Chapter Ten: Is This a Proper Massage?

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Qiao Luo’s heart seemed to be struck by something, leaving her tingling all over. When she saw Qin Yanzhou looking at her with those deep, fathomless eyes, she could not help swallowing.

Then she realized that she must look rather lecherous and hurriedly came up with an excuse. “Qin Yanzhou, I’m hungry. Let’s eat!”

The corners of Qin Yanzhou’s lips curved faintly, though he did not expose her. “All right.”

During the meal, Qiao Luo watched Qin Yanzhou expectantly the entire time.

Qin Yanzhou did not skimp on his praise. “The shredded pork with green peppers is delicious. The spicy and sour shredded potatoes go perfectly with rice. The stir-fried cabbage is fresh and sweet, and the radish-and-egg soup warms my stomach.”

Qiao Luo beamed. “I’m glad you like it. If you do, I’ll make it for you again in the future.”

There was a hint of added tenderness in Qin Yanzhou’s voice. “I didn’t marry you so that you could cook for me every day. I used to eat at the mess hall every day. If you don’t want to cook, you can eat at the military cafeteria too.”

There was a teasing note in Qiao Luo’s voice. “But what if I want to cook for you?”

Qin Yanzhou gave a soft laugh. “Then it would be my honor.”

After the meal, Qin Yanzhou was about to wash the dishes, but Qiao Luo stopped him.

“You’re not very mobile in that wheelchair. Let me do it!” She pushed him aside. “If you feel bad about it, just cheer me on from the side.”

Qin Yanzhou lowered his head and looked at his legs, a trace of gloom entering his eyes.

But when he raised his head again, the gloom had turned back into tenderness. “Luo Luo, I’m sorry to trouble you.”

Qiao Luo, however, was unconcerned. “What’s so troublesome about this?”

Resting his chin in his hand, Qin Yanzhou watched her. “You may not mind it for a day. But what about a year? Ten years? A lifetime?”

Qiao Luo tilted her head and thought for a moment. “That’s easy to solve! We can just hire a housekeeper, can’t we?”

In this world, problems that could be solved with money were the easiest problems of all—as long as one had enough money.

Qin Yanzhou seemed thoughtful. “In that case, it’s time I found someone reliable.”

How could he bear to let his Luo Luo do such things?

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Qiao Luo rolled her eyes. “But if we do that, won’t she disturb us while we enjoy our life as a couple?”

Qin Yanzhou was rendered speechless, then broke into helpless laughter. “That’s precisely why we need to find someone reliable.”

The System began bouncing around again. “Little Host, you’re pretty good at teasing Qin Yanzhou anytime, anywhere.”

Qiao Luo snapped, “Go into hibernation!”

After washing the dishes, Qiao Luo turned on the television and brought over a stool so she could sit beside Qin Yanzhou.

There were not many television programs at that time, but Qiao Luo thought it was nice enough to have something playing in the background.

“Well, I learned a little medicine from a wandering physician. Would you like me to examine your legs?” Qiao Luo asked tentatively.

She was actually worried that she might accidentally touch upon Qin Yanzhou’s scars. After all, someone as outstanding as him had been left crippled. His heart must have suffered terribly.

Qin Yanzhou, however, was more open-minded than she had expected. “Really? Then I’ll have to see what your medical skills are like.”

He was not a man who dwelled on things. After learning that he might never be able to stand again in this lifetime, Qin Yanzhou had indeed suffered, but he had soon come to accept it calmly.

Rather than sink into the despair of a wasted life, he would be better off pulling himself together and doing what he could, even with a disability.

Qiao Luo immediately perked up and placed both hands on Qin Yanzhou’s legs.

He instinctively tensed.

Qiao Luo did not notice at all, continuing to press here and there along his thighs.

She could feel that the muscles beneath her hands had already begun to atrophy. After becoming disabled, Qin Yanzhou had never stood again. Although he massaged his legs every day, the lack of exercise made muscle atrophy inevitable.

When Qiao Luo’s brows began to furrow, Qin Yanzhou instead grew worried that she might find him repulsive. “Do you… feel disappointed?”

“I am a little disappointed.” Qiao Luo’s tone was grave. “Your massages haven’t been thorough enough, so your muscles have atrophied somewhat. That’s why I’ve made up my mind!”

She lifted her head and looked at Qin Yanzhou seriously. “From now on, I’ll massage your legs every night before bed!”

Qin Yanzhou stared blankly at her bright, sparkling eyes. His Adam’s apple moved, and only after a long while did he manage to let out a soft hum through his nose.

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Seeing that he had agreed, Qiao Luo nodded in satisfaction and lowered her head to continue massaging him.

She had originally learned her massage techniques from a rehabilitation specialist, so they were fairly professional. But Qin Yanzhou was paralyzed in both legs and could not move them himself like the patients in rehabilitation. As a result, Qiao Luo inevitably had to lift and reposition his legs while massaging them. She was so focused that the back of her hand repeatedly brushed against Qin Yanzhou’s…

He hurriedly reached out and caught her hand.

“What is it?” Qiao Luo raised her head, her face filled with confusion.

Looking into her clear eyes, Qin Yanzhou felt that his own thoughts were truly disgraceful.

In response to her question, his voice was slightly hoarse. “Ahem. It’s not very convenient to massage my legs in the wheelchair.”

Qiao Luo immediately understood. “Then let’s go to bed!”

The words were undeniably suggestive, and Qin Yanzhou struggled to control his emotions. “I’ll wash up first.”

Qiao Luo immediately stood. “I’ll fetch some water for you!”

Qin Yanzhou quickly caught hold of her. “No need. Don’t forget, before you came along, I managed on my own.”

Qiao Luo thought about it and realized he was right. “All right, then! The hot water is in the thermos. Pour it yourself. I’m going to wash up too!”

Qin Yanzhou gave a slight nod. “Mm. Go ahead.”

Qin Yanzhou did not want Qiao Luo to wait on him. For one thing, he did not want her to work too hard. For another, he did not want her to see him in such an awkward state.

After they had both washed up, Qin Yanzhou lay on the bed and watched as Qiao Luo rubbed her hands together, eager to massage his legs. Thinking of what had just happened, certain thoughts once again began to surface, almost beyond his control.

Qiao Luo had no idea what was going through his mind. She climbed straight onto the bed and began massaging Qin Yanzhou’s legs.

Her movements were firm and powerful. Although Qin Yanzhou could feel little in his legs, watching her serious and meticulous expression made a sense of fullness spread from his heart. The satisfaction he felt in that moment was beyond words.

It was a long while before Qiao Luo finished massaging both his legs. Exhausted, she collapsed beside him.

“I’m so tired!” she said, unconsciously allowing a hint of coquettishness into her voice. Then, almost casually, she placed her hand on Qin Yanzhou. “My hand is sore. Massage it for me too.”