Seeing that Huo Ling'er was very satisfied with the wheelchair, a smile unconsciously formed on Xiao Fan's lips.
Earlier, he noticed Huo Ling'er leaning against the wall, seemingly only able to pass the time by watching him. He thought if she stayed indoors all the time, she would feel stifled and start overthinking, which wouldn't help her mental and physical recovery. So, he decided to make her a wheelchair.
Sitting in the wheelchair, Huo Ling'er didn't know what to say. She quickly realized why Xiao Fan had made the wheelchair. She was genuinely touched.
Soon, her eyes began to well up with tears again. Since meeting Xiao Fan, she had cried and gotten angry more times in one day than she had in her entire life.
Seeing Huo Ling'er about to cry again, Xiao Fan felt a bit helpless. He smiled and teased, "Didn't know you were such a crybaby!"
Immediately, Huo Ling'er's tears turned to anger. "You're the crybaby!"
But soon, her anger subsided, and she looked sincerely at Xiao Fan. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply that you were a servant earlier. I just…"
"I know. I wasn't mad," Xiao Fan interrupted calmly.
Huo Ling'er was stunned, then noticed his calm demeanor and peaceful tone. She realized she had been played by Xiao Fan again.
Initially, she wanted to get angry, but when she met Xiao Fan's playful eyes, she swallowed her anger. She realized she couldn't outwit him.
Curious about his motives, Huo Ling'er asked, "Why are you being so kind to me? We're not related."
If it were someone else, she might think they were trying to curry favor with her beauty or status. But Xiao Fan was clearly not interested in either. If he were, he wouldn't have angered her so many times in one day.
Xiao Fan pretended to ponder seriously, then said, "I'm afraid you'll die in my house and haunt me as a ghost."
"You!!!" Huo Ling'er almost exploded with anger. She knew he was joking, but she was still furious. He knew exactly how to provoke her.
Feeling ignored, Huo Ling'er decided to give him the silent treatment. However, his next words broke her resolve.
"I'm going to the river to fish. Do you want to come and get some fresh air?" he asked.
Huo Ling'er wanted to ignore him, but she had been cooped up all day and was bored out of her mind. She couldn't let Xiao Fan think she was so easy to please.
Feigning indifference, she said, "Since you're so sincere, I guess I'll accompany you."
Seeing her pretentious demeanor, Xiao Fan found it amusing. He pretended to be serious and said, "If you don't want to go, don't force yourself. I'll go alone and make you braised fish for dinner."
He began packing his fishing gear to leave.
Panicked, Huo Ling'er called out, "I want to go! Take me with you!"
"See? That wasn't so hard," Xiao Fan said, stifling a laugh.
Huo Ling'er sighed, realizing she couldn't win against him. For now, she would have to go along with him.
Xiao Fan pushed the wheelchair along the riverbank, and Huo Ling'er enjoyed the scenery, feeling much better. Watching her joy, Xiao Fan felt making the wheelchair was worth it.
They reached their destination, and Xiao Fan sat on the grass to fish while Huo Ling'er watched.
"Quick! There's a fish biting!" Huo Ling'er shouted excitedly.
The water calmed again. Xiao Fan smiled wryly, "You scared it away."
"Oops," Huo Ling'er said sheepishly.
A while later, she shouted again, and the same thing happened. Xiao Fan gave her a look.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it. I promise to keep quiet next time."
Time passed, and Huo Ling'er shouted again. The fish escaped once more.
"See? It got away again," she said confidently.
Xiao Fan realized she was now doing it on purpose. He had ways to deal with her.
Sighing, he said, "I give up."
"Don't be discouraged. You'll catch one next time," Huo Ling'er said, secretly pleased to see him frustrated.
"I'm done," Xiao Fan said, throwing down his fishing rod.
"Done? What will we eat tonight?" she asked, surprised by his quick surrender.
Sighing again, he showed her a bundle of worms meant for bait. "Luckily, I have plenty of these. I'll find some bamboo worms. That should do."
"What? You plan to eat these?" Huo Ling'er's eyes widened in disbelief.
"They're nutritious. Want to try?" Xiao Fan approached her with the worms, smiling mischievously.
Though she knew he was joking, the sight of the wriggling worms made her skin crawl. She reluctantly gave in, fearing he might actually make her eat them.
"I don't think you have any tenderness in you," she muttered.
As they returned home, Huo Ling'er watched Xiao Fan's every move, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. She realized that despite his teasing, he had a good heart and genuinely cared for her well-being. For now, she would have to endure his antics and hope for the day she could repay him for his kindness.