The Little Fox Spoils Her Blind Husband - Chapter 8

The lingering warmth from Li Ting’s bath gradually dissipated, but a deeper heat rose from within him, making him feel even warmer than when he was in the tub.

He looked down at the little blind boy’s fingers gripping his wrist. His nails were rounded and slightly long since they had not been trimmed in a while, yet they did not scratch. The little fox remained silent for a long moment before reaching out to clasp the boy’s wrist in return. “When did I ever say I did not want you? If I did not want you, why would I become your brother?”

“Brother Li is right,” the little blind boy followed up immediately.

Only then did Li Ting realize that while Xu Yanqiu was seeking reassurance, he had also inadvertently set a small trap to secure a promise. The little fox did not mind. Instead, he let out a long breath. His feelings for Xu Yanqiu had evolved from pity and indignation to treating him like a real younger brother. Naturally, he wanted the boy to be able to protect himself. It was better for Xu Yanqiu to have a bit of cleverness; otherwise, he would always be bullied for no reason.

Li Ting turned and leaned against the bed, peeling Xu Yanqiu out of the blankets like a peanut. The youth’s body was naturally frail, and having just come out of the warm water, his bones still felt soft. When Li Ting lifted him by the waist and set him atop the quilt, Xu Yanqiu finally felt a hint of a chill.

“Brother Li, it is cold,” Xu Yanqiu whispered.

Li Ting grabbed the clothes he had prepared and said, “Lift your arms. I will help you dress.”

The little blind boy opened his mouth as if to protest, but remembering Li Ting’s earlier insistence on helping him wash, he swallowed his words. It seemed Brother Li really enjoyed taking care of people.

Xu Yanqiu obediently raised his arms as instructed. The fabric was better than any clothing he had ever worn. It was smooth without being icy and it felt warm against his skin almost instantly.

“Warm, right?” Li Ting saw the surprise on his face and knew what he was thinking. “You cannot find clothes like this in East Xu Village. I brought them from my hometown. I outgrew this set, so it is perfect for you.”

“Thank you, Brother Li.” The little blind boy nodded just as Li Ting reached out to cup his chin.

“Do not move. The collar is a bit tight. Let me loosen it for you,” Li Ting murmured.

Xu Yanqiu dared not move. He felt that Li Ting’s fingertips were just like the man himself: dry and warm. They were nothing like certain people in East Xu Village whose hands felt like stinging fists. He quickly dismissed the thought. Brother Li was nothing like them!

Li Ting could no longer tell what the boy was thinking as he watched Xu Yanqiu’s expression shift between sadness and indignation. The little fox laughed silently, reaching behind the boy’s neck to undo a button on the collar. This outfit had been handmade by his mother. In fact, all of Li Ting’s clothes since childhood were his mother’s handiwork. He had accidentally packed this smaller set when leaving home, but it had turned out to be useful after all.

After finishing the top, Li Ting helped the little blind boy into the matching trousers. The dark pants were partially hidden by the hem of the long robe. Noticing they were a bit long, Li Ting made a mental note to tell the tailor to make the next pair shorter. Then again, a little extra length was fine. Xu Yanqiu might still have a growth spurt.

“Brother Li, are we done?” the little blind boy asked, unsure of the progress.

“There is still a small waistcoat. Can you put it on yourself?”

As soon as he spoke, a waistcoat landed in Xu Yanqiu’s hands. The boy blinked, accepted it with a slight frown, and laid it out on the bed. He felt it back and forth twice to distinguish the front from the back before picking it up. Under Li Ting’s slightly surprised gaze, he put the garment on perfectly. “Brother Li, how do I look?”

The way he added “Brother Li” to every sentence pleased the fox immensely. As an only child with many distant cousins and uncles, Li Ting had never been called “Brother” in such a way. While enjoying the feeling, he gave Xu Yanqiu a satisfied once-over. “Very good. Give me your hand.”

The moment Xu Yanqiu reached out, Li Ting grasped his fingertips and pulled him off the bed, ensuring his balance remained steady. “Brother Li, are we going out?”

“I need to buy you shoes and socks since I do not have a proper size for you at home. We also need to buy groceries,” Li Ting said. “Do you want to go out?”

Xu Yanqiu’s fingertips trembled slightly. Going out meant being seen, which meant bringing trouble to Li Ting. He was the jinx of East Xu Village, a bringer of misfortune. If people saw him with Li Ting, what would they think of his benefactor?

“Do not overthink things,” Li Ting said without looking up as he put on the boy’s shoes. “You are my brother now. If someone dares to cross you, they are crossing me.”

“Then I want to go out,” Xu Yanqiu said softly. He knew Li Ting would hear him.

“Good. I will take you to the streets. You can be my little guide and introduce me to East Xu Village. How about that?”

