Book 13: Chapter 19
After finishing up my check-up, Ying tied up the bandages behind me: “You’ll be able to move from tomorrow.”
Sitting in front of Ying, I asked, “I tried to stand up in the day but failed. Did you use something on me?”
From behind, Ying bluntly replied, “That’s right.”
“Why stop me…?”
“Because you may never stand again if you move about thoughtlessly.”
Ying picked up a small knife and cut the bandage in her hand. I didn’t suffer any external injuries. The bandages were used to set my bones. I looked at the empty porcelain bowl that I finished. In a soft voice, I said, “Why do you insist on helping me? Not only did you save me, but you’re treating me, too.”
Voice monotone, Ying explained, “No, I didn’t save you. You were washed up to shore. I could’ve ignored you, but you’re the first person I’ve seen survive a huge wave that fellow caused; you could argue he hurt you. My duty is to protect people from his attacks. He injured you, which means I didn’t fulfil my obligation. As such, treating you is a form of compensation for an error on my part. You need not thank me or feel grateful. It should be me who apologises.”
Ying hand on my back stopped. I heard a rustling sound from behind. I turned my head around to her black hair touch the ground. She knelt onto the ground. With her head down, she sincerely apologised: “Sorry.”
Hopeless, I said, “Why are you apologising? You saved my life.”