Chapter 5

A gust of wind blew, and the door slammed shut with a bang. The room grew darker.

Dim light filtered through the window, casting Pei Yuan into silhouette. He stood with his back to the light, his features obscured by shadows. Tall and muscular, accustomed to martial training, his broad shoulders filled the small room, emanating a chilling aura.

Bao Ning stood awkwardly at the doorway, unsure where to look, her fingers tightly gripping the vegetable basin.

For a moment, Pei Yuan truly harbored murderous intent, a feeling Bao Ning could discern.

The room fell into silence, only the heavy sound of Pei Yuan's breathing could be heard.

Claiming not to be afraid would be a lie; Bao Ning's heart pounded in her chest. After a while, she managed to calm down and quickly pushed the door open to leave.

The cold wind made Bao Ning shiver; only then did she realize her palms were sweaty.

...

Having his most unbearable side witnessed by a woman he barely knew, Pei Yuan closed his eyes and swallowed hard.

That woman must find him repulsive, right?

Pei Yuan knew what he looked like now—dirty, unkempt, emitting a strange odor, more nauseating than the beggars on the street. At least beggars were healthy with functional legs, while he was covered in wounds, with countless scars, his disabled left leg repulsive. He was nothing but a complete waste, struggling even to take care of himself.

He had convinced himself not to care about others' opinions, but when faced with such a situation, he couldn't help but indulge in wild thoughts. He detested the disdainful looks of others, even more so their pity and sympathy. The feeling of having his dignity trampled upon was more unbearable than the pain of a sword cutting into him.

The stick had thorns, and as it cut into his palm, a piercing pain shot through him, but Pei Yuan seemed numb to it as he awkwardly left with his left leg.

Passing by Bao Ning, he didn't even spare her a glance and went straight back to his room.

Bao Ning's eyelashes fluttered, and she sighed before entering the kitchen with the cabbage.

Lighting the fire, boiling water, scrubbing pots, and mixing dough... Lump soup was the simplest staple food, requiring only flour and water.

Bao Ning sprinkled water onto the flour with a ladle, constantly stirring with chopsticks until it formed evenly sized dough lumps, distinct and uniform.

The fire in the stove burned brighter, and the red flames flickered, bringing warmth to the room.

Bao Ning poured some oil into the pot. Once hot, she added the chopped green onions, and the aroma of the fried onions filled the air instantly. Cabbage followed, and after a quick stir, she added water without overflowing, then seasoned with salt and wine before covering the pot and waiting for the water to boil.

After a while, the room had turned completely dark. Bao Ning fumbled for the candle and sat on a stool, staring blankly at the pot lid.

Steam escaped from the gaps in the lid, carrying the aroma of food. Despite the small and cramped room, it was filled with a warm and cozy atmosphere.

It felt like home all of a sudden.

Bao Ning thought of Pei Yuan.

She had really scared him just now.

Pei Yuan disliked her and wanted her to leave. Bao Ning could feel that, and she understood, not minding it. It might seem abrupt, but in her heart, from the moment she married Pei Yuan, she had considered him family.

They had no affection between them, but they were still nominally husband and wife. Even if they would never be like other couples, loving and harmonious, there was still a familial bond, more considerate and connected than strangers.

Pei Yuan had a bad temper, and he was currently at the lowest point in his life, sensitive and fragile, prone to saying hurtful things. Bao Ning could forgive that.

All she could do was to treat him better, give him warmth and encouragement, and accompany him as they moved forward together.

In the days to come, they could live together happily, tending to flowers, drinking tea, being companions. That's what she hoped for.

...

The pot simmered with bubbling sounds; the water boiled.

Bao Ning slapped her face a few times, dispelling her wandering thoughts, and quickly lifted the lid of the pot. Using chopsticks, she scooped the prepared dough lumps into the pot, stirring them to prevent them from sticking together. Then, she remembered and fetched two eggs, beating them into the pot, creating egg drop soup.

Considering Pei Yuan's current condition, he needed to eat something to nourish his body. Unfortunately, she didn't bring many eggs and meat, just enough for two or three days.

