As Jian Yumei carried Meiniang towards the flickering lights, he felt a slight trembling in her arms.
Perplexed, he paused. "What's wrong, Meiniang?" Jian Yumei inquired.
"Nothing, I'm just worried about facing my mother's scolding when we return," Meiniang replied.
"It's alright, I'll explain to her when we get back, alright?" Jian Yumei reassured.
"How could you say that!" Meiniang protested.
"I'll simply explain that I accidentally caused your injury, bandaged it up, and it took some time, hence the delay in returning you home," Jian Yumei explained.
"Don't say that! She might insist you marry me!" Meiniang exclaimed.
"What? Marry you?" Jian Yumei was taken aback.
Meiniang glanced at him and lowered her head. "Considering our current situation, do you think she wouldn't want you to marry me?"
"I haven't given it much thought, but..." Jian Yumei faltered.
"If that's the case, then don't come in. Go back. Leave me here; I'll manage," Meiniang suggested.
"No, I must escort you home. You're injured, and you're a young maiden. I must ensure you safely reach home," Jian Yumei insisted.
"You'll leave once you've escorted me home?" Meiniang asked.
"Yes, once you're home safe and sound, I'll be at ease," Jian Yumei confirmed.
"I'm quite beautiful, don't you wish to stay and keep me company?" Meiniang's voice lowered.
Jian Yumei looked at her blushing face, feeling puzzled but not dwelling on it. "You're indeed beautiful, but I have my own responsibilities to attend to," he replied.
"When you touched me earlier, did you not find my skin soft and comforting? Wouldn't you want to touch it again at any time?" Meiniang's voice grew even softer.
"I... I hadn't considered it," Jian Yumei confessed.
"When you touched me, I felt so comfortable. Why don't you stay and accompany me, massage me whenever I need?" Meiniang pleaded.
Jian Yumei was bewildered. "Miss, Meiniang, let's not discuss this for now. I intend to escort you home first, and we can address this later," he said, then continued towards the illuminated area with Meiniang in his arms.
Observing the light ahead, Meiniang looked at Jian Yumei, sensing him as a true gentleman. Determined, she couldn't let him enter her home; her feelings for him intensified even more at this moment.
She gazed at Jian Yumei. "Stop, we cannot proceed!" she declared.
"Why? Don't you want to go home?" Jian Yumei inquired.
"You leave. Don't go any further," Meiniang insisted.
"Why?" Jian Yumei was perplexed. The Meiniang who had been so warm and shy just moments ago now wished for him to leave.
"I'm upset, can't I be? You, this bookish fellow, I don't like you anymore. Leave me here!" Meiniang declared.
Jian Yumei felt somewhat disheartened.
"I'll escort you inside, then I'll leave! I'll definitely go; rest assured!" Jian Yumei assured her.
"No, don't go inside!" Meiniang protested.
Just as Jian Yumei was about to respond, the door of the house opened, and a woman called out, "Meiniang, is that you? I heard your voice!"
"Yes, Mother, I'm back!" Meiniang replied.
Meiniang glanced at Jian Yumei, her gaze complex. Jian Yumei was stunned, unable to decipher the myriad of emotions in Meiniang's eyes.
There was reproach, pity, tenderness, and admiration! Jian Yumei couldn't discern them clearly.
"Meiniang, did you bring a guest?" the woman called out.
"Yes, a big brother saved me today. I can't walk, so he brought me back!" Meiniang explained.
At this moment, another girl emerged from the house, observing Jian Yumei carrying Meiniang from afar.
"Sister, where did you meet this handsome guy? He's so gentle. Look how carefully he's carrying you; he truly treasures you. This handsome guy knows how to appreciate beauty!" the girl remarked.
"Sister, don't mock me. This big brother has urgent matters. I had no choice but to let him bring me back. He's about to leave now!" Meiniang explained.
"Where are you going? It's dark already. Meiniang, let the big brother stay and rest for the night before leaving! The mountains are filled with wild beasts and monsters at night, not to mention fox spirits. What if something happens to the big brother!?" the girl insisted.
"Yes, Meiniang, let the big brother stay. He can leave tomorrow morning!" the woman chimed in.
By now, Jian Yumei and Meiniang had reached the front of the house.
"What a handsome young man! Sister will be delighted when she returns!" the girl chuckled.
Jian Yumei felt somewhat embarrassed. He truly intended to leave, but it was difficult to refuse their hospitality.
"Come, young man, lay my servant girl down in the room," the woman directed Jian Yumei towards a bedroom.
Without much thought, Jian Yumei followed the woman.
"Come, young man, lay my daughter down to rest. I'm still preparing dinner. You can chat with my daughter in the room, and join us for dinner later!" the woman suggested.
"No, thank you, ma'am. I must leave; I have other matters to attend to!" Jian Yumei declined.
"That won't do. You must eat before you leave!" the woman insisted before walking away, leaving Jian Yumei with no choice. He decided to accompany Meiniang into the room.
It was a delicate room, clearly belonging to a young maiden, exuding warmth. Jian Yumei laid Meiniang on the bed.
A fragrance wafted through the room, the unique scent of a young maiden's chamber. Jian Yumei felt a bit intoxicated.
Unaware of the subtle yet distinct fragrance mixed within, Jian Yumei, being a martial arts practitioner and morally upright, wasn't greatly affected by it. However, there was a slight impact.
Even this slight impact caused Jian Yumei's cheeks to flush. He thought he might be experiencing improper thoughts in the presence of the young maiden's chamber.
Placing the girl on the bed, he asked, "I can't move now; could you please help me take off my shoes?" the girl requested.
"Of course," Jian Yumei assisted Meiniang in removing her embroidered shoes, placing them by the window.
"Could you help me remove my outer clothes and skirt as well? I feel very uncomfortable like this!" Meiniang requested.
Jian Yumei's face turned red.
"I can't move now, and you won't help me?" Meiniang complained.
"Where's your sister?" Jian Yumei inquired.
"Sigh, she never likes to help me. Now that she sees you're handsome,
unless you please her, she won't help me!" Meiniang lamented.
Jian Yumei pondered the idea of having to please the girl. He couldn't even avoid her, let alone appease her. He decided to assist Meiniang in undressing. Furthermore, her wound needed to be checked to ensure it hadn't shifted during their journey.
Jian Yumei gently helped Meiniang undress.