102: Xiao Yu's Heart

Under the last sliver of light filtering through the forest, a one-inch long gash could be seen diagonally across Xiao Yu’s fair skin. Although not deep, the flesh was rolled back, and blood continuously seeped out, making it quite alarming to behold.

His small face instantly tightened, his eyes filled with self-reproach and worry.

"It's all my fault. The sword was too crappy, and I even caused Senior Sister to get hurt..."

He immediately took out a small jade bottle from his storage ring. It contained the Grade 2 Hemostatic Powder he had refined himself and always carried with him.

"Senior Sister, don't move. I'll stop the bleeding first."

Watching Mo Yuhan nervously yet incredibly gently clean her wound and sprinkle the medicinal powder, Xiao Yu's pain miraculously dissipated by more than half.

The young boy's focused expression, his slightly furrowed brows, and his careful movements, afraid of hurting her, all showed a composure and thoughtfulness beyond his age.

The cool sensation of the medicinal powder on the wound brought relief from the burning pain, while Mo Yuhan's fingertips occasionally brushing against her arm caused a slight tingle, making Xiao Yu's heart inexplicably skip a beat.

"Alright, it's stopped for now."

Mo Yuhan carefully bandaged the wound with a clean strip of cloth. Though his movements were somewhat clumsy, he was exceptionally serious.

"Senior Sister, let's stop here for today. We can practice again another time."

He looked up, his bright black eyes filled with worry, gazing slightly upwards at the tall Xiao Yu.

"Mm... okay."

Xiao Yu's voice unconsciously softened, losing its usual cheerfulness.

She wanted to walk by herself, but as soon as she took a step, the wound on her arm pulled, and combined with the immense exertion from blocking earlier, her body swayed involuntarily.

"Senior Sister, be careful!"

Mo Yuhan was quick-witted. Almost the instant Xiao Yu's body tilted, his small frame immediately moved closer, unhesitatingly extending his somewhat slender shoulder to steadily support Xiao Yu's uninjured left arm, allowing her to lean her weight onto him.

"Mm, Yu Han Junior Brother, you don't need to help me..."

Xiao Yu subconsciously tried to pull away, feeling it was too embarrassing to be supported by a nine-year-old child.

"Don't be stubborn, Senior Sister!"

Mo Yuhan, however, was exceptionally insistent. His small arm firmly supported her, his voice carrying an undeniable seriousness, "Your right arm is injured, making it inconvenient to walk. Lean on me, walk slowly, and don't pull the wound."

His tone held a sense of responsibility that brooked no refusal.

The young boy's shoulders, though slender, were exceptionally firm and strong.

Xiao Yu was slightly startled, looking at Mo Yuhan's upturned face, filled with persistence and worry. The words of refusal could no longer be spoken.

She hesitated for a moment, then finally relaxed her body, allowing her left side to gently lean against him, entrusting a portion of her weight to him.

A faint, unique scent, a mix of the young boy's fresh aroma and the fragrance of herbs, wafted into her nostrils, making Xiao Yu's heart beat erratically once more.

The return journey seemed especially long in the twilight. Mo Yuhan struggled to support Xiao Yu, who was much taller than him, taking each step carefully, needing to steady himself while also mindful of her wound.

Their bodies inevitably pressed close together, lightly rubbing and bumping with each step.

Xiao Yu could even clearly feel Mo Yuhan's slightly hurried breath on her neck and the warmth from his tensed, somewhat slender chest as he strained to support her.

A never-before-felt, extremely unfamiliar sensation quietly sprouted in Xiao Yu's heart.

Ever since that fall, it seemed this was no longer a simple sibling affection, nor merely admiration for a Genius Junior Brother.

Instead, it was a fluster mixed with throbbing, shyness, and even a hint of sweetness.

She slightly turned her head, looking at the faint shadow beneath Mo Yuhan's eyes, at his profile showing a stubborn seriousness...

The forest wind seemed to grow gentler, blowing across where their bodies touched, carrying a hint of ambiguous warmth.

Xiao Yu felt her cheeks flush slightly. She instinctively wanted to create a little distance, yet she also craved the strange sense of security and warmth this reliance brought.

"Senior Sister, does it hurt much?"

Mo Yuhan's voice broke the silence, filled with concern.

"...It's fine."

Xiao Yu's voice was barely louder than a mosquito's. She quickly turned her face away, hiding her slightly red cheeks and accelerated heartbeat.

She could even feel the slight vibration of Mo Yuhan's chest as he spoke, transmitting through the thin fabric of their clothes.

"It's all my fault..."

Mo Yuhan's voice was full of self-reproach.

"It's not your fault, that lousy sword was just too poor quality."

Xiao Yu immediately retorted, her tone carrying a hint of urgent protectiveness she herself didn't notice.

She paused, then her voice lowered again, with an unprecedented gentleness, "...And thank you, Yu Han Junior Brother."

Mo Yuhan smiled, revealing his white teeth: "You're welcome. Senior Sister got hurt because she was accompanying me."

The phrase "because she was accompanying you" was like a small stone dropped into Xiao Yu's heart lake, sending ripples spreading out.

She said nothing more, simply leaning silently, more closely, against the small figure beside her who was stirring her emotions, allowing a mix of pain, sweetness, fluster, and a certain indescribable anticipation to quietly spread in her heart.

Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the branches and leaves, casting dappled light onto their intertwined, slowly moving figures, drawing long shadows that almost merged into one.

The chirping of insects around them seemed to become a gentle accompaniment, singing of the nascent, tender, and hazy feelings quietly growing in the night.

Xiao Yu knew that some things truly felt different now.

This little rascal, unknowingly, had already occupied a place in her heart that caught her completely off guard.

Twilight completely enveloped the back mountain. Only shadowy outlines and the rustling of leaves in the wind remained in the forest.

Returning to the elegant pavilion courtyard, the warm lamplight streaming from the windows dispelled some of the night's chill and the coldness in Mo Yuhan's heart.

Lin Fei and Xue Mei had been waiting in the courtyard. Seeing the two return, especially Mo Yuhan's pale face and being supported by Xiao Yu, they were startled and immediately rushed over.

"Little Han Han, what happened?"

"Yu Han Junior Brother, what happened?"

The two girls' voices were filled with anxiety and worry.

"It's nothing, nothing."

Mo Yuhan quickly explained, his face showing lingering fear and guilt, "There was a small accident during sword practice. The sword broke and injured Senior Sister Xiao Yu. Luckily, Sister Xuner passed by..."

"The sword broke?!"

Xue Ni exclaimed, immediately grabbing Xiao Yu and asking, "Yu'er, where are you hurt?"

She nervously scrutinized her from head to toe.

Xiao Yu shook her head, "It's nothing, just a superficial wound. Yu Han Junior Brother already looked at it earlier."

"You scared me to death!" Xue Ni patted her chest, then glared angrily, "Yu'er, really, you took Yu Han Junior Brother to practice swordsmanship, how did you end up getting hurt yourself?"

Xiao Yu knew she was in the wrong and, uncharacteristically, didn't argue. She just awkwardly scratched her head: "It won't happen next time. Who knew that sword was so flimsy..."

"Alright, alright."

Xue Mei gently interrupted, saying softly, "It's good that no one was seriously hurt. Senior Sister Xiao Yu, you should go back to your room to rest. We'll bring dinner to your room."

Xiao Yu indeed needed time alone to sort out her chaotic thoughts. She nodded: "Thank you."