USWHC -Chapter 68 Treating the Picked-Up Wife Like a Treasure (Part 8)

“Erhan, where are you going?”

Ji Yi was just about to head out with the wooden basin in his arms when he heard Old Madam Ji yell from behind. Zhu Jie quickly took the basin from his hands and quietly hid behind him.

In fact, Old Madam Ji had already seen the clothes Zhu Jie was holding. Out of habit, she shot Zhu Jie a glare, then continued, “The water in the tank is gone—aren’t you going to fill it up for me?”

Ji Yi glanced at Zhu Jie, and she quickly said, “It’s fine, you go fetch the water! I’ll wash the clothes myself!”

Ji Yi hesitated for a moment, then leaned close to her ear and said softly, “It’s fine. I’ll help you wash after I fetch the water.” Saying that, he picked up the bucket and got ready to leave.

Unexpectedly, Old Madam Ji continued, “There’s no firewood either—after fetching the water, chop some too!” She pointed to the basket nearby.

Zhu Jie secretly rolled her eyes at Old Madam Ji—she was doing it on purpose, deliberately not letting Ji Yi help her!

Fortunately, the river where they fetched water was also where she washed clothes. Zhu Jie quickly followed Ji Yi toward the river, carrying the wooden basin.

The snow on the ground hadn’t melted yet, but countless muddy footprints from people walking back and forth made the path wet and slippery. Zhu Jie had barely taken a few steps when her foot slipped, sending her straight toward the muddy ground. She screamed in fright.

At that moment, a hand suddenly shot out. Zhu Jie spun around, and that hand firmly wrapped around her waist.

“Thank you!” Feeling the strong hand on her waist, a flush of color climbed up Zhu Jie’s cheeks.

Ji Yi was also slightly stunned. Seeing her face turn pink, he seemed frozen in place, staring at her beautiful features in a daze.

To be honest, the earlier movement was half instinct—he only wanted to prevent her from falling. He didn’t expect it would bring them so close.

Her fair skin, tinged with a rosy flush, looked particularly delicate. Her usually clear eyes seemed momentarily hazy and dreamy, as if radiating warmth. He suddenly dared not look directly at her, hurriedly lowering his gaze—but then he saw her cherry-like lips so close, so strikingly vivid.

No, what am I thinking? How long have I been staring at her lips? Unconsciously, he even lightly licked his own lips. No, this feeling shouldn’t exist! Ji Yi reminded himself gently.

But he could hear her heartbeat, thundering loudly, and his own heart, pounding even louder, as if it would leap out of his chest.

The yoke on his other shoulder suddenly tilted, and the clash of the two water buckets snapped them back to reality. Ji Yi realized just how intimate their stance had been and quickly withdrew his hands, murmuring awkwardly, “S-sorry!”

He didn’t even know what exactly he was apologizing for—or why—but the words came out involuntarily.

Zhu Jie’s face was also red with embarrassment. She didn’t hear what he mumbled, only lowering her head and quietly pressing her hand against her pounding heart.

No, it was just an accident, a reasonable collision. She was a normal woman—her reaction was just a natural hormonal response. Even if two strangers hugged like that, a reaction would be normal. Yes, it must be! Zhu Jie reassured herself, yet her heart kept racing uncontrollably.

She stole a glance at Ji Yi, only to realize he was secretly looking at her too. Their eyes met, both were startled, and almost simultaneously, they lowered their heads, not daring to meet again.

“Uh, the path is slippery. I’ll help you wash after I finish the work,” Ji Yi said softly. “I’m quick at it!”

“No need, I’ll wait!” Zhu Jie replied shyly, her voice barely audible.

Her words left Ji Yi momentarily stunned. He looked up in shock, unable to believe what she said. But her head remained lowered, hiding her expression.

Zhu Jie felt a burning gaze upon her. That look made her heart beat even more uncontrollably. Oh, was her hormone response going haywire?

Under that gaze, Zhu Jie suddenly felt timid and wanted to run. She walked forward without even noticing the direction.

Ji Yi watched her hurried steps, the awkward and uneasy figure moving away. She’s in a rush to use those clothes? What does that mean? Is she leaving?

He watched her leave with a pang of disappointment, but pressed his lips tightly together, telling himself: What am I thinking? She already said she was leaving, right? I only intended to shelter her for a while—what is there to be disappointed about?

Ji Yi quietly comforted himself. Honestly, he didn’t even know why he needed to, but he had no choice but to do so.