Chapter 42 ☆ Taking a bath (Part 1)

When Xie San came out of Grandma’s room, only Cheng Yaoyao remained in the yard. She was half-leaning on the bamboo couch, her long hair hanging down, shining like satin in the moonlight. Her white feet were together, as enchanting as the spirits in the stories from “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” ^[1]which are a collection of supernatural and strange stories in Chinese literature..

Xie San stood on the steps, and for a moment, his breathing became lighter, as if any sound he made would cause Cheng Yaoyao to vanish into the moonlight.

Hearing a noise, Cheng Yaoyao looked up at him, a teardrop clearly visible under her eye. “Xiao Fei went to take a bath. Come and drink the soup quickly.”

Xie Fei’s bowl was empty, leaving only two bowls of steaming pumpkin soup on the table. Xie San picked up a bowl, which was slightly hot.

There were no lights in the yard, only the boundless moonlight. Cheng Yaoyao hadn’t felt anything before, but after Xiao Fei left, she started to feel a little scared. Now that Xie San had returned, Cheng Yaoyao gradually relaxed, leaning lazily on the couch.

She wondered what Grandma had said to Xie San earlier. Seeing that Xie San’s expression hadn’t changed, she figured that Grandma probably hadn’t asked him to drive her away.

The faint, sweet aroma of pumpkin soup lingered in her nose. Cheng Yaoyao opened her eyes to find Xie San holding a bowl of pumpkin soup in front of her, his narrow eyes filled with a deep light. “Drink it,” he said.

Cheng Yaoyao didn’t respond immediately, simply staring at the bowl of soup. Xie San held the bowl steadily and whispered, “It’s not hot anymore.”

Cheng Yaoyao leaned over and took a small sip, while Xie San kept his hand on the edge of the bowl. Her warm breath brushed against the back of his hand, causing his wrist to tremble slightly.

Satisfied that it was no longer hot, Cheng Yaoyao reached out and took the bowl. The old pumpkin was not very moist, but it was soft and fluffy, with a strong aroma and a hint of sweetness. Her rosy lips slowly curled up as she happily drank it in small sips.

She indeed had a “cat’s tongue” ^[2]phrase used to describe someone sensitive to hot food or drinks.. It couldn’t withstand even the slightest heat.

Xie San watched her cute and adorable eating manner, and the corners of his lips gradually curled up. He still remembered the day they roasted beggar’s chicken—Cheng Yaoyao had delicately blown on it for a long time before taking a bite.

Cheng Yaoyao drank the sweet soup slowly, one spoonful after another. The bamboo bird’s nest ^[3]which are fibrous bamboo bits used as a gelatinous, collagen-rich food ingredient. was cooked until soft, and the soup was thick. After drinking it, she felt as if her skin was filled with collagen.

Cheng Yaoyao gently touched her cheek. It felt as soft and tender as tofu. She didn’t know if it was psychological or if the Spiritual Spring Water was truly effective, but she felt that her skin was getting better and better.

Xie San blew on the pumpkin soup for Cheng Yaoyao for a long time, but when it was his turn, he didn’t even use a spoon and drank the large bowl in just a few gulps.

Cheng Yaoyao laughed at him. “You have to taste sweet soup slowly. Look at you, drinking it like corn porridge. Can you even taste it?”

Xie San drank happily. After hearing what Cheng Yaoyao said, he wiped his mouth with a little embarrassment. “It’s sweet.”

“Idiot.” Cheng Yaoyao turned over, showing Xie San her slender and soft back. There was no sugar in the pumpkin soup, so how could it be sweet?

As they were talking, Xiao Fei came out with a basin, her hair loose. “Sister, I’m done washing. You can go wash now.”

“Yeah!” Cheng Yaoyao immediately got up.

Xiao Fei took Cheng Yaoyao to the bathroom. It was a small side room next to the kitchen, with a small platform made of bricks and stones, just the right size for a washbasin. Hooks behind the door were used for hanging clothes, and there was a drain on the floor.

There was a small skylight at the top of the bathroom, allowing the moonlight to shine in so you could see clearly.

Xiao Fei carefully instructed Cheng Yaoyao, “Sister, hang your clothes over here so they don’t get wet. I’ve heated up the water in the pot for you. Do you want me to bring it in for you?”

Cheng Yaoyao quickly refused. Xiao Fei didn’t look very strong, so it didn’t make sense to leave Xie San alone and ask her to fetch water.

Cheng Yaoyao also had some unspoken thoughts: the steam in the bathroom was hot and smelled of soap from the fresh shower. She had been spoiled since childhood and never liked using a bathroom that someone else had just used.

She planned to wait until the bathroom cooled down before taking her shower, so she said, “I haven’t finished my sweet soup yet.”

Xiao Fei yawned and took the empty bowl to wash it.

Xie San stopped her. “I’ll take a shower. You go to sleep.”

It was already late, and Xiao Fei had never stayed up this late before. She was already sleepy, and she smiled sweetly at her brother. “Thank you, brother.”

Xiao Fei put her dirty clothes by the well and told Cheng Yaoyao, “Sister, put your dirty clothes together with mine. I’ll wash them tomorrow morning.”

After saying that, Xiao Fei rubbed her eyes and went to sleep.

Xie San cleared the bowls, washed them with clean water, and brought them back to the kitchen. He also fetched water for Cheng Yaoyao, bringing a large bucket of hot water and cold water to the bathroom. Cheng Yaoyao carried the washbasin herself, which contained a towel, soap, and a bag of clean clothes.

Xie San hung her clothes on the hook. There was a soft bundle inside, and only a soft white skirt could be seen on top. Xie San quickly averted his eyes.

“I’m in the yard. Call me if you need anything.” Xie San’s voice was a little hoarse as he hurried out.

There was a cool breeze in the yard. Xie San calmed his mind, took apart the broken half of the basket, and started weaving it again.

Xie San was always very focused when working. His fingers moved back and forth, and the flexible bamboo strips were as obedient as reeds in his hands. A light basket was soon formed. Xie San picked up the file and carefully polished the edges of the basket to prevent any sharp edges from cutting hands.

The bathroom door suddenly opened, and Cheng Yaoyao stepped out. Xie San held his breath for a moment and looked up, but Cheng Yaoyao was still wearing the same clothes as before and hadn’t showered at all.

Xie San’s narrow eyes revealed a hint of doubt. “What’s wrong?”