Huo Xiao remained frozen on the newly set-up small bed, afraid to move a muscle. His current emotions were a mix of excitement and nervousness.
The bed made creaking noises with the slightest movement, and he was anxious that it might disturb Xiang Wan's rest. He had no choice but to be super still.
The more nervous he was, the more sensitive he became to his surroundings. He could even smell the unique fragrance of Xiang Wan.
The fragrance permeated the air filling his restless heart with warmth.
—-
She didn't know how she fell asleep, but when she woke up, he was no longer in the room.
She pushed the door open and saw a woman sitting on the stone stool outside.
"Miss, you're awake!" The woman turned around upon hearing the commotion and looked at Xiang Wan.
"Who are you…?" Xiang Wan asked, puzzled.
"I'm Wu Lan, you can just call me Auntie Wu. Little Huo asked me to come and take care of you." Wu Lan's kind face had a smile on it. "Wash your face and have breakfast!"
Wu Lan skillfully found a basin in the kitchen, poured hot water that had been heating since morning, and then fetched a ladle of cold water. She walked back into the courtyard holding these two things.
"Auntie, let me do it!" She quickly walked forward and reached out to take the basin.
"It's okay, I have plenty of strength. Don't tire yourself out!" Wu Lan evaded Xiang Wan's hand, indicating that she could do it herself.
It was because Xiang Wan appeared too delicate, unlike her who was a farmer who had done all sorts of work and still retained strength.
"Thank you, Auntie." Xiang Wan didn't insist further.
"See how much cold water you need to add to make it comfortable. Early this morning, Little Huo already boiled the water. He asked me to watch over it so that it doesn't get cold," Wu Lan seized the opportunity to gain some favor for Huo Xiao.
Xiang Wan smiled and took the ladle from her without saying anything.
After washing up, Xiang Wan dried her face and retrieved a few basic skincare products from her room to lather on.
These skincare products were just purchased from the Shop. She didn't dare to buy too many things, so she only got a basic four-piece skincare set.
She planned to retrieve her luggage today if she had time so that she wouldn't have to hide or be secretive about buying more things.
Wu Lan watched as Xiang Wan applied layer after layer on her face. Observing her smooth skin, akin to a peeled egg, Wu Lan couldn't help but touch her rough cheeks.
"Being young is good. There's still time for skincare to maintain. As for me, I'm past that stage," Wu Lan sighed with a touch of melancholy.
Xiang Wan continued her actions and carefully looked at Wu Lan's facial features.
From the current outline, she could tell that Wu Lan must have been a beauty in her younger years. Unfortunately, the lack of skincare knowledge during her youth had taken its toll over time.
"Auntie, you're still as charming as ever. It's never too late for skin care. Here, take this!" Xiang Wan pushed the skincare products in her hands to Wu Lan.
"I really can't accept this. Nothing will work for my old face!" Wu Lan quickly waved her hand.
Wu Lan felt that it was a waste for her to use such precious items, so she declined Xiang Wan's kind offer.
Seeing Wu Lan's insistence, Xiang Wan didn't push any further. After tidying up, she walked to the courtyard.
Wu Lan brought out the warm rice porridge and a few side dishes that had been warmed in the kitchen for a while, placing them on the small table in the courtyard.
Looking at the rice porridge and the small dishes in front of her, Xiang Wan suddenly felt her appetite build up. She eagerly picked up her chopsticks.
The rice porridge was soft, fragrant, and sweet, and the side dishes were a mix of sweet, spicy, and refreshing flavors.
"Auntie, did you cook this?" Tasting the familiar flavors and feeling that it resembled the meal she had last night, Xiang Wan couldn't help but ask.
"Yes! What's wrong? Is it not to your liking?" Wu Lan immediately became nervous upon hearing this.
She knew the girl in front of her came from the city and was worried that the food she made might be too simple and not suitable for her urban tastes.
"It's absolutely to my liking!" Xiang Wan's eyes turned starry as she stared straight at Wu Lan. She had found a treasure!
Yesterday, when Xiang Wan had dinner, she felt the meal was especially suited to her taste. But she had attributed it to being too hungry after a tiring day so anything she ate must be delicious.
However, the breakfast this morning was equally delicious, indicating that it truly was tasty
Little did she expect that on just her second day in the countryside, she had stumbled upon such a talented cook!
It just so happened that she lacked a cook whose cooking suited her taste at home. How could she convince Wu Lan to go back with her?