Bao Ning pinned her hopes on her return in three days, when she could buy more vegetables from the street and some medicine.

After a short while, the soup was ready to be served.

The dough lumps scattered in the soup, and the cabbage softened, nestled among the dough balls, resembling delicate beauties without bones. The thick and fragrant soup was mouthwatering.

Bao Ning leaned in to smell it; her cooking skills hadn't deteriorated. She smiled contentedly.

She fetched a larger bowl and filled it to the brim, then brought it to Pei Yuan.

Thinking that Pei Yuan hadn't had a hot meal all day, Bao Ning placed the bowl down, then decided to fry an egg for him and placed it on top of the soup.

Standing at Pei Yuan's door with the bowl, Bao Ning hesitated for a moment. She remembered Pei Yuan's terrified expression earlier, and her heart skipped a beat.

Bao Ning took a deep breath and cautiously knocked twice on the door. "Fourth Prince, may I come in?"

There was silence inside for a moment before Pei Yuan hoarsely replied, "Come in."

Bao Ning breathed a sigh of relief, pushed the door open, and entered.

The room was dark, with Pei Yuan sitting against the wall, a small table in front of him, complete with writing utensils and paper. There was a small candle lit, casting the only light in the room.

Pei Yuan lowered his head, engrossed in writing.

Bao Ning placed the bowl on Pei Yuan's table without looking at his paper and softly said, "Fourth Prince, it's time for dinner."

Pei Yuan glanced at the food in front of him, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

He had smelled the scent of Bao Ning's cooking from the west wing, but he hadn't expected her to bring it to him. With his atrocious attitude earlier, he thought Bao Ning would hold a grudge against him, or at least feel disgusted, similar to how Cui Fu, who was initially sent to serve him, felt.

Thinking of this, Pei Yuan raised his head and glanced at Bao Ning.

She wore a light blue casual dress, her face unwashed, delicate and beautiful, but still immature, nibbling her nails with her eyes cast down.

Bao Ning's fingers burned from the hot bowl, and she subconsciously put them in her mouth, noticing Pei Yuan's gaze.

Feeling embarrassed, Bao Ning quickly withdrew her hand and turned to leave. "Fourth Prince, please enjoy your meal. It'll get cold soon."

Bao Ning finished her meal, cleaned the stove, tidied up the room, and sat at the edge of the kang lost in thought.

Pei Yuan's attitude made her feel somewhat sad and disheartened.

Bao Ning could convince herself to forgive him and not hold grudges, but she still felt uncomfortable inside.

She blinked, encouraging herself. She was living in someone else's courtyard, drinking someone else's water. Why hold onto a few words so tightly? Besides, she only left the Duke's residence because of Pei Yuan's influence. Compared to Ji Jiaying's mischief and the Duke's wife's peculiar behavior, Pei Yuan's straightforward nature didn't seem that bad.

Thinking like this, the sour feeling in her heart dissipated a lot.

Although there was little else here, there was plenty of firewood. They didn't skimp on firewood, so the kang was always warm and comfortable.

Bao Ning blew out the candle, crawled into bed, and yawned.

She was tired from the day's activities, and soon, the fatigue caught up with her, and she fell asleep quickly.

The next day, Bao Ning woke up early, feeling refreshed. She cleaned herself up, cooked breakfast, and went to knock on Pei Yuan's door.

Pei Yuan had already been awake, leaning against the wall reading a book. Hearing the knock, he was somewhat surprised. "Come in."

Bao Ning opened the door, revealing her small face. Her fair and flawless complexion, untouched by cosmetics, looked delicate and tender, like a freshly peeled egg white. Her soft and sweet dimples added to her charm.

Pei Yuan was stunned.

Bao Ning smiled and asked him, "Fourth Prince, I've made some buns and boiled hot water. After you finish eating, would you like to take a bath?"

Author's Note: Welcome to watch the large-scale ancient love theory educational film—"How to Tame a Jerk with Gentleness," .

Don't be fooled by the male lead's current cold and proud appearance; he's going to end up washing someone's feet later. :)

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