CHAPTER 47: CHAPTER 47: BECAUSE I LIKE YOU

By noon, everyone was so hungry their stomachs were stuck to their backs, longing to run outside for a sip of rainwater. The uncle’s shout instantly drew all eyes toward him.

At the same time, everyone quickly looked at where they were sitting.

To their surprise, they found that there were quite a few bamboo shoots sprouting around them, as if washed out by the flowing mud.

Everyone was delighted and started digging for bamboo shoots. He Chen and Ye Manman, following everyone else’s example, first showed a face of surprise and then began digging for shoots.

Soon, everyone, including the elderly and children, was eating fresh and tender bamboo shoots. Some even knelt on the ground to thank the heavens for giving them a way to survive.

After all, although bamboo shoots help reduce fat, they can not only be eaten raw but also fill the stomach. Everyone was happily chomping on the tender shoots, Ye Manman included, who joyfully ate several.

After eating, she lay back on him and whispered in his ear with a chuckle.

"Hehe, see how great I am? Everyone’s full now, and no one is crying."

The warm breath tickled He Chen’s ear and neck. He couldn’t help but adjust her so she sat upright in front of him, his ears secretly turning red.

"You’re the best."

"Do you want to sleep now that we’re full?"

He took out a jacket and opened his arms as if to hug. Ye Manman hummed proudly before leaning back against his chest.

"Just let me know if your legs go numb, I’ll only nap for a little while."

She had not had enough sleep, her pants almost dried from her body heat, and she was starting to feel drowsy again.

He Chen gently held her and covered her with the jacket, leaving only her furry little head outside, his voice full of indulgence.

"Go to sleep."

His voice was deep. The first time she heard it, she thought it was a bit rough, but now Ye Manman found it quite pleasant, maybe because she got used to it, or perhaps he changed.

Especially when he spoke softly with such tenderness, it was irresistibly soothing.

Ye Manman fell asleep without a care, like a little girl, and He Chen embraced her without a hint of impatience, even wearing a content smile.

This made the women around them green with envy.

One woman pinched her husband begrudgingly.

"Look at them, he’s holding his wife while she sleeps, and you can’t even keep hold of me."

The man felt aggrieved.

"I wish I could, but we’re about the same size. I really can’t hold you."

He was joking; if his wife were to sit on his lap, he’d be rushed to the hospital for an amputation within half an hour.

He knew his limits, how could he compare to petite Ye Manman?

Scenes like this were happening in several spots, but no one really got into a fight. At most, there was some jealousy and laughter, and then everyone grew tired.

The waiting was long and hard to bear. Finally, as people began getting restless again, the rain started to ease.

By the time it was completely dark, the downpour had turned into a light drizzle.

The captain, along with a few others, went out to check around and confirmed there was no flooding. Only then did he quickly grab the megaphone to announce everyone could return to the village.

At this, everyone rushed outside like prisoners just released, some even fell to the ground from numb legs but continued laughing foolishly.

Everyone was happy.

Ye Manman was also very happy. She slept well, and soon after waking, the rain had lessened.

"He Chen, do you think our home would have been washed away?"

She didn’t immediately ask He Chen to take her, worried about the lack of blood circulation in his legs, and started massaging them.

He Chen had never been treated like this. When Ye Manman’s soft little hands pressed against his thigh, he almost couldn’t hold back a groan.

It was only due to his strong self-control that he avoided making a fool of himself.

So when Ye Manman asked him, he didn’t respond, only pressed his lips tightly together, his expression uncomfortable.

Ye Manman felt her hands getting sore after a while and, looking up, found his expression strange, making her curious.

"Why do you look like that? Am I pressing too hard?"

It shouldn’t be uncomfortable to massage his leg?

"You‒"

Before she could finish, He Chen couldn’t hold back anymore, suddenly leaning down to hug her, letting out a long silent sigh of relief. Only when he felt calmer did he speak.

"No, your massage is very comfortable. I’m just not used to it yet; don’t misunderstand."

By this time, the tent was completely empty, and no one took them down. Everyone was busy checking the damage at home.

Ye Manman heard his voice turn slightly hoarse like before and suddenly understood.

Apparently, thighs shouldn’t be massaged casually.

She nodded obediently and quietly, her face a little red.

Seeing this, He Chen realized he had embarrassed himself in front of her, so he awkwardly cleared his throat, grabbed his bag, and squatted down.

"Let’s go, we’ll check on the house. It’s on higher ground, so it shouldn’t be too bad."

"Yes..."

The mountain path was slippery and treacherous after being washed by the flood, with yellow mud and broken branches and leaves exposed everywhere. With Ye Manman on his back, He Chen walked slowly and steadily.

Neither of them spoke. The earlier awkwardness inexplicably vanished.

Back at home, seeing that except for a section of the courtyard wall that had collapsed and yellow mud all over the kitchen and main hall floor, there hadn’t been much other damage, the two breathed a sigh of relief.

"Lucky. Your dad had the foresight when he built this; otherwise, the house would’ve been flooded."

Ye Manman checked her room and found her books untouched, sincerely praising He Chen’s father. After all, he built the house and chose the land.

The man, rarely mentioned in the novel, with scant details only recalled by his aunt, short-lived yet doting, was quite reliable.

He Chen rarely heard praise for his father and was deeply moved.

The two of them worked hard for quite a while, cleaning up the mud from the house. Even Ye Manman helped wipe the tables and chairs.

He Chen, concerned about her, quickly took the cloth from her hands, not letting her work.

"You go rest; I’ll handle the rest. I’ll make some ginger tea for you to drink later."

He skillfully balanced cleaning, boiling water, and making ginger tea. Ye Manman initially hesitated to do nothing, but now she was passively relaxing.

With the warm ginger tea in her stomach, Ye Manman sighed contentedly.

"He Chen, how come you’re so versatile? You can do everything to the point that I’m almost becoming spoiled."

She didn’t have to do anything every day, and her only attempt at being proactive was quickly turned down. A delightful "trouble," indeed.

He Chen also drank a bowl of ginger tea. Feeling warm inside, he felt satisfied at her words, though he didn’t think he could do everything; there was much he didn’t know.

He still had a lot to learn, most importantly, how to make her even happier and more content with him.

At night, as they lay in bed, Ye Manman asked him again.

"He Chen, tell me, why are you so good to me?"

This was something she had never understood until now.

She hoped He Chen would give her a clear answer.

He Chen turned his head to look at her, his face slightly flushed, but his gaze earnest and passionate.

"Because I like you."

I’ve liked you since I was a child.