Chapter 38: How Could I Not Cherish You?

Half an hour later, the man in red suddenly tilted his head slightly. Soon after, he withdrew his palm, swept his sleeve, and the oil lamp flickered out.

He rose, scooping Jin’er into his arms, and strode swiftly out the door. With a gentle push from his feet, he soared lightly onto the rooftop, his movements graceful and ethereal.

Bereft of the warm flow that had been sustaining her, Jin’er’s body grew cold once more. She frowned, lifting her arms to cling tightly to the warmth of his body, desperate to draw every ounce of heat from him.

The man in red sat on the rooftop, Jin’er nestled in his lap, pressed close in his embrace, her left arm wrapped firmly around him.

Looking at the little beauty in a semi-conscious state, treating him as a living stove, the man in red could not help but smile helplessly. He simply let her hold him as she pleased. To be needed is a kind of happiness, and he cherished this feeling.

Then, with one arm around Jin’er’s shoulders and the other holding her icy right hand, he closed his eyes and transmitted his inner strength to her without ceasing.

Soon, Jin’er felt as though she were lying on a warm bed—so comfortable that her brow gradually smoothed and she drifted into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile, in the front hall, Xiao Jiu and his companions returned, carrying books. Xiao Jiu was about to move the books to the study when Qin’er quickly stopped him, pleading coquettishly, “Enough, it’s late already. There’s no rush; we can move them tomorrow morning. Senior brother, come to my room, I have something to show you.”

Unable to refuse her, Xiao Jiu put down the books and followed her upstairs, while the other attendant retreated to his own room to rest. As they passed through the backyard, he noticed that both the study and Jin’er’s room were dark, and he smiled contentedly.

Finally, everyone is resting early tonight...

Without further thought, Xiao Jiu followed Qin’er upstairs. Once in her room, Qin’er turned to close the door, then walked to the bedside and pulled something from beneath her pillow.

“Senior brother, look! How is my embroidery?” Qin’er asked with pride, presenting the half-finished handkerchief.

Xiao Jiu took it, smiled, and said, “You brought me up here just to show me this? It’s not even finished yet. When did you learn needlework? Not bad, really.” His eyes brimmed with appreciation.

“Of course! Look, my fingers have been pricked by the needle so many times.” Qin’er extended her left index finger to Xiao Jiu, her tone aggrieved.

“Oh, so many pinpricks! Silly girl, why weren’t you careful?” Xiao Jiu frowned, tenderly taking her finger. “Does it still hurt?”

Qin’er blushed, edged closer to him, and lowered her head shyly. “If you care about me, Senior brother, it doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Xiao Jiu was momentarily stunned, then released her hand with a smile. “You really are a silly girl. When will you ever grow up...”

“I don’t want to grow up. If I could, I’d rather stay as I was when I was little, with you caring for me, looking after me, and spoiling me.” Suddenly, Qin’er threw herself into Xiao Jiu’s arms, choking back tears.

Xiao Jiu stiffened, his brow furrowing slightly. “Be good, Qin’er. I still care for you, look after you, and spoil you, don’t I?”

“No! Now you only care about Jin’er, you don’t care about me at all!” As she spoke, Qin’er could not help but sob softly.

“Silly girl, how could I not care about you? I’ve always treated you like my own sister, how could I not care for you?” Seeing her tears, Xiao Jiu felt a pang of tenderness.