***
At that thought, her body tensed slightly as she said to him, "I can't always depend on you to go to the bathroom. Bring me a pair of crutches tomorrow, or one of those frames with wheels that I can push in front of me to walk."
"Mm."
Qiao Chutian nodded and said, "I've already had one custom-made; it should be delivered tomorrow."
"That's good, thank you."
Mai Xiaomai's tone held a degree of estrangement and discomfort.
Qiao Chutian failed to detect this subtle shift in her, carrying her to the bathroom, helping her pull down her pants over the toilet, then waiting outside.
Seated on the toilet, Xiaomai stared at the wall ahead, suddenly feeling an inexplicable wave of desolation.
This desolation left her at a loss, even more so than the day she had seen Mother Cheng swinging a stick at her, intent on beating her to death.
