Dugu Ming had been holding the reins with one hand, wielding a sword with the other, while also taking care of her. All scenery blurred, leaving only the person behind her, steadfastly guarding her like a shelter from wind and rain.
Warm blood continuously seeped from the wound, and large portions of his clothes were drenched in red. Mei Kai Ye held him with all her might, afraid he would collapse, never opening those eyes as clear and pure as a spring.
Although she knew the man she was holding was strong, both in skills and mental fortitude, she couldn’t help but worry.
She was afraid of losing him, realizing that nothing was as simple as she had imagined.
Yesterday, she was happy to finally escape her suffering, but today, that confident man had been wounded by an arrow because of her.
Sensing her unease, Dugu Ming spoke softly, “I’m… fine.” As always, calm and composed, if one ignored his slightly labored breathing, abnormally rapid heartbeat, and now-hoarse voice.
But the more calm he was, the more inadequate Mei Kai Ye felt.
After shaking off their pursuers and dismounting to rest, it was already night. The moment Dugu Ming confirmed there was no danger, his entire body instantly went limp. He stuck his sword into the ground, supporting himself on one knee. Mei Kai Ye rushed over, helping him sit under a tree, where he wearily closed his eyes. She trembled as she unbuttoned his clothes and tossed them aside.
The wound was a bloody mess, partially dried, with continuous bleeding, almost entirely covering his back and chest. In this wilderness, finding a doctor was impossible; the arrow must be removed. Gritting her teeth, she had Dugu Ming lie on her lap, her hands gripping the arrow feathers.
Only when truly facing such a moment would one understand that prolonged trembling and hesitation weren’t affectation, but genuine emotion – fear and anxiety.
Mei Kai Ye worried that the moment the arrow was pulled out, he might faint from exhaustion.
As she hesitated, Dugu Ming bit down and propped himself up, his other hand directly grasping the remaining arrow end. “Wait,” Mei Kai Ye grabbed him, wondering if he wanted to use that method again to pull the arrow from the front. “Let me.”
