The villagers were mostly simple folk, and moreover, word about the Yang Family’s partition had spread throughout the village; everyone knew how harsh the main branch of the Yang Family was toward their own kin. Seeing a frail young girl all bloody and pitiful, even those with slightly meaner spirits couldn’t help but feel compassion at this moment, unanimously agreeing that Lin Yue’e’s chastisement had been well-deserved.
Yang Ruxin went around thanking everyone in turn, which was exactly the effect she had aimed for.
With the episode behind them, and Lin Yue’e’s ordeal serving as a cautionary example, even those who might have harbored ill intentions dared not show it, and could only watch with envy, jealousy, and resentment as the black behemoth was carted away by a few people.
Before heading to town, Gu Yao assertively took Yang Ruxin to his house first, instructing Feng Family to help bandage her wounds before he departed.
Feng Family was startled at the sight of Yang Ruxin’s disheveled appearance and hurriedly went inside to fetch medicine.
"Xinxin, where are you hurt?" Gu Qingheng, who had been inside the house, suddenly rushed out, nearly crashing his wheelchair into the door.
"Be careful," Yang Ruxin, her heart racing with fear, quickly went over and steadied the wheelchair, "I’m not hurt anywhere. But you—just now, I saw your leg hitting the door. Does it hurt?"
A slight glimmer of sadness flickered in Gu Qingheng’s eyes, "If only I could feel the pain, that would be great."
Yang Ruxin paused, then understanding dawned on her, and she felt a tinge of regret, "Don’t be too upset. Once we sell Black Bear, we’ll have silver. We can find another doctor to consult. Maybe it will get better."
"Thank you for your comforting words." Gu Qingheng had come to terms with his condition and revealed a beautiful smile, "But for now, let me see your wound..."
"I really didn’t get hurt." Yang Ruxin chuckled, Heihei, and tore off the dirty cloth that had been wrapped around her arm, "That was just to scare everyone. I secretly smeared some of Black Bear’s blood on my arm, of course, to gain everyone’s sympathy. I didn’t expect to even fool Gu Yao with it." She suddenly felt conflicted, "Do you think I’m bad?"
"Why would you think of yourself as bad? I think you did nothing wrong," Gu Qingheng shook his head, "Never have such concerns in the future. If someone bullies you, you must retaliate." Of course, he would help her repay with interest.
Yang Ruxin immediately smiled; she knew this kid wouldn’t be so petty. She also finally understood why she liked talking with him—he always believed in her without questioning and stood firmly by her side. This feeling... hmm, it was really nice.
"Just to be sure, you really aren’t injured?" Gu Qingheng remained worried about Yang Ruxin’s safety, "If you are hurt, you can’t hide it. Otherwise, if something were to happen..."
"I’m truly not injured, see for yourself." Yang Ruxin, warmed by his concern, knew he wouldn’t rest until he verified it for himself. She instantly grabbed his hand and placed it on her arm, "Even though you can’t see, you can feel, right? There are no wounds on my arm, are there?"
Gu Qingheng was caught off guard, and although they were separated by clothing, the summer fabric was thin, and he could even feel the cool touch of her smooth skin, which unexpectedly stirred his heart, muddling his thoughts and making even breathing difficult for a moment.