PFC Chapter 427: Flames Rise
Chapter 427: Flames Rise
Chapter 427
So when she walked back, her steps were not big, and she didn't relax until she was almost at the pot. But she was so cautious all the way, but at the last moment, she missed a step and was about to fall when a big hand reached out from behind and held her shoulder steadily.
She was startled and subconsciously reached out to hold the other person's arm. After she stood firm, she breathed a sigh of relief and turned to the person behind her and said, "Thank you."
Qin Chuan lowered his eyes to see her fingertips still resting on his forearm. Her knuckles were as white as jade, and her sleeves, lifted by the wind, revealed a section of her snow-white wrist. His Adam's apple moved, and just as he was about to speak, he heard her softly thank him. He swallowed the words and said, "It's okay, young lady, be careful."
Luo Shuiyao then realized that she had gripped his hand too tightly in her haste, leaving faint traces of her fingertips on his sleeve. She felt rather uncomfortable, but pretended nothing had happened as she withdrew her hand, took a half step back, and, looking at the long line ahead, said, "Let's hurry over and help them."
Qin Chuan lowered his gaze, watching her unconsciously clenched fingers, a faint smile spreading across his brows: "Okay."
In front, Wang Cuihua was adding firewood while looking around, and happened to see the whole scene.
Aunt Zhang, who was busy as a bee, turned around and saw that Wang Cuihua had not moved, so she kicked her lightly. Wang Cuihua was immersed in her own fantasy and was almost kicked and stumbled.
Aunt Zhang felt a little embarrassed when she saw this. She hadn't expected that Wang Cuihua, who was so strong, could be so vulnerable to a kick. However, she and Wang Cuihua were used to bickering, so no matter how embarrassed she was, she didn't apologize. Instead, she said angrily, "I only knew you were a big mouth. I don't know when you learned to be so sneaky. You've been filling a firewood for so long. Hurry up and help!"
Wang Cuihua chuckled upon hearing this, not minding it at all. She thought to herself, "What do you know? When I get this done, I'm going to surprise you."
There were indeed many more people coming today than yesterday, and everyone was busy serving porridge. Luo Shuiyao joined in as soon as she came forward, and this busyness made her forget the slight embarrassment she had just felt.
By the time the last group of people had settled in, Wang Cuihua, Aunt Zhang, and the others no longer cared about their appearances and simply slumped down on the ground. Meanwhile, the younger ones, such as Luo Shuiyao, still cared about their appearances and walked to the side, finding a rock to sit on.
Qin Chuan had been helping to pass out porridge and maintain order, and now he had taken a break. Due to yesterday's exhaustion and the fact that he had barely rested today, even a god would feel tired, let alone a mere mortal like him. He leaned against a nearby tree, gazing at the distant clouds, wondering what he was thinking.
Wang Cuihua rested for a while, and when she saw Luo Shuiyao and Qin Chuan resting in different directions, she suddenly became energetic again. She saw that Qin Chuan seemed to be thinking about something, and when she saw that no one was paying attention to her, she stood up, dusted herself off, and sneaked over.
Sensing someone approaching, Qin Chuan turned his head and looked over. When he saw it was Wang Cuihua, he frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, and asked, "Aunt Wang, is there something wrong with you?"
Wang Cuihua didn't answer his question first. Instead, she looked around and saw that no one was paying attention. Then she leaned over to Qin Chuan and whispered, "Sir, County Magistrate, what do you think of Miss Luo?"
Qin Chuan followed her gaze and saw Luo Shuiyao, her head lowered, speaking to Chun Xing. Although she was dressed in men's clothing, her snow-white, delicate neck seemed to gleam in the sunlight, making it impossible not to stare a few more times. When he realized where his attention had been focused, he realized his own incompetence and, with a sigh of shame, averted his gaze and said, "Miss Luo is intelligent, kind, and a good girl."
Wang Cuihua was no naive person. She saw the look in Qin Chuan's eyes clearly. Wasn't that how her husband looked at her when he was young? With a clear understanding in her mind, she smiled meaningfully and said, "Oh, the county magistrate is indeed a learned man. He praises young ladies so eloquently. It seems that this Miss Luo is very special to him."
Qin Chuan heard the teasing in her words, so he withdrew his gaze and looked at Wang Cuihua quietly, "Aunt Wang, if you have something to say, just say it. But don't tell others about it like this. If others hear it, it might tarnish Miss Luo's reputation."
"Yes, yes, it's my fault. But you have to believe me, I haven't told anyone else about this. I only told you, so don't worry."
Although Wang Cuihua was a bit outspoken, she knew what to do and what not to do, so she was naturally very cautious about such matters. Although she felt uncomfortable, she dared not tell anyone about it. Even her husband didn't know what she had been excited about for the past two days.
Qin Chuan knew Aunt Wang quite well. He nodded slightly, his expression softening slightly. "I know Aunt Wang knows her limits. If that's the case, don't mention it again."
Seeing that his attitude had softened, Wang Cuihua smiled even more and nodded hurriedly, "I know the seriousness of the matter, but My Lord County Magistrate, I am not bringing this up today to tarnish Miss Luo's reputation. It's mainly because I see that the girl has a good impression of you." She changed the subject, her eyes full of mischief.
Qin Chuan's expression shifted slightly, and he lowered his eyes to hide the strange look that flashed across his eyes. His tone remained calm, "Aunt Wang, please don't make random guesses. Miss Luo is an upright person. You and I just met by chance. How can there be any 'good feelings'?"
Having said that, his mind unconsciously emerged the courageous and resolute look of Luo Shuiyao when she rescued people, as well as the slightly wet temples and gentle expression in her eyes when she helped distribute porridge. Even his wrist seemed to still retain the touch of her grip and the delicate warmth.
Wang Cuihua refused to believe it and laughed, "Oh, sir, you are confused by the situation! For example, today, when Miss Luo was in danger, she immediately grabbed you. If an ordinary woman had no interest in a man, how could she allow him to come into contact with her? Don't blame me for being nosy. I am many years older than you and I do have some experience in these matters."
No one knew the truth better than Qin Chuan, the person involved. Although he knew that Aunt Wang was making excuses, he couldn't help but feel a little hopeful in his heart, and unconsciously looked in the direction of Luo Shuiyao: Is it really like this?
Unfortunately, Luo Shuiyao seemed to have noticed something and turned to look over. Qin Chuan's eyes flickered, and then he smiled faintly at her before looking away. However, no one noticed that the back of his neck, beneath his collar, had quickly turned red.
As Wang Cuihua chattered on about how Miss Luo had a crush on him, he lowered his eyes and softened his voice, but remained firm: "I was the one who was abrupt just now. Miss Luo was just acting subconsciously. I hope Auntie won't talk nonsense here."
Aunt Wang was about to retort when she looked up, but she noticed his ears were red. She changed her tone and deliberately dragged out her words, "Okay, okay, I won't say anything more! After we've resettled the disaster victims, if I don't make things clear to you two, then you can just wait for me to have a wedding banquet!"
After saying that, without waiting for his response, she turned around and ran away in a hurry.
Qin Chuan was left staring at her back, his heartbeat becoming clearer in the silence. He put his hand on his chest, but he couldn't suppress the flame that was quietly burning in his heart.