C14 Chapter 14

“Master, I understand everything you’re saying.” Duu Luo saw that the last layer of gauze was stuck fast with blood and wouldn’t come off, so she said, “Master, hold this for a second. I’m going to get some water.”

Her master took the gauze without a word, his eyes fixed on Duu Luo’s back. If she hadn’t gotten up just then, he would’ve had the urge to swat her away with a single slap.

Duu Luo poured herself a cup of tea first, rinsed her mouth, then spat into the spittoon off to the side.

Then she picked up the kettle beside her, poured a cup of plain water, and went back to her master. Without the slightest hint of embarrassment, she sat right down on his lap like it was the most natural thing in the world.

She took a mouthful of water, but didn’t control it well and swallowed it.

A little flustered, she took another mouthful and sprayed it toward his wound.

After that, the gauze finally dampened enough to peel away easily.

Her master’s face darkened. He wanted nothing more than to knock the girl sitting on him straight to the floor—and then stomp a few times for good measure.

What she was doing wasn’t wrong, but he was her master. Boundaries mattered. He’d told her more than once. So why did this Miss Duu always respond with that wide-eyed, innocent “I don’t get it” act—or dodge the issue entirely?

Besides… she had someone she liked. If that person saw this, what then? She was stubborn about everything. If the one she liked saw her like this, who knew how heartbroken she’d be?

In the end, he’d spoiled her too much.

Still… he’d let her have this one. Maybe it was the last chance.

“Master, hand me the medicated ointment and the cloth.” Duu Luo looked at the wound. It wasn’t large, but it was deep enough to show bone. She reached out and touched the skin around the injury on his shoulder, and before she could stop herself, tears spilled out.

“Why are you crying? Feeling wronged?” Master hadn’t expected Duu Luo—usually fearless—to actually cry.

“It’s not that I feel wronged. I just feel stifled.” Duu Luo sniffled twice, took the cotton cloth from Master’s hand, dampened it with water, and gently wiped. “Master, something like this happens and you don’t even tell me. Did I do something wrong—something that disappointed you? Master, I’ve learned a lot now. There are things you can let me handle.”

“Just put the medicine on and stop thinking about all that.” Master let out a quiet sigh and patted Duu Luo on the back. “Since you already have someone you like, that means you’ve grown up. And grown-ups can’t cry and fuss like little kids.”

As she applied the medicine, Duu Luo said, “So what if I like someone? In front of you, I’m still the same as when we first met. What you’ve done for me—I’ll never forget it. You’ve treated me better than anyone. I like you the most, Master.”

All of a sudden, Duu Luo felt a stab of jealousy—jealous of the real Duu Luo in this story. As for her, she was just one person, someone who’d never had this many people care about her.

Master didn’t say anything after hearing that. The two of them sat in silence until Duu Luo finished applying the medicine. She returned to her room, and only when Jiuyou’s voice sounded did she regain a bit of her composure and clarity.