Chapter 52 – Feelings
Using a dried gourd ladle, Li Man scooped out some water from the water jar. After she had gulped down several mouthfuls of cold water, her mind cleared up, and her mood had also calmed down.
Li Man didn’t notice that Li Yan had put down his baskets and walked to her side.
“Are you treating that water like its wine?” Startled by his deep, low voice that sounded by her ear, Li Man dropped the ladle, and it almost fell to the ground.
Li Yan caught the falling ladle and put it down on the cooking range. Seemingly by chance, his movement caused Li Man to be caught between him and the cooking range. He deeply stared at her.
“You?” His actions caused Li Man to suddenly feel oppressed. She felt as if it had gotten harder to breath. In an instant, this anxious feeling quickly spread until it filled her heart
Watching her big, innocent eyes widening as she looked at him, Li Yan thought she looked unbearably cute. The corners of Li Yan’s lips curved up, and a gentle smile was revealed. He took out something from inside his clothes and stretched his hand out towards Li Man.
As Li Man pulled her head back in fear, she felt him inserting something into her hair. She curiously stretched her hand up to feel out the item in her hair, but Li Yan caught her fingers in mid-air.
“It looks really good.” His gaze was very gentle as he looked at her, and his eyes were full of smiling intent.
Li Man tried her best to pull her hand out of his and fiercely glared at him. What had he put into her hair?
At this time, Little Five shouted from outside, “Second brother,”
Feeling anxious, Li Man’s little face flushed red.
Li Yan chuckled. He pointed at her hair and lightly said, “You’re not allowed to take it off. Remember to wear it every day.”
“Second brother, third brother is calling for you.” At this time, Little Five ran into the kitchen and pulled Li Yan towards the outside.
“What’s the matter?” Li Yan lightly asked. His steps were slow and deliberate as he walked out. He even turned his head back and winked and smiled at Li Man.
Li Man’s heart, which she had finally calmed down, went right back to feeling distressed and unbalanced from that smile of his. She hurriedly took down the thing he had put in her hair and saw that it was just a wooden hairpin. The craftsmanship was very meticulous. It was a simple flower design, but every grain in the wood had been carefully polished so that it looked exceptionally smooth. It was easy to see that he had really put his mind to it.
—
Li Man made noodles from scratch for dinner. She normally really enjoyed eating this type of noodles, but she didn’t have much of an appetite this evening. She kept feeling as if someone was staring at her with a peculiar gaze. It made her heart feel very uneasy.
When the entire family was eating together, it was usually very lively and noisy. Li Shu was usually the worst offender. No matter how delicious the food was, it wouldn’t stop him from jabbering away. But, tonight, for the very first time, he didn’t say a single word during the meal and seemed absorbed with eating his food. He put down his bowl and left the room right after he was finished eating.
By the time the meal was finally over, Li Man felt quite gloomy. She waited until after everyone left to gather up the chopsticks and bowls. But, a strange scent unexpectedly wafted over in the dusky lighting. She trembled in fear. When she turned around, she was surprised to see that Li Mo had been standing behind her.
“Ah -” Li Man patted her chest and let out a long sigh in relief. She had thought it was…
Feeling a bit frustrated, Li Mo explained, “Don’t be scared. It’s just me.” He had been worried that she hadn’t eaten enough during dinner, so he had taken out a precious bag of jujube and came back to give it to her. This way, she would have something to snack on if she got hungry later. He hadn’t expected that his presence would scare her. He felt frustrated. Even if he tried to explain himself, she wouldn’t be able understand his words. Under this flustered state, he simply stuffed the bag into her hand and exited the hut.
What was this? Li Man opened the bag and saw several plump jujubes inside. She still felt confused.
An unexpected kiss, a carefully crafted hairpin, sweet and plump jujube fruit…
Had her earlier guess about the situation been correct?