Chapter Seventy-Eight Reluctance

After those words left her lips, Mu Tingye's expression shifted several times before he spoke in a low, instinctive voice, "No, I don't need you to save me!"

She was the one he cherished above all; how could he bear to let her risk herself for his sake? He would rather be hurt himself than let her suffer—this was Mu Tingye’s silent confession.

The girl, stubborn as ever, replied, "I won't listen!"

Meeting the man's blade-sharp gaze, she continued, "I can't bear to see Uncle Tingye hurt. If you got hurt, I’d be so sad..."

She couldn't bear it—she said she couldn't bear it, and that she would be sad. Mu Tingye’s heart suddenly blossomed, as if spring had arrived in full. He held her tighter, his steps becoming lighter as he swiftly carried her to the bed, laid her down, and leaned over her, hands braced at either side. His deep, shadowy eyes locked onto hers.

"If you’re hurt, I’ll ache as well. Besides," his calm voice brimmed with irresistible pride, "there’s no one in this entire nation who could harm me, so don’t let your imagination run wild."

The girl stared blankly at Mu Tingye’s handsome, composed features, her heart aglow. In her clear eyes, it seemed as though all the stars had gathered, shining with admiration.

"Alright, I trust you, Uncle Tingye." Her face glowed with a soft, pale luster as she nodded vigorously, sweet and endearing, making one’s hands itch to tease her.

Mu Tingye’s lips curled slightly. He patted her head lightly a few times, then dropped a bombshell: "Take off your clothes."

The sudden, audacious demand stunned the girl. She instinctively looked up, meeting his fathomless eyes; her fair cheeks flushed crimson.

Realizing his words could be misunderstood, Mu Tingye continued nonchalantly, "What, didn’t you wear long sleeves and pants on purpose, so I wouldn’t see your wounds? Take them off now. I need to check."

So, he wanted to check her wounds—she’d misunderstood entirely. How could Uncle Tingye be that sort of person? The girl furrowed her delicate brows in annoyance at herself, then ventured in a small voice, "Uncle Tingye, I’ve already seen the doctor and applied medicine, so maybe I could—"

"No." His deep voice cut her off with an authority that brooked no argument.

Resigned, the girl bit her rosy lip and shyly asked him to turn around.

Mu Tingye turned his back, listening to the rustle of clothing behind him. His heart felt like it was crawling with a thousand ants, and he began to wonder if he’d made a mistake—how could he ask a young girl to undress for him to see? What if he lost control and frightened her...

"Uncle Tingye, I’m ready." Her soft, gentle voice, tinged with shyness, was utterly enchanting. Mu Tingye’s throat worked as he turned around.

He saw the girl tightly wrapped, showing only her slender legs—fair and beautiful, glowing under the white light. The only blemish was the white gauze on her knee, an eyesore to him.

"Does it hurt?" Mu Tingye’s gaze darkened for a moment.

"It’s nothing, the doctor already cleaned it up," she answered lightly, as if unconcerned.

"Anywhere else?" From the footage he’d seen, she surely hadn’t been hurt only there.

"No, that’s all." Her clear eyes flickered with a hint of nervousness as she tried to appear normal.

Ah, so bold now!

"Don’t make me do it myself." His voice was as magnetic as ever, but now carried an unmistakable command.

Afraid he’d really lift the covers, the girl hurriedly stretched her injured arm out from under the blanket, blurting, "Just this arm, really, there’s nothing else."

She clutched the blanket tighter with her other hand, terrified it might slip and embarrass her in front of him.

It’s all Uncle Tingye’s fault—now she hardly had anything decent on her, and what was there to see about a wound anyway...

Seeing her face so red it was nearly dripping blood, Mu Tingye’s lips curved gently.

So easily flustered?

He decided not to tease her further. "Truly nowhere else?"

"Truly, it’s more real than gold, I swear!" she pleaded, her eyes sparkling.

"Rest well, and don’t let the wound get wet. I’ll be going now."

"Alright. Goodnight, Uncle Tingye." Hearing he was leaving, her joy was obvious, even the corners of her mouth curled up unconsciously.

Just as he was about to leave, Mu Tingye seemed to sense something and glanced back at her, his gaze deep and unreadable, making her heart skip a beat.

She was about to lift the blanket when she felt his gaze, panicked, and quickly pulled it tighter. "Uncle Tingye, is there anything else?"

Looking down, Mu Tingye said, "You’re staying home to rest these days. I’ve already arranged leave for you." With that, he turned and strode out.

Oh? Home again...

Early the next morning, the girl had just gotten up when she heard a knock. Opening the door, she found Aunt He, followed by the family doctor they'd seen before.

Aunt He’s face was full of worry as she asked, "Miss, how are you feeling? Does your wound still hurt? Sir called the family doctor over; let him have a look."

With a helpless sigh, the girl let Aunt He lead her to the bed, where she sat and pulled up her pant leg for the examination.

The family doctor had seen this young lady several times by now and was unsurprised. Smiling warmly, he said, "Good morning, miss. I’ll be changing your dressing and disinfecting the wound every day for the next few days. I hope you’ll cooperate, and I promise you’ll recover quickly."

She could clearly sense the doctor’s genuine kindness, so she smiled in return. "Thank you very much."

Thanks to the medicine from her system, there was no pain as he undid the dressing, but for fear of arousing suspicion, she pretended to wince a bit. Seeing her expression change, the family doctor was even more gentle, softly reassuring her, "Don’t worry, miss. The medicine Sir provided is of the highest quality. In two or three days, the wound will scab over. If you feel any discomfort during this period, please tell me at once—I’ll always be here."

"Thank you for your trouble," she replied sweetly.

Afterwards, she couldn’t wait to ask Aunt He, "Aunt He, is Uncle Tingye home?"

Aunt He was momentarily startled, then broke into a smile. "Yes, he is. With you hurt, Sir would hardly be in the mood to go to work."

She thought for a moment. "Just now... I think I saw him in the garden."

At that, the girl immediately made her way outside. Because of her injury, her steps were slow, and before she could reach the garden, she nearly collided with Mu Tingye returning at the stairway.

Her soft body pressed tightly against his, her unique fragrance swirling around them. Mu Tingye unobtrusively steadied her by the waist and scolded, "Be careful."

She’d hurried just to find him, and now he was scolding her...

The girl glared at Mu Tingye with wide eyes.

But Mu Tingye thought her expression was a silent reminder—he’d promised not to be stern with her, and now here he was...