Chapter 92: Impulse is the devil
Tian Sangsang looked him up and down and waved her hand dismissively, "Fine, seeing as you’re so earnest, even with a broken foot still struggling to get to town, I’ll believe you for now. You can pay the deposit once your family arrives. By the way, Yanyan and I won’t be back until around two this afternoon. There’s food at the house—there’s some braised food in the jar—and we’ve left you some rice. Just heat it up, and it’ll make a decent lunch."
"No way, you *have* to pay!" Zhao Chun shook his head firmly. They had to go to town to make money through small trades, and if he didn’t pay the deposit, it’d be utterly unreasonable. Besides, he knew she had spent quite a bit last time to treat his injured leg; she probably didn’t have much money left. Not to mention, this woman was so stubbornly proud—he already had a deep understanding of her nature. He chuckled internally.
"Alright, *if* you insist."
"There’s no *if* about it—I’ve always insisted."
"Fine, *since* you insist." Tian Sangsang shrugged.
"..." Zhao Chun leaned on his crutch, limping awkwardly ahead. His pace was even slower than Meng Shuyan’s, his tall and straight figure carrying a sort of fragile exhaustion that made Tian Sangsang feel a pang of pity. "How about I carry you for a stretch?" she asked.
Zhao Chun blinked dumbfoundedly, his face abruptly flushing crimson. "I’m not a woman!" The memory of being cradled in her arms last time and his completely shattered male dignity made him feel shamefully tempted to bash his head against his crutch.
"Or I could just tuck you under my arm," she teased lightly. Using her hands, she’d just scoop him under there like luggage—after all, she prided herself on being a strong woman, always inclined to help when encountering someone vulnerable.
Tian Sangsang sighed helplessly at her own musings—it was only because he was hobbling along like *that.* Fine, if he doesn’t want help, then so be it. What’s pride, anyway? It’s not like you can eat it.
Given how painfully slow Zhao Chun moved, Tian Sangsang ended up walking on ahead while Meng Shuyan stayed behind to accompany him.
"Isn’t that the guy with the broken leg?"