Chapter 13 – Wasn’t That Smart to Begin With
Author: Bo He Liang Xia (Mint Summer Cool)
Lu Li raised an eyebrow and glanced at her. “Your dad’s?”
“What’s so weird about that?” Mu Wanwan, knowing all too well about his extreme cleanliness, quickly explained, “Don’t worry, it’s never been worn.”
He had only asked casually, but she misunderstood. Lu Li didn’t bother to explain. He took a step forward and bent his head slightly.
Their eyes met. He said, “Mu Wanwan, you can’t even swim, yet you dared to jump into the river to save someone. Who gave you that kind of courage, huh?”
He couldn’t tell whether she’d gone in to save someone or to make things worse.
If she wanted to be heroic, she should at least know her limits.
“I…” Meeting his bright, piercing gaze, Mu Wanwan rubbed her nose awkwardly. “I just… saw that kid struggling in the water, and no one else was around, so I just…”
By the end, even she felt embarrassed.
It wasn’t her fault she couldn’t swim.
She just couldn’t learn it no matter how hard she tried—what could she do about that?
“Ouch!” Mu Wanwan covered her head, her watery eyes glaring at him. “Why’d you hit me? If you make me dumber, you’re taking responsibility!”
The corner of Lu Li’s lips lifted into a teasing smile. “You weren’t that smart to begin with. If you’re going to fake being hurt, at least come up with a better excuse.”
“You—!” She’d already experienced his sharp tongue before, but she was still furious enough to spit blood.
“Go change your clothes.”
She threw the clothes at him in one motion and turned to leave the room.
“Where are you going?” Lu Li asked, holding back a laugh.
“None of your business!”
Mu Wanwan’s slippers slapped against the floor as she walked away lightly.
When Lu Li finished changing and came downstairs, she was nowhere in sight.
“Mu Wanwan?”
“Over here! Why’re you yelling?” Mu Wanwan came out of the kitchen, holding a steaming bowl in her hands.
A faint scent of ginger filled the air, and Lu Li’s brow furrowed deeply.
“What’s that in your hand?”
“Ginger tea,” she said matter-of-factly.
Lu Li’s long legs subtly moved a step back. “Stay away from me.”
Noticing his aversion to the tea, the mischievous Mu Wanwan grinned slyly. “Lu Li, don’t tell me you’re afraid of ginger tea?”
“Ha.” Lu Li scoffed. “Who’s afraid? I just hate the smell of ginger.”
“Hate it or not, you still have to drink it. If you catch a cold, you’ll blame me,” she said, stepping closer as he retreated, holding the steaming bowl right up to him.
Lu Li glanced at the bowl of hot tea, his expression full of disgust.
“I’m not drinking it.”
“You have to!” Mu Wanwan grabbed his arm roughly. “I still have homework to do, so hurry up and drink it already!”
“If you’re making me drink it, why don’t you?” Lu Li pushed her forehead back with one finger, looking utterly unimpressed.
“I already did,” Mu Wanwan replied.
The two of them stood at an impasse. As the ginger tea began to cool, Mu Wanwan’s eyes flickered with an idea. She gasped dramatically, “Ah—it’s so hot! Lu Li, help me hold it! My hands are burning!”
The rising steam curled in the air. Seeing her fair little hands, Lu Li didn’t think much of it and quickly took the bowl from her.
“Where does it hurt?” he asked.
Mu Wanwan immediately stepped back, folding her arms and smiling triumphantly. “Lu Li, hurry up and drink it! A big man being so fussy—it’s embarrassing!”
Lu Li’s mouth twitched.
Just as he was about to set the bowl back on the table, Mu Wanwan rushed forward—her foot slipped, and she crashed into him, nearly knocking the wind out of his chest.