Chapter 80: Kindness

Zhang Wenhao’s support at that moment made Qian Ning want to die from embarrassment. She had already endured far too much today—things she had never experienced before. First, she had been shot. Though she had just turned twenty, she had accumulated five years of experience in killing; her natural talent made every assignment seem effortless, and she’d always walked away unscathed. But this time, not only had she narrowly escaped death, she’d also been hit by a lucky shot during her desperate flight. And then, for the first time ever, she found herself in such close proximity to a man. This man had touched her thigh, carried her in his arms, and now, his right hand was reaching beneath her from behind, supporting her left buttock.

Zhang Wenhao had no intention of taking advantage of her; he was simply holding the IV bag with one hand, leaving only the other free. If he’d had both hands, he could have steadied her by the waist from behind, but with just one, supporting her from below was the only way.

Still, Qian Ning’s buttocks were indeed firm and shapely—rounded and perfectly sized. Perhaps not as full as those of Western women, but for an Asian woman, they were flawless, fitting his palm perfectly—a sensation that could not be faulted.

Shame and anger burned inside her, but she didn’t blame Zhang Wenhao in the slightest; she only felt that her luck had run completely dry, reduced to the humiliating state of having a man carry her to the bathroom.

The bathroom in the self-built house was in a small outbuilding by the courtyard. Zhang Wenhao carried her there and, once they were in front of the toilet, finally spoke, “I’ll set you down now. Try to sit by yourself, remember to put your weight on your right leg.”

Qian Ning gave a soft “mm,” then bit her lip, her face flushing so red it seemed it could bleed.

After setting her down and hanging the IV bag by the overhead light, Zhang Wenhao said, “I’ll wait outside. Call for me when you’re done.”

She nodded. He helped her settle onto the toilet before turning to leave. Using her right leg for support, she lifted her shapely hips just enough to pull down her trousers and underwear. But as she was about to relieve herself, she suddenly remembered that Zhang Wenhao was right outside the door. Wouldn’t he hear everything?

This was mortifying beyond belief.

Qian Ning swore she’d rather take another bullet than let a man hear the awkward sounds of her using the toilet. Yet she was reaching the limit of her endurance—how could she possibly make the sounds any quieter?

As she agonized over it, her body could hold on no longer, and after waiting so long, once she began, there was no stopping it—nor could she lessen the noise.

The house was utterly silent, and the only sound that broke the stillness was the water trickling as Qian Ning relieved herself.

Her body was finally freed, but tears welled in her eyes. She wished she could hide in that bathroom forever, never facing Zhang Wenhao again.

Outside, Zhang Wenhao had no intention of eavesdropping, but one cannot close one’s ears as easily as one’s mouth; the sounds were so clear, like a gust of wind that could not be avoided no matter how hard one tried.

The sound grew softer, then faded into silence. After a long moment without any movement inside, Zhang Wenhao instinctively asked, “Are you done?”

Qian Ning, overwhelmed and mortified, could no longer hold back her tears.

Her silent weeping went unnoticed by Zhang Wenhao, who, hearing nothing, asked again, “Qian Ning? Are you alright?”

Knowing she couldn’t hide forever, Qian Ning quickly replied, “Just a moment.”

She wiped her tears, took a tissue and cleaned herself, then painstakingly pulled up her trousers and flushed the toilet before covering her face and saying, “I’m done.”

“I’m coming in,” Zhang Wenhao replied, deliberately pausing a few seconds before opening the door.

Seeing her still covering her face, he asked, “What’s wrong? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine,” she replied hastily, not daring to move her hands. “Could you please turn around for a moment?”

Realizing her embarrassment, he nodded, removed the IV bag, and turned to squat down. “Alright, climb on.”

Peeking through her fingers and seeing that he had turned around, Qian Ning finally breathed a little easier. She placed her hands on his shoulders. This time, Zhang Wenhao instinctively held the IV bag in his right hand, and with his left, reached under her again, this time supporting her right buttock.

Qian Ning stiffened, her heart pounding with both shame and frustration. Did he really have to use both hands, just so he could touch both sides?

But Zhang Wenhao’s actions were unintentional. He carried her back to the room and set her carefully on the bed before sitting down at her side, finally able to relax.

Qian Ning felt as though she would die if exposed to any more light. Beneath the fluorescent lamp, she couldn’t summon the courage to lift her head or even open her eyes—she could only lie there, deceiving herself, a wave of inexplicable grievance washing over her.

“Could you please turn off the light?” she pleaded softly.

Zhang Wenhao glanced at the IV bag. “It’ll be another ten minutes or so. When it’s done, I’ll take out the needle and turn off the light so you can rest.”

She could only nod in agreement.

They sat in silence until Zhang Wenhao removed the needle and massaged the spot before standing up. “Get some sleep. I’ll make do in the car tonight.”

Qian Ning nodded and whispered a thank you. Zhang Wenhao waved it off, walked to the door, and turned off the light.

Only then did Qian Ning feel the weight on her chest finally lift. As she watched him leave, she hurriedly asked, “You have class tomorrow, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Zhang Wenhao replied. “I have to leave by six-thirty.”

“You should drive tomorrow,” she said quickly. “It’ll be easier, and safer.”

Zhang Wenhao hesitated but nodded. The place was far from campus, and those searching for Qian Ning wouldn’t give up so easily. His bicycle was out of the question; driving would be much more convenient. He could park in a residential area near the university and avoid drawing attention.

“Rest well. I’ll bring you some things at noon tomorrow. If you need anything, think about it and let me know now.”

Qian Ning considered for a moment. “Nothing special, just bring some food and purified water. I’m afraid I won’t be able to leave the city for a while, so I’ll have to stay here for some time.” Then she added, “And remember to bring some cash when you go in the morning.”

Zhang Wenhao nodded. He didn’t have much cash left, and since Qian Ning would be staying here, he’d need to do some shopping at the supermarket.

Just as he was about to leave, Qian Ning called him back. After a moment’s hesitation, she asked, “You’ve helped me so much, but I still don’t know your name.”

“My name is Zhang Wenhao. ‘Wen’ as in culture, ‘Hao’ as in vastness.”

Qian Ning nodded slightly. “Saying thank you feels too hollow. Before I leave, I’ll leave you my contact information. If you ever encounter serious trouble and don’t know what to do, contact me. I promise I’ll come as soon as I can—no matter who the other party is, as long as you ask, I’ll do everything in my power to help you, to repay the kindness you’ve shown me today.”

A faint smile tugged at Zhang Wenhao’s lips. “It seems I’m the one who usually solves other people’s problems.”

Caught off guard by his words, Qian Ning was at a loss for a retort. After a moment’s hesitation, she said seriously, “Today was an accident. I mean if you ever face something truly big and have no idea how to handle it, contact me. I’ll appear at once and help you, no matter the cost, to repay what you’ve done for me today.”

Seeing her sincerity, Zhang Wenhao nodded gently. “I’ll remember. Rest well.”