Chapter 28: Seeking Scolding for a Fortune

Chapter 28: Seeking Scolding for a Fortune

Li Fan's body felt refreshingly cool, as if I were hugging a portable air conditioner while lying on his back.

Having been born and raised for two decades, this was the first time I had such extensive physical contact with a man other than my father. My heart seemed ready to leap out of my chest.

"What's wrong? Why is your heartbeat so rapid?" Li Fan tilted his head to ask me, "Are you feeling a bit overheated?"

He paused in his steps, his handsome profile glowing in the sunlight. Just a glance at him made my heart skip another beat, leaving me speechless.

Seeing that I didn't reply, Li Fan slightly furrowed his brows, "Speak up, why are you just staring at me?"

"I'm fine, I just feel a bit overwhelmed. I didn't expect you to carry me; I thought you'd find me overly dramatic," I whispered.

"Dramatic?" Li Fan pondered over the word for a moment before he smiled faintly, "There's nothing wrong with being a bit dramatic in front of me. It's alright, I'm willing to carry you."

Curious, I tilted my head to observe Li Fan's expression. Irregular patterns of light fell upon him, and a subtle smile played at the corners of his eyes, suggesting he was in a good mood.

An unfamiliar emotion welled up within me, like a majestic elk ramming around in my heart, flushing my cheeks red.

It's over, are you getting ready to dive into love?

It feels like it's been a decade of ants racing, Bai Ci, snap out of it! Look at how smitten you are, quickly climb out of this river, he's a married man!

What are you even thinking?

After five minutes of intense mental struggle, reason finally prevailed. I slapped Li Fan's back with a loud smack.

"Put me down, I can walk on my own!"

Li Fan: Huh??

"I said it's not appropriate for you to carry me! Put me down! I have legs, I can walk!" I struggled to jump off Li Fan.

Even after landing, my face remained flushed. Li Fan looked at me, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, which was quickly replaced by amusement.

"Why is it not appropriate?" Li Fan crouched in front of me and looked up at me. "Isn't our relationship purely that of comrades-in-arms? Do you have some...improper thoughts..."

"Shut up, shut up, shut up! I know it's comradeship!" I covered my face, too afraid to meet his gaze. "But I have terrible self-control, so to prevent any improper thoughts in the future, we should at least maintain a meter's distance between us!"

My heart was overwhelmed with bitterness; I wanted to slap myself. Right now, I felt like a mistress, having feelings for a married man.

Moreover, Li Fan and I had known each other for less than a month – only one month! It couldn't even be considered a gradual affection; could it be that he was simply smitten by my appearance? While there's nothing wrong with a sudden attraction, shouldn't moral principles still apply? In any case, it was unreasonable!

Darn it! I'd pay a fortune for someone to come and scold me awake, this shameless flirt!

Li Fan observed my conflicted expression, pausing for a moment. The emotions in his eyes were complicated, but I caught a glimpse of regret and annoyance.

Regret? What did that imply?

He opened his mouth, as if wanting to speak, but eventually remained silent, leading the way forward with a significantly darker expression.

I breathed a sigh of relief, thinking this was for the best. Walking alongside Lin Yu would allow me to maintain my composure. If Li Fan were to say anything more, I might even find him frivolous.

Turning around, I bowed to the air, addressing Li Fan's deceased wife. You saw it, your husband isn't unfaithful, there's no green hat or vast grassland. I've restrained my impure thoughts, so please don't haunt me tonight.

Lin Yu nudged me and handed me a wet wipe. "Alright, wipe your face. Your cheeks are red enough to bleed."

I sniffled and took the wipe, only to clean my hands. "Can't wipe my face, there's sunscreen on, it's expensive."

"Alright, alright, it's up to you." Lin Yu shrugged and leaned in, whispering to me, "Don't blame yourself so much. I think you're amazing, really!"

"Don't sugarcoat it. I know my thoughts are rather indecent; it's better if you just tease me," I said with a grimace. "Besides, we're... different species!"

"No, no, no, that doesn't matter," Lin Yu shook her head vigorously. "Master said you can't control who you like. But I have to commend your morals – you've gained major points in my book."

"Although it's unconventional for a human to fall for an animal spirit, I'm quite open-minded. I understand, especially since fox spirits are often attractive – it's hard not to be drawn to them."

I forced a smile, but Lin Yu seemed to have found her voice. She glanced furtively at Li Fan, making sure he wasn't paying attention to us, before whispering her critique.

"Bai Ci, to be honest, from his behavior and words just now, I think he might have feelings for you..."

"Stop!" I quickly covered her mouth. "We can't talk about this. Li Fan has this deep, romantic persona, and besides, his wife was killed by my father. I'm the daughter of his wife's murderer – there's no possibility!"

Lin Yu struggled softly, her eyes rolling as she absorbed my response. I released her and rubbed my face, which had cooled slightly. Repeating the calming mantra in my mind, I shifted my gaze away and focused on the journey ahead. That's when I noticed a figure hanging precariously on a cliff edge.

The cliff was steep, and the person seemed to be losing their grip, beginning to sway dangerously.

"Impending fall!" I cried out in alarm.

Li Fan moved swiftly, a flash of white light accompanying his action. Within seconds, he returned with a girl in tow.

The girl was fashionably dressed, not at all like someone from the village we were heading to. Supporting herself on the wall, she seemed a bit dazed. She opened her eyes slightly before swaying and collapsing towards Li Fan.

Lin Yu and I both expressed our astonishment with silent exclamation marks.

This girl was truly daring. Didn't she see how dark Li Fan's face was, resembling the bottom of a pot? Yet, she still dared to throw herself into his arms? Was she seeking death?

As expected, the situation unfolded just as I had anticipated. The girl missed her target as Li Fan swiftly turned, ending up beside me. A hint of disgust now adorned his cold expression.

In the end, it was Lin Yu who stepped forward to support her, but the girl's gaze remained fixed on Li Fan.

"Excuse me, sir, I feel a bit dizzy. Must be from being out in the sun too long," the girl apologized, bowing her head.

Li Fan remained silent. The girl awkwardly smiled before introducing herself, "My name is Yang Ling'er. I'm from the village up ahead. My father is the village chief. He called me back a few days ago, mentioning that someone would be coming to protect me. Assuming you might be unfamiliar with the area, I thought I'd come to assist."

With that, the girl took a step forward, bashfully smiling at Li Fan, "You must be the one here to protect me, right? Let's exchange contact information first."