65: Unintentional Trouble with the Lady (End)

Ding Qiyu took a deep breath, closing her eyes to calm herself. She had no desire to argue with Zhao Tianran. Her priority was to resolve the situation at hand and then make amends with Weixi! She turned to Yun Yi, who was struggling to stand, and said, "Stay still, you mentioned an old injury, right? I'll take you." With a firm tone leaving no room for argument, she supported Yun Yi's weight, bent down, and patted her shoulder. "Get on."

Hesitating for a moment, Yun Yi obeyed, allowing Ding Qiyu to guide her onto her shoulders. Ding Qiyu effortlessly stood up, noting how light and fragile Yun Yi felt. Ignoring Zhao Tianran's tantrum, she walked past her, carrying Yun Yi out of the classroom.

Having been rebuffed by Ding Qiyu once more, Zhao Tianran, for the first time in her life, encountered someone so audaciously disrespectful. Anger, resentment, and indignation welled up within her, leaving her throat tight and her face contorted with fury. Unfortunately, this wasn't her estate, and there was little she could do to Ding Qiyu despite her rage.

"Do you need to see the academy doctor?" Ding Qiyu asked Yun Yi once they were outside. She regretted asking as soon as she did, knowing Yun Yi would likely refuse.

Yun Yi shook her head. "No, no need. I have medicine at home; I'll just apply some when I get back."

"Forget it, let's go anyway." Ignoring her protest, Ding Qiyu headed straight for the medical hall, designated for the senior students, her mind replaying Weixi's departure, filled with unease. She feared she had truly angered Weixi this time and pondered how best to apologize.

Yun Yi, noting Ding Qiyu's determination, whispered her thanks, "I'm sorry to trouble you..."

Ding Qiyu barely caught her words, only hearing them because they were spoken so close to her ear. She smiled softly, responding, "It's no trouble."

Yun Yi fell silent, resting her head on Ding Qiyu's shoulder, her gaze fixed on Ding Qiyu's profile. This shoulder felt as warm as her brother's, but it carried a new sensation she had never experienced before—one that thrilled and unnerved her, making her feel a budding attachment. Recalling the classroom incident, she remembered how, on the brink of despair, this person had stood up, shielding her from Liu Jiping's malicious gaze and actions. It felt as if she had found a safe harbor... Yun Yi unconsciously tightened her grip on the fabric of Ding Qiyu's shoulder, her head gently leaning against her shoulder, breathing in Ding Qiyu's comforting scent, her heart a flutter.

At the medical hall, Ding Qiyu crouched to let Yun Yi down, helping her to a seat. Yun Yi's maid fetched a female doctor, and Yun Yi hesitated, glancing at Ding Qiyu. However, Ding Qiyu was preoccupied with another matter and didn't notice her subtle expressions nor the need to "avoid suspicion." Left with no choice, Yun Yi blushed and bent to roll up her skirt and pants, revealing a starkly bruised calf. The sight snapped Ding Qiyu's wandering thoughts back to the present, and she winced empathetically, "That's serious!"

The doctor began her examination, causing Yun Yi to flinch in pain, her foot instinctively pulling back, only to be gently held in place as the doctor continued her work. Tears welled in Yun Yi's eyes from the pain. Seeing this, Ding Qiyu placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, a gesture reminiscent of how she would reassure her sister during medical procedures, which somehow always gave her sister strength. It worked here too, as Yun Yi felt comforted, her perception of pain lessening.

The doctor assessed the injury and said, "Nothing serious with the bone, but your leg bone has an old injury, which is why it hurts so much. You'll need to apply a bruise ointment for several days to recover. The old injury is too long-standing to treat now, so you must be careful. Any further bone injury could be troublesome."