Fortune Across the World

Chapter 161: A Quiet New Year's Eve at the Spring Pool (Part 2)

Suddenly finding herself in Ding Qiyu's embrace, Le Zhuyi was momentarily stunned. The soft, warm sensation enveloping her and the fragrant scent filling her senses made Ding Qiyu's nose tingle, causing her nosebleed to return. However, her mind, already numb, barely had time to process these sensations before she heard Zhuyi's pained voice, not knowing where she was hurt. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Zhuyi's waist, feeling the warmth through the thin silk fabric. Stammering, she asked, "Zhuyi, wh-what's wrong?"

Le Zhuyi clung to Ding Qiyu's shoulder, trying to steady herself. Looking down, she noticed an oddly shaped wooden mechanism at the bottom of the pool, realizing it must have been what cut her foot. It was likely something that had fallen from Ding Qiyu's belongings. Frowning in annoyance, she demanded, "What is that?!"

Following her gaze, Ding Qiyu saw the culprit—a small flying crossbow she carried with her—lying at the pool's bottom. It must have fallen out during her struggle in the water. Filled with guilt, she apologized, "It's a flying crossbow. I'm so sorry. Did it hurt you?"

Le Zhuyi glared at the "culprit" at the pool's bottom, venting her frustration before realizing she was in Ding Qiyu's arms with only a thin layer of silk between them. Her skin was pressed against Ding Qiyu's warm body, sending a wave of embarrassment through her. Wanting to stand and put distance between them, she was thwarted by the sharp pain in her foot, which seemed to bleed more with each effort. Annoyed, she looked up at Ding Qiyu, her eyes filled with accusation as she whimpered, "It hurts..."

Her naturally soft voice, tinged with a pleading tone, was more than anyone could bear. A shiver ran down Ding Qiyu's spine, her nervousness skyrocketing, heart pounding like a drum. Her words stumbled out, "I-I-I, I'll carry you out..." Never had she felt so tongue-tied, frustrated with herself for her lack of eloquence. Wiping her nose with one hand, she supported Zhuyi with the other, quickly reaching into the water to retrieve the crossbow, tossing it aside. Without waiting for a response, she bent down to scoop Zhuyi into her arms, feeling her smooth skin against her touch. Closing her eyes briefly, she forced away distracting thoughts and lifted her.

"You—" Le Zhuyi gasped, clutching the Thousand Feathers Fire Whip to her chest with one hand and holding the thin silk around her thighs with the other, trying to maintain her modesty. She looked at the person holding her, unsure what to say, her accusatory gaze softened by embarrassment, her eyes tinged with red.

"I-I'll take you up..." Ding Qiyu mumbled, repeating herself as she carefully carried Zhuyi out of the water and onto the bank, not daring to look anywhere but straight ahead. Her chaotic emotions were betrayed by the drying blood on her face and her flushed ears.

Gently setting Zhuyi on the grass, Ding Qiyu noticed her sitting with her legs tightly together, one arm across her chest and the other over her legs, her gaze a mix of vulnerability and indignation. It was a sight that could easily stir protective instincts. Ding Qiyu tilted her head back, wiping her nose again, and pinched her thigh, discarding her outer robe to drape over Zhuyi, sparing her further embarrassment. Then she knelt by Zhuyi's foot to examine the injury, finding a long cut still oozing blood.

Frowning, Ding Qiyu glanced at the neatly folded clothes Zhuyi had prepared to change into after bathing. Catching Zhuyi's eye and seeing no objection, she carefully tore a strip from the clean inner garment and gently wrapped it around Zhuyi's injured foot.

With a garment covering her, Zhuyi's embarrassment eased. Watching the drenched, blood-streaked figure tending to her wound with such care and tenderness, she felt a warmth reminiscent of their shared moment on Moonwatcher night. This rascal of a carpenter had watched her until he bled from the nose... Despite the embarrassment, there was an inexplicable joy. She retrieved a handkerchief from her folded clothes, reaching to wipe Ding Qiyu's nose.