mtl008 Chapter 198 Concern and Warmth
Chapter 198 Concern and Warmth
It was a cool morning in the valley, a hint of dampness in the air. Ye Wan was on patrol, checking the defenses surrounding the camp. She habitually conducted these inspections alone, ensuring that all lines of defense were secure. However, today's patrol wasn't as peaceful as usual.
Just as she reached the edge of the valley, about to check for a hidden trap, her foot slipped and she nearly fell down the slope. In a moment of panic, she grabbed a nearby rock and managed to steady herself, but her ankle twisted instantly, and the pain prevented her from moving forward. She tried to stand up on her own, but the pain in her ankle forced her to lean against the rock.
Meanwhile, Xie Linchuan was busy arranging the day's tasks in the camp. It wasn't until a patrolman hurried back to the camp and told him that Ye Wan had been gone for a long time and he still hadn't seen her return that he suddenly became nervous. He suppressed his anxiety and pretended to be calm and asked, "Where did Ye Wan go? Does anyone know her last patrol route?"
The team member told him that she was patrolling the defense line at the edge of the valley alone. Hearing this, Xie Linchuan could no longer remain calm. He quickly took some first aid items and ran in the direction of Ye Wan's patrol, his heart filled with vague uneasiness.
Running along the rugged mountain road, Xie Linchuan's steps were quick, his anxiety gradually turning to unease. Various possibilities raced through his mind, as if an invisible fear was gradually eroding his sanity. He couldn't imagine how he would cope if something truly happened to Ye Wan. His pace quickened, and he even nearly tripped over the gravel on the side of the road several times, but he didn't care. His only thought was to find Ye Wan and confirm her safety.
Just as he was approaching the edge of the valley, he finally saw Ye Wan. She was sitting beside a rock, her face slightly pale, as if she was trying hard to endure the pain in her ankle.
"Ye Wan!" Xie Linchuan's voice was filled with anxiety, and he practically rushed over to her. He noticed her ankle injury and immediately squatted down, his tone filled with suppressed anger and deep concern. "Why didn't you lead a patrol? The terrain here is complex. Don't you know how dangerous it is to be alone?"
Ye Wan was slightly stunned. Seeing his eyes full of worry and anger, she couldn't help but lower her head and said with a bit of apology: "It was just a routine inspection. I didn't expect such an accident to happen."
Xie Linchuan's expression was slightly serious, but the worry in his eyes was evident. He gently supported her ankle, observing her injury. His tone softened, but still contained a note of reproach: "Even routine inspections should be done with caution. What if something really goes wrong? How can you reassure everyone? And let..." He paused there, as if realizing his emotions were too obvious, and lowered his head slightly to conceal his panic.
Ye Wan sensed the concern in his tone, and a warmth welled up in her heart. She smiled softly, trying to ease his worries: "It's just a minor injury. I'll just apply some medicine when I get home. Don't worry too much."
Xie Linchuan snorted coldly, but couldn't help softening his voice: "Minor injury? If no one comes to see you today, are you going to sit here and wait until dark?" He carefully bandaged her ankle. His movements were gentle but with a hint of urgency, as if he was worried that she would be hurt more.
Touched by his caring gesture, Ye Wan whispered, "I was planning to wait until the pain subsided before walking back slowly. I didn't expect you to come find me in person." She looked down at him carefully bandaging the wound, and a throbbing surged in her heart. Xie Linchuan's hand paused slightly, as if realizing his excessive concern at the moment, but he still didn't let go of her ankle. Instead, he gently pressed around the wound to confirm whether she felt any further pain.
His eyes were focused and affectionate, as if everything about her was inseparable from him. The distance between them became incredibly close at this moment, as if they could even hear each other's heartbeats. Ye Wan felt her cheeks warm slightly, and the unspoken emotions in her heart seemed to gradually well up.
After the bandage was completed, Xie Linchuan carefully helped Ye Wan up. Without saying anything, he gently put his arm around her shoulders, helping her share the weight on himself, and walked step by step towards the camp.
On the way, Ye Wan whispered to him, "I'm really fine, don't worry."
Xie Linchuan sighed softly, looked at her sideways, and said in a low and soft voice: "You always don't care about yourself, how can others feel at ease?" There was a hint of helplessness in his tone, but his eyes revealed deep concern, as if her every move touched his heart.
Ye Wan smiled slightly and said softly, "Maybe I'm used to it. I've always been the one taking care of others. It's wrong of me to make you so worried today."
Xie Linchuan shook his head slightly and said firmly: "You don't have to be so stubborn. This is not your battlefield alone. No matter what happens in the future, at least give me a chance to accompany you."
His words revealed a subtle affection. Ye Wan's heart fluttered as she listened to him. She couldn't help but lean gently on his shoulder, feeling a long-lost sense of security. She realized that Xie Linchuan's feelings for her might have already surpassed the concern of a companion, and her attachment to him was no longer just silent protection.
After the two returned to camp, the team members learned of Ye Wan's injury and gathered around to express their concern. To avoid further trouble, Xie Linchuan gave a few brief instructions and asked everyone to maintain normal training and not worry too much.
When the crowd dispersed, Ye Wan quietly looked up at Xie Linchuan, with a hint of tenderness and gratitude in her eyes: "Xie Linchuan, thank you for taking care of me today. I really didn't expect you to care so much about my safety."
Xie Linchuan showed a helpless smile on his face, patted her shoulder gently, and said with a hint of tenderness in his tone: "I don't want to make you so nervous, but seeing you injured, my heart is in turmoil." He looked down at her, his eyes revealing an emotion that was difficult to conceal.
Ye Wan was touched by his words, and the tender feeling in her heart became stronger. She gently held Xie Linchuan's hand and whispered, "I will be careful in the future and won't let you worry anymore."
As they stared at each other, words seemed superfluous, their emotions reaching a new resonance without words. Xie Linchuan held her hand, feeling her warmth, and an unprecedented warmth surged within him. Ye Wan's presence gave his exhausted heart a place to lean on, and he knew at that moment that no matter how difficult the future, he was willing to give everything for her.