Wild Nights Bring Lashings To The Innocent

After he made sure she drank all of the water, he grabbed his wallet and walked to the convenience store, praying that it was still open.

Unfortunately, it was not. Xin Tuyong kept walking until he reached a gas station that happened to be open. The bell on the door dinged loudly as he arrived, alerting the clerk of his arrival.

He quickly bought bandages, a cooling pack, and a sanitizing spray then hurried home. Huan Mao was passed out and her hair was once more messily plastered across her face.

Her blood had dried, but her hair had gotten into it, so Xin Tuyong had to carefully pull it out. He wiped her face clean of both blood and makeup, then applied the bandage.

The bandage wouldn't help much, but it would at the very least keep dirt out of her wound. Her face was swelling around the bruise, and he gingerly placed the cooling pack on it.

Pulling the sheet back, he sighed as he inspected her. Bruised knuckles? Check. Bruised arms? Check. Bruised legs? Check. Bruised neck? Thankfully, no. He refused to check anywhere under her clothes, so that was the end of his inspection.

Just what kind of fight was she in? Even her fingernails were bloody. Xin Tuyong clicked his tongue in disapproval as he removed her jewelry and belt, setting them on her bedside table.

He went and brought back a damp cloth to wipe her hands. Through her window, he could see the sun beginning to rise. Work was going to be long that day.

After leaving a glass of water next to her, he went back to bed.

As expected, he was exhausted throughout the day. His cleaning was not his best, but because it was regular, he felt like it didn't matter much.

On the bright side, Di Gaohun didn't say anything. When he finished working, he went straight to bed for a nap.

He thought it was strange that he didn't see Huan Mao at all throughout the day, but considered that she probably snuck out early.

His nap was short, but he wanted to be able to sleep in the night, so he got up and planned on going for a walk. He paused at the door.

Still in their original position were Huan Mao's shoes. So she didn't leave?

He went up the stairs and making sure Di Gaohun wasn't around, he went to Huan Mao's room.

She was still sleeping even into the evening. Her clothes were all wrinkled from sleeping in them and she obviously had not gotten up. The glass of water was barely touched and her lips were dry.

Xin Tuyong went to her side and prodded her a few times. "Huan Mao? Are you okay? It's evening -- time to wake up." She groaned and turned away.

"Huan Mao, get up. You need to drink some water. You're dehydrated. Come on."

After shaking her a few times, her eyes opened slowly. They were glassy and unfocused. Her lips barely moved as she spoke, "What?"

"Drink some water. It's almost nighttime again. Are you sick?"

She groaned and rubbed her eyes as she sat up. "No. I'm fine." She chugged the water and set the glass down. "What are you doing in here?"

"I didn't want you sleeping on the floor, and this is where you told me to put you. I was just checking to make sure you're okay-"

"She's fine, as you can see," Di Gaohun's voice cut sharply through the air. "You aren't supposed to be in here, so feel free to go."

Xin Tuyong felt his mouth go dry. He felt guilty and stood silently, nodding. He left and went straight to his room, leaving Huan Mao to Di Gaohun.