Fortune Across the World

Chapter 172: Awakening to Tangled Emotions (Part 1)

"Okay, sure!" Ding Qiyu moved to the bedside, recalling the location of Zhuyi's wounds from the bandage changes, and meticulously avoided them. She watched Zhuyi's expressions, her heart aching with every slight furrow of Zhuyi's brows. Treating her like a priceless treasure that could shatter at any moment, Ding Qiyu used the utmost care and tenderness to gently position Zhuyi against her chest. Worried she might get cold, she pulled the blanket up to cover her.

Aunt Jade couldn't help but smile at the scene. Not lovers, really? If Zhuyi wasn't in her heart, how could Ding Qiyu show such care and tenderness?

Ding Qiyu, aware of Aunt Jade's amusement, felt awkward under the elder's perceptive gaze. But despite her discomfort, she remained steadfast in her desire to care for Zhuyi. Blushing, she asked softly, "Aunt Jade, will you feed Zhuyi?"

Aunt Jade stifled her laughter, sitting at the bedside with the wooden bowl. She scooped a spoonful of the pomegranate-colored Danming fruit pulp, gently feeding it to Le Zhuyi, then pressed her fingers to her neck to help her swallow.

What would normally take a few sips took nearly a quarter of an hour for Ding Qiyu and Aunt Jade to feed Zhuyi the entire bowl of fruit pulp.

Ding Qiyu tenderly wiped Zhuyi's lips and laid her back in bed. Aunt Jade, tidying the bowl, suggested, "Yu'er, you should rest too. Your wounds also need time to heal."

Ding Qiyu agreed, seeing Aunt Jade off, but had no intention of resting herself. Instead, she pulled a small stool to Zhuyi's bedside, feeling a need to stay by her side, to watch over her.

The usually vibrant and lively Zhuyi was now so quiet and frail. Ding Qiyu gently brushed the hair from her face, her fingers tracing over Zhuyi's serene features, from her brows to her uncolored lips. Zhuyi was truly beautiful...

Recalling the recent events—the moment Zhuyi rode to her rescue, her words of "together in life or death"—filled Ding Qiyu with warmth and emotion. She could still feel the lingering warmth of that kiss on the trap path. Her thoughts drifted.

Suddenly, Zhuyi murmured in her sleep, "Little carpenter... Qi, Yu..."

Ding Qiyu's heart leapt, thinking Zhuyi had awakened, but her eyes remained closed, murmuring unconsciously. Her tense expression prompted Ding Qiyu to gently pat her and soothe her, "Zhuyi, I'm here. It's alright now. We're safe."

Ding Qiyu's voice seemed to calm her, and Zhuyi's expression eased into a peaceful sleep.

Seeing her so gentle and serene, Ding Qiyu's heart melted. Her lips appeared invitingly soft and pink from the fruit pulp, and Ding Qiyu felt a sudden urge to taste them.

As she leaned closer, a cool image flashed in her mind, startling her. She realized what she was about to do, recoiling back onto her stool.

She had Qing'er—how could she be so fickle, to desire another? The temptation to indulge in beauty was hard to resist, and perhaps this promise of life and death was one she was fated to break. But her heart had already tangled with affection, and after such a trial, she couldn't bear to distance herself from Zhuyi.

Conflicted, Ding Qiyu covered her eyes, memories flooding her mind: devoted Qing'er, comforting Xier, devoted Lian'er, and Zhuyi who shielded her from danger. Different faces and deep emotions intertwined within her. Though she dared not admit it, her heart housed several women, feelings entwined and inextricable. She didn't know how to resolve it, forcing herself to focus on Qing'er alone.