Lu Yan looked at the woman who had just kissed him. Some of the memories he had forgotten from last night gradually surfaced in his mind.
Last night, to help him manage the pain, she had taken the initiative to kiss him.
This was the first time since they met that she had kissed him of her own accord.
A scene that had once only appeared in his dreams had actually happened in reality.
However...
He was inflicted with the highly toxic poison of the Five-Colored Flower, and his life was already in grave danger.
Even if he still had feelings for her, what did it matter?
The current him no longer had the right to speak of love and happiness.
His life was destined to end in loneliness.
He did not want her to see him in his most miserable state, nor did he want to lose control and hurt her again.
His gaze fell on her scraped arm, and a flash of deep sorrow passed through his eyes.
He closed his eyes for a moment, then said in a hoarse voice, There is nothing left.
Jiang Shuyin cupped his face again and leaned in to kiss him.
But this time, the man turned his head away, his lean jawline tense. Enough!
Jiang Shuyin did not force him any further.
After a moment of silence, she said, I am not someone who pesters endlessly. Since you don't want to have anything to do with me anymore, I will do as you wish. But for these days while you are recovering, let me take care of you, alright?
Lu Yan remained silent and said nothing.
The tight strings of Jiang Shuyin's heart relaxed a little.
Although he did not agree, he also did not tell her to get lost again.
Uncle, sister, I brought breakfast for you. Ah Cai came in carrying a bamboo basket on her back.
Jiang Shuyin smiled gently at Ah Cai. Thank you, sorry for the trouble.
Ah Cai quickly waved her hands. It's no trouble, I had to eat anyway.
Just like that, Jiang Shuyin stayed with Lu Yan for nearly a week.
During this time, the Five-Colored Flower poison in his body flared up once more, but fortunately, the wound on his abdomen did not tear open again and was already showing signs of healing.
A lot of stubble had grown on his chin and jaw. Looking at his current appearance, Jiang Shuyin felt as if they were back in the Black Desert.
In the Black Desert, his face had also been covered in a beard.
Fortunately, when she came looking for him, she had brought a razor and shaving cream.
Jiang Shuyin had Lu Yan sit on a wooden stool outside the house, and she crouched in front of him to shave his beard.
First, she applied a layer of white foam, then slowly used the razor to shave him clean.
Lu Yan looked at the woman who was so close to him. Having stayed here for a week, she had also lost quite a bit of weight.
On her already slender face, there was hardly any flesh left.
She looked at him with a focused gaze, and in her dark pupils, he saw his own reflection.
His gaze shifted slightly and suddenly landed on her neckline.
He let out a low cough. Jiang Shuyin, it's broad daylight. Don't tempt me. Pull your collar up a bit.
Jiang Shuyin's hand trembled.
She nearly scraped a layer of skin off his face.
She looked down at her collar and, seeing that she was indeed a bit exposed, tugged it up.
Why are you pretending to be a gentleman now? Didn't you used to tear people's clothes all the time?
Lu Yan was speechless.
Through their interactions over this recent period, after letting go of the hatred she once held for him, Jiang Shuyin discovered that he was just a man with a fierce mouth but a very soft heart.
In the past, she had held too much prejudice against him, so much so that she had never truly understood him.
Once the beard on his face and jaw was shaved clean, a handsome, chiseled face was fully revealed without reservation.
He had lost a lot of weight recently, making his contours appear even sharper and his features more profound and three-dimensional.
Perhaps because she no longer hated him, looking at him now, she actually found him quite masculine.
No wonder so many women were captivated by him.
With your beard shaved, you look much more handsome.
Hearing her compliment, Lu Yan's Adam's apple bobbed.
This was the first time he had ever heard her praise him.
Jiang Shuyin, if you find another man in the future, I won't interfere with you anymore.
Jiang Shuyin ignored him. She stood up and put the razor back into her bag.
When she came out, Ah Cai was walking over with her basket.
Over this recent period, Ah Cai would bring them food every day.
Ah Cai was not only pretty and charming but also very kind-hearted.
Is your foot hurt? Lu Yan asked in a low voice.
Ah Cai was limping as she walked.
After setting down her basket, she smiled brightly and said, I accidentally took a fall while picking herbs.
Lu Yan's brow furrowed tightly. That doesn't look like a fall. It looks like you were beaten. Who hit you?
Ah Cai lowered her long eyelashes and said nothing.
Ah Cai, when you saved me, I told you that I owe you. As long as you need something, I will help you.
Hearing Lu Yan's words, crystal tears rolled down from Ah Cai's eyes.
When you leave the fishing village, can you take me with you?
Standing inside the house, Jiang Shuyin felt her heart suddenly tighten upon hearing Ah Cai's words.
Could it be that Ah Cai had fallen for Lu Yan?
Would she ask Lu Yan to let her devote her life to him in return?
The village chief's son is a fool. After my grandfather passed away, the village chief brought people to my house several times, trying to force me to marry his son, but I really don't want to marry him.
If I stay here, I definitely won't be able to escape the fate of marrying his son.
Lu Yan was silent for a moment, then nodded. Alright, when the time comes, I'll take you to my parents' place.
Take Ah Cai to his parents' place?
A sour emotion instantly spread through Jiang Shuyin's heart.
She realized that whenever he was with Ah Cai, this emotion would constantly linger in her mind.
Jiang Shuyin picked up her bag from inside the room and walked out.
Seeing Jiang Shuyin carrying her bag, a look of confusion appeared on Ah Cai's pretty face. Ah Yin, where are you going?
Jiang Shuyin glanced at Lu Yan. His injuries are healed, so I will be leaving too.
She told herself that if Lu Yan asked her to stay, she would remain and accompany him for a few more days.
But Lu Yan did not open his mouth.
His coldness and distance made Jiang Shuyin experience the same feeling she had once given him when she was cold and verbally abusive.
She really had brought this upon herself.
Lu Yan, take good care of yourself.
Jiang Shuyin stepped forward and walked away quickly.
Ah Cai looked at Jiang Shuyin's retreating back, then at Lu Yan, who sat there completely unmoved. She quickly gave him a push. Uncle, hurry up and go chase her.
Lu Yan's tall body stood up.
Ah Cai thought he was going to chase after her, but unexpectedly, he turned and went into the house.
Ah Cai looked thoroughly confused and had no choice but to chase after Jiang Shuyin herself.
Ah Yin, please don't misunderstand. There is absolutely nothing going on between the uncle and me. Besides, he isn't my type. He is only letting me go to his family's home because his mother's health is poor. He thinks that since I know medicine, he can arrange a caregiving job for me while I help take care of his mother.
Also, I plan to go to an adult college after I earn enough money. I can tell that you two really like each other, and I would never be a third party to ruin your relationship.
Jiang Shuyin stopped in her tracks and looked at Ah Cai. You think he likes me?
