Shangguan Xuanyi hurried to Xiao'er's side, scooping her into his arms in a bridal carry. He then found a seat next to an old bench.
Xiao'er struggled feebly, wanting to stand up. If she were caught again, she'd want to throw herself headfirst into a tofu dish!
"Keep still while I check your foot."
"My foot is fine. But the eggplant in the pot is about ready to burn!"
"Let it be!" Xuanyi reached out to remove Xiao'er's embroidered shoes.
Xiao'er clasped Shangguan Xuanyi's hand, "Brother Shangguan, I'm telling you my foot really isn't hurting! Get the eggplant off the heat! I've had to give up a lot for that dish of braised eggplant. If it's ruined, I lose big time!"
Shangguan Xuanyi, upon hearing this, was both amused and exasperated. He had no choice but to place her onto the bench and personally serve up the precious braised eggplant.