Chapter 12 – Stinging Caterpillar
“Close your eyes, I’ll treat it for you.”
Lu Miao pursed her lips slightly, half-doubtful, but obediently shut her eyes.
Once he confirmed that she had closed them, Fu Jingyou plucked a long leaf from a corn stalk nearby.
Hearing the rustle, Lu Miao asked, “How are you treating it? Is it done yet?”
“Almost. Don’t open your eyes.”
Lu Miao dutifully kept them closed.
Fu Jingyou used the corn leaf to pinch the stinging caterpillar. With a light squeeze, it instantly burst, its green body oozing faint, dark-green juice.
After shaking the remains away, Fu Jingyou pulled Lu Miao’s hand closer and lowered his voice in warning:
“Don’t open your eyes.”
He knew full well how delicate this girl was. And since she was afraid of caterpillars, he worried she wouldn’t cooperate, so he had resorted to this trick.
“It hurts so much…” Lu Miao whined softly. “I get it, just hurry!”
Fu Jingyou didn’t hesitate anymore. He carefully smeared the juice from the corn leaf onto her palm.
As soon as he said, “Done,” Lu Miao really felt the pain lessen.
That worked so quickly!
Her tightly furrowed brows gradually eased. She asked curiously, “What did you do? It really doesn’t hurt as much now.”
“…Special herb.”
Fu Jingyou made up a casual lie. Wiping the last bit of juice onto the base of his own thumb, he stood up and started walking toward the path.
“It’s nothing. Get back to work.”
Lu Miao glanced at her palm before turning her head to look at him. Something occurred to her, and she called out:
“Hey! Fu Xiaoliu.”
Fu Jingyou turned slightly, his face once again wearing that cold, detached expression.
Lu Miao felt her teeth ache with frustration. Propping herself up on her hoe, she stood, her fair face flushed crimson—whether from the sun or the heat, she couldn’t tell.
“You said before you could weave straw hats. I haven’t had a chance to go to town lately… when you’re not busy, could you make one for me?”
Fu Jingyou refused coolly.
“No. No time.”
“Can’t you just help me, please?” Lu Miao refused to give up, humming softly in a spoiled tone. “I won’t let you work for free. I’ll pay you whatever you want!”
Fu Jingyou didn’t answer. He just lifted the carrying pole and strode off.
Lu Miao stomped her foot, raising her voice, “Fu Jingyou!”
He froze at once, turning back to look at her.
Not many people knew his real name, and even fewer called him by it.
How did she know?
Fu Jingyou frowned, wanting to ask her. But before he could, Lu Miao seized the chance and pressed on:
“Please, just this once, help me out!”
Spoon-fed whining seemed to be her habitual tactic. Fu Jingyou knew he should refuse, but somehow… it always felt a little against his true heart to do so.
The mountain wind rustled through the trees. Someone was coming along the path toward them.
Afraid that Lu Miao would kick up more fuss and start rumors that could harm her reputation, Fu Jingyou exhaled heavily and muttered:
“Fine.”
Lu Miao’s joy burst forth instantly. Her pouting lips curved into a lovely smile, and she quickly added,
“I don’t want to get tanned, so make sure the brim is extra wide!”
Fu Jingyou didn’t respond. Inwardly he muttered, “Truly a capitalist’s little princess.” Then he stretched his long legs and, balancing the pole, seemed to ride the mountain wind itself as he ran swiftly away.
“Honestly, did you even hear me?”
Lu Miao muttered in a small huff. Turning her head, she saw the wide expanse of green cornfield before her. Suddenly, the world seemed to spin, and she almost wished she could faint right there.
Time passed slowly.
Ren Bingxin and Geng Xiaoyun asked around to find out where Lu Miao was working. At noon, when work ended, the two of them climbed the hillside to the cornfield, planning to call her to go back with them.
But as soon as they approached, they saw Lu Miao squatting at the edge of the field. Her hoe stood upright, its handle hooked over the branch of a paper mulberry tree behind her, forcibly creating a patch of shade for herself to sit under.
