His Genius Wife is a Superstar

661-665

"Mr. Lin! There’s no need. It’s okay now. It doesn’t hurt anymore."

"Let me see."

"No, I’m really—"

"Let me see." His tone was firm, leaving no room for arguments.

Jiang Ying Yue closed her eyes in embarrassment before finally allowing him to take a look at her toe. He removed her cozy slipper and lifted her foot to get a better look, forcing her to hold on to his shoulder for balance. His touch was light and gentle, yet goosebumps formed on her skin. She held her breath and felt her entire body tensing. Her heart began beating quickly inside her chest. She attributed all of these reactions to mortification.

"Hmm. It’s red and swollen," he said. "We should apply an ointment or something. Wait here. I’ll ask one of the household staff. I know that some are still awake at this time."

"Mr. Lin, there’s no need to bother anyone. I have an ointment in my room. I’ll apply it myself."

He looked up at her while still holding her foot. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. I have a lot of medicinal ointments and creams. Many of them are for pain relief because I train a lot so I frequently suffer from sore muscles, cuts and bruises and—" She shut her mouth upon realizing that she was blabbing. Ah, so embarrassing!

"I see. That’s good." Lin Yehan took her slipper and began putting it back on her foot.

"I’ll do it, Mr. Lin!"

"There, it’s done," he said, placing her slippered foot back down on the floor. Then he rose and stood in front of her, a gentle smile on his face.

Jiang Ying Yue blushed and avoided looking directly in his eyes. She would just feel more embarrassed.

"I-it’s late now, Mr. Lin. We should, uh, go back to sleep," she stammered.

"Yes. Have a good night, Miss Jiang."

"G-good night."

Nobody moved. They remained there standing in front of each other. She looked tense while he looked calm.

"I’ll walk you to your room, Miss Jiang. Please show the way."

"W-what? No need! I...I can find my own way. Yes, I can d-do that."

"Alright." He didn’t push it. "I’ll be going first, then. Please try to rest as much as possible."

She nodded.

After giving her another gentle smile, he turned around and started walking away.

"Wait!"

He stopped and looked back at her.

"I...thank you..."

"What?" He didn’t hear because her voice was too soft and she wasn’t looking at him.

She forced herself to look directly in his eyes and spoke in a louder and sincere voice. "Thank you, Mr. Lin. I...I feel so much better now, so thank you."

His gentle smile deepened. "You’re always welcome, Miss Jiang. Glad you feel better. And please, don’t treat me like a stranger. We’re friends now...aren’t we?"