Jing Wang couldn’t describe his current emotions, like an overturned five-flavor bottle, with sour, sweet, bitter, spicy, and salty all mixed together, making him feel uncomfortable. With a trembling heart, he gently pulled her hand and applied medicine to her wrist. Tears welled up in his eyes. Who could be so heartless to leave her in such a miserable state? Given her current status, it seemed there was no one but him who could have done this. Suddenly recalling the hatred between Huoyuan Nan and the Manyi Nation, he was certain this was because of that incident, and she had become a sacrifice. How unfair it was to her. At this moment, Jing Wang’s pity for her exceeded his infatuation. A firm belief arose to rescue her from her suffering.
The midday sunlight was piercingly bright and scorching. However, Shan Xiaoya, lying in bed, felt no warmth from the sunlight. She had been bedridden for two days, with each day consisting only of eating, applying medicine, and sleeping – nothing else. Her previous whip wounds had restricted her movement, and now her foot injury further limited her actions. Though her body was mostly unharmed, she felt incredibly frustrated. If she moved, her foot would hurt terribly.
Xiaoyu entered the room.
“Shan Xiaoya sat up, reminding Xiaoyu for the nth time, ‘I’m not a madam. Don’t call me that again.’ Xiaoyu smiled and said nothing.
Shan Xiaoya continued, ‘Xiaoyu, please open the door wide and all the windows. I want to see the sunlight outside.’ Xiaoyu followed Shan Xiaoya’s instructions and opened all doors and windows.
Shan Xiaoya gazed out the window at the multicolored sunlight, her disappointment evident.
Huoyuan Nan returned from the training ground and entered Shan Xiaoya’s room. He waved away Xiaoyu, who bowed and left the room.
Huoyuan Nan approached Shan Xiaoya’s bed. Softly, he asked, ‘Do you want to go out?’
Shan Xiaoya nodded, then looked up, meeting his concerned gaze.
Before she could respond, Huoyuan Nan draped a cloak over her and lifted her, striding towards the door. His hard chest and powerful arms held her tightly.
Shan Xiaoya suddenly found herself in his embrace, a distinctly masculine scent enveloping her.”
The smell wasn’t entirely unpleasant, but his embrace felt cold and rigid, unsuitable for her.
