128, Pain (3 updates)
Xie Zhinuan remained silent for a moment before saying, “Thank you for your master’s kind offer, but I’ll wait a little longer!”
Moreover, since Routuan had run off for a while, where could she even begin to look for him in the dead of night?
“I see…”
Yuanbao pondered, “Then Miss Xie, I’ll first return to report back and come by later to check!”
“Alright!” Xie Zhinuan replied.
She watched Yuanbao leave with his lantern, while the sound of the qin coming from across the street continued.
Xie Zhinuan looked over, but beyond the dim walls, she could see nothing.
It was also the first time she had become curious about Yuanbao’s master.
In truth, she had never taken him seriously, whether in cooking or otherwise. It was quite cold and heartless when she thought about it.
That master…
One day, she would pay a visit to express her gratitude for his silent companionship tonight.
“Woof!”
A bark rang out.
Xie Zhinuan turned her head and saw Routuan running over, fawning and rubbing against her feet erratically.
“Where have you been?” Xie Zhinuan questioned.
She crouched down and rubbed his body, only to smell blood, which immediately made her heart clench, “Are you hurt?”
“Whimper, whimper…”
Routuan let out two cries, sounding a bit wronged but also a touch proud.
He tugged at Xie Zhinuan’s hem, directing her gaze into the darkness.
“…”
A pair of glowing eyes.
“…” Xie Zhinuan gasped with fright.
“Miss, be careful, it’s a wolf!” Silly Girl exclaimed in alarm, already drawing her sword to shield Xie Zhinuan.
And suddenly, the qin music stopped.
Xie Zhinuan knew it was a wolf by the eerie glow of its greenish eyes.
But she hadn’t expected Silly Girl to protect her.
Routuan started barking loudly and ran towards the wolf, rubbing against it.
“…”
Grandma Chen and Aunt Chen came out holding oil lamps, and Li Hengyi stood in the shadows with a poisoned dart in hand, ready to strike should the wolf make a move.
At this moment, it appeared the wolf had come back with the dog.
Li Hengyi put away his weapon and left quietly.
He thought he was unnoticed, but Xie Zhinuan still cast a glance in the direction he had gone,
That feeling…
Being cared for in silence was somehow different from overt displays.
But for now, she didn’t have the leisure to ponder it. She gathered her courage and stepped forward, crouching beside Routuan, “Routuan, is this your friend?”
“Woof…”
Routuan barked in what seemed like confirmation.
Xie Zhinuan smiled, “Then ask your friend to come home. I’ll cook something for you both!”
Routuan led the way and then turned back to lead the wolf to her house. The wolf took one last look at Xie Zhinuan before following Routuan inside.
“Miss…” Silly Girl called softly.
“It’s fine, I trust Routuan. Leave the rest to me, you all go to sleep!”
After speaking, Xie Zhinuan hurriedly went inside.
She called Routuan into her room, lit several oil lamps, and examined his injuries, seeing a few wounds on his body. The wolf sat in the corner, its luminous eyes watching her.
“Miss…” Silly Girl lingered at the door, thinking of coming in.
Xie Zhinuan smiled, “Why don’t you go boil some eggs in plain water? I’ll be fine here.”
She then casually shut the door.
Gripping the bucket, she entered the space.
Routuan was used to it, but the wolf’s eyes widened in disbelief.
It watched as Xie Zhinuan suddenly disappeared and then reappeared with the bucket, the water inside rippling out with a sweet sensation.
Xie Zhinuan first ladled some for Routuan to drink, then found a large bowl, scooped some out, and set it in front of the wolf, “Drink up!”
Routuan, both hungry and thirsty, lapped vigorously at the water.
Xie Zhinuan felt distressed and took a cloth to clean his wounds.
“You…”
She actually understood.
Understood why Routuan had run off and brought back a wolf.
He wanted to protect her, but he couldn’t speak.
Holding Routuan in her arms, she rested her face against him, her eyes slightly moist, and her heart ached.
Yet she was also grateful.
That she had brought him home in the first place.
After several months of care, she truly cherished him, for after all, this was her very own dog.
“Next time, you can’t run off like this again. There are many wild beasts in the mountains!” Xie Zhinuan said while she continued to refill water for both the wolf and the dog.
This was the pure Spiritual Spring Water.
After drinking, Routuan leaned against Xie Zhinuan’s feet, already looking drained of strength.
Chapter 130