Chapter 62: Caring

“I think I’m starting to care about her. I worry about her, and I miss her,” Leng Mohan said softly, his gaze turning to Wang Li.

Wang Li nodded in response, seemingly unsurprised. “Your wife, regardless of anything else, is simply beautiful. Your concern is only natural.”

Looking at Leng Mohan, Wang Li felt a surge of concern. He noticed a strange look on Leng Mohan’s face, as if he were affected by Zhou Lin’s incident. After all, the person in Leng Mohan’s family was indeed very likable, which was also understandable.

Curiously, Wang Li looked at the things in Leng Mohan’s hands, asking, “What are you carrying a bucket and a bag for? Where are you going?” His eyes showed a hint of confusion.

Leng Mohan followed Wang Li’s gaze, saw what he was carrying, and calmly replied, “I’m taking hot water to Jiaojiao, and the bag contains my clothes. I’m going to take a shower.” His voice was devoid of any emotion, as if this were the most ordinary thing.

A flash of surprise crossed Wang Li’s eyes. He couldn’t help but ask, “Haven’t you always taken cold showers? Why did you suddenly decide to take a hot shower today?” He was somewhat surprised by this change in Leng Mohan.

Then, he noticed the bandage on Leng Mohan’s hand, a bandage with a bow tied on it. Wang Li shook his head helplessly and said with a smile, “And the bandage with a bow? Is that really necessary?”

He knew that for someone like Leng Mohan, who remained unfazed by gunshot wounds, this minor skin injury was nothing.

Leng Mohan’s lips twitched slightly, seemingly unconcerned by Wang Li’s teasing. A determined look flashed in his eyes, as if telling Wang Li that this was a form of self-care. Perhaps, for Leng Mohan, this was more than just a simple bandage; it represented Luo Jiaojiao’s concern and attention to him.

“Jiaojiao said that cold water is bad for my health, and she treated my wound herself,” Leng Mohan said, his heart filled with joy.

However, how could Wang Li, a single man, understand the happiness of being cared for? Leng Mohan glared at him and turned to leave.

Hearing this, Wang Li’s mouth twitched, secretly suspecting that Leng Mohan was showing off his wife.

Leng Mohan was indeed showing off to Wang Li, but he had also come to understand that having someone to care for wouldn’t necessarily hinder his progress; instead, this care should serve as motivation.

Like today, if he didn’t have the ability, how could he protect Jiaojiao and avenge her? At this thought, a surge of determination filled his heart.

“Hey, Mohan, wait for me! I’ll return the money you lent me, and Mu Bai’s share is ready too, let me give it to you together,” Wang Li called out, chasing after him.

“Okay,” Leng Mohan replied, not surprised. They had discussed repaying the money before. He hadn’t needed it then, so he’d said they could repay him later.

Leng Mohan’s steps were firm and powerful. He knew the road ahead was long, but with Jiaojiao’s companionship and support, he would surely go further.

Watching Leng Mohan’s receding back, Wang Li felt a surge of envy and reflection. Perhaps he should seriously consider his own life.

Wang Li hurriedly gathered his bath supplies, looking at Leng Mohan and muttering, “After I finish showering, I’ll get the money and return it to you.” His eyes showed determination.

Leng Mohan quietly watched him, nodding slightly in agreement.

Soon, they arrived at the bathhouse. Wang Li looked at Leng Mohan with anticipation, suggesting, “Let’s go together. You scrub my back, and I’ll scrub yours.” His voice held a hint of his usual boisterousness. In Northeast China, scrubbing each other’s backs was common.

However, things had changed since their house was approved, and such opportunities had become rare.

Leng Mohan thought of his plans for the evening, a warm feeling rising in his heart. He didn’t refuse Wang Li’s suggestion, softly saying, “Okay.”

Wang Li’s face lit up with joy at Leng Mohan’s response. He exclaimed, “You’re actually taking a hot bath because your wife said so? That’s quite surprising.”

Leng Mohan’s lips curved slightly upward. He didn’t like cold showers, but he came because of Luo Jiaojiao’s instructions.

The bathhouse was filled with warm steam, creating a feeling of warmth and relaxation. They entered the bathhouse, embracing the hot water, as if all their fatigue washed away in that moment.

Wang Li and Leng Mohan scrubbed each other’s backs, their bodies relaxing in the hot water.

Wang Li looked at Leng Mohan, a playful smile on his face. He said softly, “Don’t you think you’re an older man dating a younger woman and need to take care of your health? She’s just come of age, and you’re twenty-six, eight years older. You really should take better care of yourself.”

Leng Mohan felt a surge of displeasure at Wang Li’s words. He frowned and said to Wang Li, “I’m only twenty-six, why am I old? I feel young.”

This was the second person to call him old today, leaving Leng Mohan confused and frustrated. While he was nearing thirty, he didn’t feel old; he still had many things he wanted to try and achieve.

Wang Li continued, looking at Leng Mohan and sighing, “You’re almost thirty, and she hasn’t even reached twenty. Who told you to find someone so young? But Luo Jiaojiao is indeed exceptionally beautiful and charming, and her eyes are pure and innocent. No wonder you’re so smitten with her and cherish her.”

Leng Mohan’s dissatisfaction grew stronger. He scrubbed Wang Li’s back vigorously, saying coldly, “Shut up!” He felt Wang Li had no right to comment on his wife.

His feelings for Jiaojiao were genuine, and he didn’t want others to interfere in their relationship.

He would prove with his actions that their love would withstand the test of time. He would cherish Jiaojiao, accompany her as she grew, and create a beautiful future together.

Hearing his anger, Wang Li looked helpless, saying softly, “I was just saying a few words. Is that not allowed? Fine, I won’t say anything. What a stingy guy.”

As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Leng Mohan’s physique, secretly admiring, “That body, even I, a man, can only envy.”