Chapter 8: Refining Pills for You

Listening to Lu Qiwen’s apologies, He Xuan wasn’t actually upset about him seeing her body. After crying for a while, she felt much better, having let out her sadness.

Turning her head slightly, He Xuan smiled softly and said, “Qiwen, I’m not blaming you.”

“Huh?”

Lu Qiwen was taken aback.

Seeing his confused expression, He Xuan chuckled, “I was just thinking about some sad things.”

“But… but I saw your body,” Lu Qiwen stammered, puzzled.

Blushing slightly, He Xuan spoke in a resigned tone, “I’ve already been disfigured, and my body is covered in burns. What’s the point of you seeing it? Don’t you think I’m ugly?”

Hearing her self-deprecating words, Lu Qiwen realized how deeply she had internalized her trauma.

Feeling a surge of determination, Lu Qiwen took a deep breath and looked at her seriously, “Sister Xuan, I don’t want you to think like that. To me, you’re still the beautiful, strong star on the screen.”

Tears welled up in He Xuan’s eyes as she looked at him, her voice trembling, “Really? You really don’t think I’m ugly?”

Lu Qiwen nodded firmly, “You’re not ugly at all. Besides, I’m working on finding a way to heal your burns. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll be as beautiful as before. Just don’t forget about me when that happens.”

A glimmer of hope appeared in He Xuan’s eyes, and she smiled through her tears, “Don’t worry, I won’t forget you. After all, you’re my chosen little husband. Just don’t kick me out when the time comes.”

Blushing, Lu Qiwen changed the subject, “So, what were you doing just now?”

He Xuan, noticing his embarrassment, felt a warm sensation in her heart. “Well, since you wouldn’t let me bathe, I had to use a towel to clean myself. It’s hard to go so long without a bath.”

Seeing the basin of warm water by the bed, Lu Qiwen realized his words had led to this awkward situation. “Sister Xuan, I bought a lot of things and left them in the living room. You can continue cleaning yourself while I go organize them.”

As he was about to leave, He Xuan called out, “Qiwen, wait a moment.”

Turning back, Lu Qiwen asked, “What is it, Sister Xuan?”

Blushing, He Xuan bit her lip and whispered, “Can you help me clean my back?”

Lu Qiwen was stunned. He Xuan was asking him to help her clean her body. It felt too intimate, too scandalous.

He stood there, frozen by her request.

Seeing his hesitation, He Xuan thought he was repulsed by her appearance and began to cry again.

When Lu Qiwen finally snapped out of it, he saw He Xuan crying and felt even more confused. “Sister Xuan, why are you crying again?”

Through her tears, He Xuan said, “I know I’m ugly and you don’t want to help me. I don’t blame you.”

Realizing his hesitation had hurt her feelings, Lu Qiwen sighed. If he refused, it would only make her feel worse. He couldn’t bear to see her in more pain.

Taking a deep breath, he walked to the bed and said, “Sister Xuan, you’re a beautiful woman. If I refused to help a big star like you, I’d be an idiot. Do you think I’m an idiot?”

Surprised by his words, He Xuan blushed. Seeing her stop crying, Lu Qiwen felt relieved. He forced a playful tone, “Sister Xuan, are you sure you want me to help? Wow, I must be really lucky.”

Seeing him trying to lighten the mood, He Xuan smiled and said, “Go ahead. Let this little rascal take advantage of me.”

Lu Qiwen looked at her lying on the bed, waiting for him to help, and felt incredibly awkward. He took a deep breath and pulled the blanket down to reveal her back.

As her smooth, jade-like skin came into view, Lu Qiwen’s heart raced. He forced himself to stay calm and said, “Sister Xuan, I’ll start now.”

He Xuan’s body trembled slightly. Although she felt embarrassed, she had no choice. She couldn’t reach her back, and since Lu Qiwen had already seen her body, it didn’t matter if he saw it again.

Unaware of her thoughts, Lu Qiwen focused on the task. He took the towel, wrung it out, and gently began to clean her back.

Feeling his touch, He Xuan’s body tensed. She had never been so close to a man before. But as he continued, she gradually relaxed.

Seeing her calm down, Lu Qiwen felt a mix of relief and awkwardness. He carefully cleaned her back, trying to be as gentle as possible.

When he finished, he covered her with the blanket and said, “All done, Sister Xuan.”

He Xuan turned her head and smiled, “Thank you, Qiwen. I feel much better now.”

Lu Qiwen smiled back, “No problem. I’m glad I could help.”

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