Watching intently, Huo Ling'er widened her eyes.
Outside, Xiao Fan was scrubbing the clothes she had worn, including her intimate garments, with great care.
During the ten years he spent with Leng Ruoxue, he not only taught her how to cultivate but also took care of her daily needs. So, washing a woman's clothes was a task he had long since grown accustomed to, with no sense of shame or avoidance.
After meticulously washing all the clothes, including her undergarments, he lifted them high to inspect them under the sunlight. Satisfied that they were clean and bright, he hung them out to dry.
To him, this was a normal act, merely ensuring the clothes were properly washed.
But to Huo Ling'er, it seemed as though he was perversely admiring her intimate apparel, savoring the moment.
"Ugh! What a pervert!" Huo Ling'er cursed, her face flushing with embarrassment.
Yet oddly enough, she didn't feel a surge of anger, just shame. After all, any normal girl would feel mortified seeing her personal items exposed so openly to a man.
She found herself increasingly unable to understand Xiao Fan. Did he have no sense of shame? How could he wash a girl's clothes so unabashedly?
Or perhaps he truly didn't see her as a girl?
Huo Ling'er was conflicted. Should she be indignant or grateful? Xiao Fan's intentions were good; he hadn't done anything wrong. If she overreacted, it would seem petty and lacking the broad-mindedness of a true martial artist.
Well, since Xiao Fan didn't mind, neither should she.
Leaning against the wall, Huo Ling'er watched Xiao Fan busy himself around the house. Given her current condition, there wasn't much else she could do to pass the time.
After finishing his chores, Xiao Fan glanced at her. After a moment's thought, he grabbed a hatchet and left the house.
"Hey—" Huo Ling'er instinctively wanted to ask where he was going and when he'd be back. But she swallowed her words, not wanting to seem dependent or fearful of being alone. That would be too embarrassing.
However, as she saw him leaving, her heart felt empty. In her current vulnerable state, anyone could easily take advantage of her.
For the first time, she realized she could feel lonely and scared. Despite Xiao Fan's annoying demeanor and the way he often angered her, his presence reassured her.
As she waited for Xiao Fan's return, her distress grew, until she broke down in tears, unable to hold back any longer.
When Xiao Fan returned to find her in tears, he was stunned.
"What's wrong? Are you hungry?" he asked gently.
"Do you think I'm just a glutton?" Huo Ling'er glared at him with tear-filled eyes. What did he take her for?
Xiao Fan was at a loss. He didn't know how he'd offended her again. She truly lived up to her fiery name.
Lacking the patience to coax her, he turned away. "If you're still shouting like that, you must be fine."
He began to leave, but when Huo Ling'er saw him turn, she panicked. "Where are you going?"
Xiao Fan turned back, raising an eyebrow. He seemed to understand why she had been crying earlier.
"Are you afraid I'll leave?" he asked with a smile.
"Of course not! I'm just not used to being without servants," she hurriedly explained, trying to cover her vulnerability.
Though Xiao Fan knew she was lying, her pride wouldn't let her admit the truth. To make her realize her mistake, his expression darkened.
"I'm not your servant," he said coldly, and walked out, shutting the door behind him.
"No, that's not what I meant!" she cried out, but it was too late. He either couldn't hear or didn't want to.
"I really didn't mean that…" Huo Ling'er felt a fresh wave of tears coming.
She was terrified that Xiao Fan would misunderstand her. But when she heard the sounds of him working outside, she relaxed a little. At least he hadn't left.
After about an hour, the noise ceased.
Creak—
The door opened.
Xiao Fan entered.
Just as she was about to apologize, she saw him walking toward her, expressionless. Before she could react, he picked her up and carried her outside.
At that moment, Huo Ling'er was terrified. Was he so angry that he was going to throw her out?
She closed her eyes, bracing for the worst.
But instead of being thrown out, she was gently placed on a chair.
Opening her eyes, she looked down and saw that she was sitting in a hand-crafted wheelchair.
Recalling the hammering noises earlier, she realized Xiao Fan had made this wheelchair for her.
Seeing the wood shavings and scraps, it became clear he had gone to chop wood earlier.
Her heart was filled with mixed emotions, deeply moved.
Just moments ago, she had feared he would throw her out, but now she realized she had wronged him.
It was a good thing she hadn't voiced her thoughts; otherwise, she would be beyond embarrassed.
Seeing her silent, Xiao Fan thought the wheelchair might be uncomfortable. "Is it uncomfortable?"
"No, it's very comfortable," she quickly replied.
She wasn't just being polite; the wheelchair was indeed comfortable. Despite its simple design, it was smooth, with polished edges, and even cushioned with soft padding. Clearly, Xiao Fan had put thought into it.