Huo Ling'er glared at Xiao Fan with a mix of embarrassment and anger.
It was the first time someone had ever accused her of eating too much.
What a humiliation!
An absolute humiliation!
A princess!
She was a princess!
Couldn't Xiao Fan understand the main point of her words?
She had thought that after revealing her identity, Xiao Fan would at least be respectful and cautious, if not bowing and scraping.
But instead, Xiao Fan was not only unfazed but also complained about her eating too much and worrying she might stay indefinitely.
She had never been treated like this in her life.
Huo Ling'er fumed, "Who cares to stay in your shabby hut? Even if you beg me after I recover, I won't stay."
"That's the best," Xiao Fan replied with a calm smile.
In fact, he didn't really mind how much Huo Ling'er ate.
For some reason, he just felt an urge to tease this proud girl.
After speaking, Xiao Fan took the empty bowl to the kitchen to wash up.
Huo Ling'er stuck her tongue out at his retreating figure and made a face.
This guy was really annoying.
But his vegetable porridge was quite delicious.
"Why does it smell so bad?" Huo Ling'er suddenly wrinkled her nose.
Earlier, she had been too hungry to notice the sour odor in the air.
It didn't make sense.
Although Xiao Fan's clothes were simple, they looked clean.
And despite being annoying, Xiao Fan didn't seem like a messy person.
The room, though basic, was tidy and clean.
So where was the sour smell coming from?
After some searching, Huo Ling'er realized the source.
"Ah!" she screamed.
The sour smell was coming from her own body!
Oh no!
How dirty must she be to smell like this?
Huo Ling'er was in shock, unable to accept this reality.
She was a princess!
How could she face anyone in such a smelly state?
She wanted to disappear from embarrassment.
Xiao Fan quickly came back into the room.
Seeing him, Huo Ling'er hastily composed herself, trying to hide her distress.
"What happened? Why did you scream?" Xiao Fan asked.
"Nothing, I just saw a little mouse," Huo Ling'er forced a smile, though it looked very unnatural.
"A mouse?" Xiao Fan raised an eyebrow.
Given her cultivation level, higher than his, she shouldn't be afraid of a mouse.
Clearly, he didn't believe her.
He stepped closer, gazing intently at her.
"I'm really fine," Huo Ling'er said, trying to stay calm.
She was worried Xiao Fan might notice the smell.
As the sour odor lingered in the air, Xiao Fan soon understood what was making her nervous.
He found it somewhat amusing.
Lying in bed for days, it was normal for her to smell.
But seeing how embarrassed she was, he realized it was a sensitive issue.
However, it posed a problem.
Huo Ling'er was almost completely immobilized and couldn't clean herself.
Yet, it wouldn't be appropriate for him to do it.
He pondered over the dilemma.
Huo Ling'er, sensing his silence, grew more anxious.
Had he noticed the smell?
After thinking for a while, Xiao Fan spoke, "You've been unconscious for several days. But given the propriety between men and women, I haven't helped you change clothes or clean up."
"I can help you if you need it."
He spoke plainly, as if discussing an ordinary matter.
Huo Ling'er felt both angry and embarrassed.
So he had noticed the smell!
And now he was offering to help her change and clean?
Although she silently cursed him for his arrogance, she hesitated.
Given her current condition, it would take some time before she could move freely again.
Could she endure the smell until then?
If she waited too long, she might be pickled in her own odor.
Her pride battled with her need for cleanliness.
Xiao Fan waited patiently, ready to help if needed, but also fine with leaving her to decide.
After a moment of inner turmoil, Huo Ling'er made her decision.
Though it was awkward to let a man she barely knew help her change and clean, she couldn't stand the smell any longer.
It was unacceptable both mentally and physically.
And despite his annoying demeanor, Xiao Fan had saved and taken care of her.
This proved he was a gentleman without any ulterior motives.
"Alright... please help me," she said softly, feeling embarrassed.
"Okay," Xiao Fan nodded, "I'll heat some water."
About a quarter of an hour later, Xiao Fan returned with a bucket of hot water.
Despite agreeing, Huo Ling'er blushed deeply when the moment came.
"Your face is so red. Are you feeling unwell?" Xiao Fan teased, knowing she was just shy.
Perhaps living alone in the mountains had made him enjoy teasing the proud girl for some amusement.
"Oh!" Huo Ling'er realized her nervousness was showing and quickly tried to cover it up.
"I practice fire attribute cultivation, so I get flushed easily."
"Do you even know what a cultivator is? Living alone in these mountains, you must be more than an ordinary person."
"I've practiced for a few years, just enough to reach the Qi Refinement stage," Xiao Fan admitted honestly.
"Qi Refinement? Hahaha..." Huo Ling'er laughed, "I reached the Foundation Establishment stage at eight."
She finally found a chance to mock Xiao Fan.
Her expression was smug and proud.
Xiao Fan showed no outward reaction but clenched his jaw slightly.
"Enough talk, I'm going to undress now!"