[The Hidden Sacrifice]
In the medical tent, Luo Ye burst in, holding a small, limp figure in his arms. Sang Qi quickly checked the pulse. "Extreme exhaustion," he concluded. "His body just gave out."
"Exhaustion? Is the kitchen work that heavy?" Luo Ye asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Sang Qi sighed, turning over Ling Dang's hands to reveal raw, red blisters. "Didn't he tell you? He's been coming here every day to sort herbs to pay off his medical debt. He didn't want to be a burden to you, Luo Ye."
Luo Ye's heart tightened. A sharp pang of guilt and pity surged through him. "This stubborn kid..." he whispered, his voice cracking. For the first time, the fierce warrior's hardened expression melted into pure, unadulterated worry.
[A Spoonful of Bitterness, A Heart of Sweetness]
When Ling Dang finally awoke, she found Luo Ye sitting by her bed with a bowl of dark, steaming medicine.
"You're awake," he barked, trying to sound stern, though his eyes betrayed him.
"Luo-Dage..." she rasped.
"Don't move," he commanded, pressing her back down. "You idiot. Hauling water with injured hands, working for Sang Qi behind my back... are you tired of living?"
Ling Dang lowered her head. "I just wanted to help."
Luo Ye exhaled a sharp breath. "Stupid." He blew on a spoonful of medicine and held it to her lips. "Drink."
It was bitter, and Ling Dang winced, but Luo Ye was patient. He fed her spoon by spoon, his large, calloused hands moving with incredible gentleness. Ling Dang watched his face in the flickering lamplight—his sharp jawline softened by the glow. Being cared for by him... even the bitter medicine tastes sweet.
[The Growth Conspiracy]
"I brought a candy to help with the aftertaste," Sang Qi chirped, stepping in and handing a sweet to Ling Dang. He pinched her cheek affectionately. "So cute."
"Stop bullying him," Luo Ye snapped, swiping Sang Qi's hand away.
"Hey, kid, how old are you really?" Sang Qi asked, eyeing her small frame. "You look barely fourteen."
"I'm sixteen... nearly seventeen," Ling Dang whispered.
"What?!" both men shouted in unison.
Sang Qi's expression turned to pity. He must have been severely malnourished to be this stunted, he thought.
"For a boy, you are far too small," Sang Qi noted.
Luo Ye turned to Sang Qi, dead serious. "Can you prescribe some tonics for growth? If he stays this small, how is he ever going to... find a wife?"
Ling Dang's face turned scarlet. She toyed with her hem, thinking privately: A girl shouldn't need to be that tall, surely...
[The New Appointment]
"I'm going back to the kitchen," Ling Dang said, flustered, trying to escape the conversation about her "manhood."
"I'll walk you," Luo Ye insisted. On the way, he turned to her. "Can you read and write? If so, stop working the stoves. From now on, you'll stay by my side as my clerk."
Ling Dang's eyes lit up like stars. "Yes! I can read and write!"
Luo Ye's gaze softened. He had found a way to keep her safe without hurting her pride.
"Good," he said firmly. "I'll arrange your new duties tomorrow."
Ling Dang's heart felt light. To stay by Luo Ye's side—that was all she ever wanted.