Volume 1, Chapter 4: Please, Let Me Apply the Medicine for You, Won't You?

Page 1/3

Xie Sisi, intimidated by Xie Yu, softened her tone slightly but remained defiant. “I’m not wrong. She’s practically illiterate, so she doesn’t deserve you. And now she’s tangled up with another man like this.”

The main issue was that this man was incredibly handsome, like a movie star from a traditional painting—nothing like the rustic men around her.

It was infuriating.

Why did all the good-looking men seem drawn to Song Yi? The senior class president she liked before was one, and now this handsome man was too.

Xie Yu watched Song Yi supporting Shang Chen as they left, feeling an inexplicable unease. “It’s getting late. We should head home.”

Although Song Yi was barely literate, she was a suitable match for him. The Song family had promised to support his university education, and Song Yi liked him a lot. He was willing to let her marry into the Xie family.

But if Song Yi couldn’t properly explain today’s incident, he would have to reconsider the arrangement.

Unaware of the conversation between Xie Yu and Xie Sisi, Song Yi accompanied Shang Chen, Song Xingmin, and their helper Li Wang to the hospital.

The doctor examined them. Song Xingmin had a fractured ankle and needed a cast. Shang Chen had been struck but was not seriously injured, though he still needed rest.

After paying, the group left the hospital. Song Yi worried about how to get home when Li Wang offered, “I have a tricycle at my relative’s place. You can borrow it.”

Song Yi brightened immediately and thanked him eagerly.

When Uncle Li brought the tricycle over, they helped Song Xingmin into the cargo bed. Just as they were about to leave, Shang Chen stopped them.

“I’ll ride it,” Shang Chen said, gripping the handlebars.

Song Yi frowned. “But you’re still injured.”

Song Xingmin shared her concern. “Xiao Shang, maybe Nan Nan should ride instead?”

Shang Chen showed respect toward Song Xingmin. “Uncle Song, it’s just a minor injury, nothing serious.” Then he glanced at Song Yi. “If you really feel bad about it, please help me apply the medicine when we get home. My grandmother is elderly, and I don’t want to worry her.”

Shang Chen’s mother had passed away three years ago, leaving only him and his grandmother.

Their childhood engagement had been arranged by their grandmothers, who were close friends even after their families had grown apart.

Song Xingmin had no reason to refuse and reminded Song Yi, “Nan Nan, remember, when we get home, help Xiao Shang apply the medicine.”

Song Yi felt uneasy. Given the difference in gender, it wasn’t appropriate. But since Shang Chen was injured protecting Song Xingmin, she couldn’t refuse and reluctantly agreed.

Back home, Li Yuhua’s face turned pale when she saw Song Xingmin’s leg in a cast. “What happened, husband?”

Recalling the earlier events, Song Xingmin shuddered but kept a calm demeanor. “It’s nothing serious. I was hit, but I’ve already been treated. I just probably won’t be able to work for a while.”

Page 2/3

Li Yuhua worried, “That’s the small matter. But if you can’t work, what about your father and mother…”

Song Yi understood her concern and soothed her. “Mom, help Dad inside first. We’ll deal with the rest later.”

The Song family had three siblings in total—her father being the eldest, with a younger brother and sister.

Her second uncle, Song Xingye, worked at the county cement factory, and his wife, Luo Huachun, was a textile factory employee—both considered secure jobs.

Her parents, however, were a housewife and a day laborer, earning little and contributing less to the household finances.

Her grandparents disapproved and had long entertained thoughts of dividing the family assets.

In the previous life, the day after her father was injured, the grandparents began nitpicking, often making veiled criticisms in the yard or pressuring her parents to hand over their savings.

Their excuse was that since Song Xingmin was injured, the elderly couple not only lost household income but also had to care for them, so they demanded “care expenses.”

Song Xingmin had no choice but to give them the compensation money he received from his employer.

But even that wasn’t enough.

A few days later, citing that the youngest daughter would stay a few days, they kicked the entire family of three out.

So this time, even if the family split, it would be done clearly and fairly—not like last time when they were driven out like stray dogs.

Li Yuhua sighed and then invited Shang Chen in. “Xiao Shang is here too. Sit down. Nan Nan, go pour some water for Xiao Shang.”

Shang Chen politely replied, “Okay, Auntie. You go ahead.”

After Li Yuhua and Song Xingmin left, Song Yi poured a glass of water and placed it in front of Shang Chen, pursing her red lips. “Your injury… should I apply the medicine now?”

Shang Chen had said earlier he worried about his grandmother’s worries, so applying medicine at home seemed unsuitable.

Shang Chen drank the water in one gulp and, seeing Song Yi’s hesitation, pressed his thin lips together tightly. “If it’s inconvenient for you, it’s fine. I can go see Doctor Wang in the village.”

Song Yi blushed. “I didn’t mean that. Take off your upper clothes, and I’ll help you.”

Shang Chen remained unmoved. “Don’t force yourself. It’s not a serious injury anyway.”

Song Yi was speechless.

If he hadn’t just been sitting there waiting for her to apply the medicine, she might have believed him.

She twitched her mouth and shot him a sideways glance. “Fine, it’s really a bit awkward for me. Then go find Doctor Wang.”

Page 3/3

Shang Chen’s expression darkened instantly. His handsome face clouded as he stood and headed toward the door.

Song Yi stifled a laugh and grabbed his arm. “I was joking. Why are you taking it so seriously? Hurry up and take off your shirt.”

Shang Chen glanced at her coolly, lips pressed tightly, remaining silent.

Song Yi had no choice but to plead. “Okay, I’m sorry. Please, let me apply your medicine. Is that better?”

His demeanor suddenly reminded her of a term Xie Yifei often used—tsundere.

Satisfied, Shang Chen sat back down, removed his shirt, revealing a strong, well-toned upper body.

His honey-colored skin and broad powerful shoulders exuded a potent masculine allure; just a glance made one’s heart race uncontrollably.

But Song Yi paid no attention to that. She focused instead on the swollen, bruised wounds on his back, letting out a soft hiss.

At the hospital, the doctor had applied some ointment, but it hadn’t helped much. The wound had darkened to a purplish bruise and was swollen as large as a thumb.

It must have been agonizing.

She wondered how he bore the pain to ride the tricycle and bring them home.

The more she thought about it, the heavier her heart grew. She warmed the ointment and gently rubbed it onto Shang Chen’s back.

If not for him today, her father would likely have ended up disabled, just like in the previous life.

Perhaps, like before, he would have fallen into despair and died young.

Her hands paused, and softly she asked, “Shang Chen, do you have any wishes?”

Shang Chen looked puzzled. “Wishes? Why are you asking this all of a sudden?”

Song Yi replied, “You saved my father today. Of course, I want to repay you.”

His dark eyes swept over her tender, delicate face. With a faint tone, he said, “Does marrying you count?”