Chapter 12 (1/2)

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Jiang Shaocheng took the towel from Tang Qiu and beckoned her to squat down so he could help dry her hair. Embarrassed, Tang Qiu made to rise, but Jiang Shaocheng pressed her shoulders down gently. “You helped me make dinner, and there is little else I can do for you. Surely you don’t mind?”

He must have wanted to do something for her, to prove that he was good for something. She couldn’t bear to bring his spirits down, so she didn’t resist as she let him wipe her hair dry.

Jiang Shaocheng hid a smile. Her hair was fine and soft, just like the rest of her; bending in his hands as easily as she bent to his lies. Tang Qiu began to enjoy his treatment, relaxing into it. “Have you done this for someone before, dear?” she asked.

Hearing that word from her lips made Jiang Shaocheng’s heart melt even more. “Only you,” he replied.

“Coincidentally, you’re also the first person to help me dry my hair. When I was younger, I used to be so jealous of Feng Lu and Feng Yao. They had people to help them wash and dry their hair, responding to their every beck and call.”

Hearing the hint of envy in her voice, Jiang Shaocheng paused. “I’ll help you wash and dry your hair in the future. I’ll do everything I can to take care of you.”

Tang Qiu lifted her head to look him in the eye. “You will?”

“I will,” he promised.

She beamed, like a kitten laying its small head in his lap. “Then I’ll do the same for you. I’ll do my best to look after you!” She would treat him as he treated her, with tenderness and kindness.

As the two prepared for bed, Jiang Shaocheng sat on the bed and deliberately asked, “Qiu, can you help me, please?”

His legs must be troubling him. Tang Qiu nodded without hesitation, crossing the room and supporting his arm over her shoulders. She had wanted him to lean on her so he could get onto the bed, but she misjudged his weight, and they fell on the bed in one heap.

Tang Qiu flushed bright red. Earlier, in order to avoid being crushed by him, she had ducked without meaning to, only to end up on her back with his body over hers. This close, their chests rose and fell to a common tempo, and she blushed even harder.

Fortunately, Jiang Shaocheng was the first to break the awkwardness. He shifted his arm so he was lying on his side, and Tang Qiu promptly turned her attention to rearranging the blankets. After her eyes had fluttered shut, Jiang Shaocheng found himself smothering a slight smile. The night passed between them both in silence.