Xu Yanqiu’s fingers reflexively scratched Li Ting’s palm before he gave a small kick of his feet. “Okay.”

Before leaving, they encountered Doctor Chang, who had come to check Xu Yanqiu’s pulse. Regarding his son Chang Shouye’s visit to help a few days prior, Doctor Chang seemed a bit anxious. After Li Ting inquired, he learned the doctor was worried his son might have clashed with him.

“Not at all.” Li Ting watched as Doctor Chang withdrew his hand from Xu Yanqiu’s wrist. “How is my brother?”

“He has recovered significantly and no longer needs medicine. However, he must avoid meat and greasy food for a while. Taking proper care now will prevent long-term health issues.” Doctor Chang had clearly heard about these “two brothers” from his son, so he was not overly shocked by Li Ting’s words. “Judging by your appearance, are you two heading out?”

“Yes, to buy a few things.” Li Ting felt relieved by the doctor’s report. He stood up and took Xu Yanqiu’s hand. “Would you like to walk with us, Doctor Chang?”

He expected a refusal. Today was different from before. Li Ting was accompanied by the little blind boy whom everyone in the village recognized. To his surprise, Doctor Chang hesitated but then nodded. “If it is no trouble, let us go together. I am heading back to the clinic anyway. It is on the way.”

Li Ting’s gaze swept over his face. The flicker of unease in Doctor Chang’s eyes did not escape the fox, but he said nothing. Instead, he untied the small pouch from his waist and pressed it into Xu Yanqiu’s hand. “Keep an eye on the money for me.”

Xu Yanqiu did not understand why, but he believed Brother Li must have a reason. He gripped the pouch tightly against his chest as Li Ting led him out.

Along the way, Li Ting and Doctor Chang chatted casually. Li Ting mostly asked about Xu Yanqiu’s health precautions while Doctor Chang provided advice. Because the little blind boy’s steps were small, both men instinctively slowed their pace so he could keep up comfortably.

“Watch out for the puddle.” Li Ting placed a hand on Xu Yanqiu’s waist and lifted him slightly across the water. He did not let go afterward, letting the boy lean against him as they walked.

It was currently mid-afternoon, and the path was quiet. Just past the next turn was the main street, which sounded quite lively from a distance. However, Doctor Chang stopped Li Ting. “Master Li, let us take the long way.”

Li Ting looked toward the Chang family clinic in the distance and feigned confusion. “Why take the long way?”

Doctor Chang swallowed, searching for an excuse, but a young man suddenly walked out from around the corner. He had a swaggering gait and was chewing on a piece of dried grass. Upon seeing the group, the young man’s mouth dropped open, and the grass fell to his feet. “How? Why is it you again?”

“Gao Ke, what is happening up ahead?” Li Ting asked.

The young man, Gao Ke, felt his legs turn to jelly at the sight of Li Ting. Feeling as though his feet were stuck in mud, he tried to maintain his composure. “The blind. I mean, the Xu family’s eldest brother and his wife are burning spirit money for their deceased child.”

Li Ting glanced at Doctor Chang. The latter pursed his lips and admitted, “I was trying to stall you. I did not expect you to go out today. I am sorry.”

“Doctor Chang means well,” Xu Yanqiu said. He recognized Gao Ke’s voice, but with Brother Li by his side, he was no longer afraid. He even spoke up for the doctor. “Brother Li, perhaps we should just go back?”

“You have done nothing wrong. Why should you hide?” Li Ting said sternly. “Or do you intend to let them talk about you until you are forced to accept these baseless accusations?”

The little blind boy clenched his fists. After a long moment, he leaned closer to Li Ting and grabbed his hand. “I did not do it.”

“That is the most spirited thing you have said in days. I like it,” Li Ting laughed.

Doctor Chang felt that something was hidden beneath Li Ting’s smile. However, his impression of Li Ting came entirely from the young man’s father, Li Dongtang. Since the father was a refined gentleman, he assumed the son would not cause any major trouble, so he steeled himself and followed.

Gao Ke looked left and right before following them as if possessed. He wanted to see what Li Ting planned to do.

The Xu couple was making quite a scene. After all, losing a child before it was even born was a tragedy that garnered sympathy from the onlookers. Spirit money fluttered through the air and landed at Li Ting’s feet. Someone with sharp eyes looked over, froze, and rushed to pull at the wailing Mrs. Xu. “Juan’er, look! It is the blind boy!”

Wang Juan’er looked up and searched the crowd for Xu Yanqiu. Seeing the neatly dressed little blind boy, she almost failed to recognize him. It was only when she saw those eyes. Eyes she could never forget even in her dreams. Then she charged forward frantically. “You bastard! You have the nerve to show your face! I will beat you to death!”