As the man leaned down to turn the tap on, his expression was gentle and patient. Feng Ling stared blankly at the close-up view of his face and was unable to say anything.
Li Nanheng kept his hand in the water. As he checked its temperature, he spoke: âI know you donât like other people touching your clothes. I threw you directly into the water after bringing you back yesterday. Change into a clean set of clothes on your own later.â
He then turned to look at her.
Feng Ling had lifted her head to watch him. As the man turned, their lips gently brushed against each other. Feng Ling was bewildered, while Li Nanheng appeared unfazed. He watched her startled expression for a moment before reaching up to press against her forehead. After placing a little distance between them, he lowered his head to watch her mildly: âHave you gone silly from the head injury? Do you remember what happened yesterday?â
Feng Lingâs gaze faltered: âI do.â
Li Nanheng watched her. A moment later, he removed his hand from the water and stood up: âTake off your clothes and wash them in the tub. Be careful not to let your injury come into contact with water.â
Seeing that he was about to leave, Feng Ling turned her head to follow him with her eyes: âBoss.â
Li Nanheng stood by the bathroom door and spoke without even looking back: âIf you have anything to say, save it for after youâve taken a shower.â
Feng Ling did not speak again. Instead, she lowered her head to look at her clothes. She felt as though something was amiss, yet she couldnât spot anything out of place.
Yesterday, she had injured her forehead. Although the blood had stained her clothes, it was likely they had been washed away while she was unconscious. There were no signs of blood in the water earlier; perhaps because the water had been changed midway?
And these clothes, it seemed like the ones she had on yesterday.
It was unlikely for Boss to lie to her about this. Besides, if he had truly realized she was a girl, his expression and attitude wouldnât be as they were earlier.
Feng Ling lifted her hand and touched her forehead. As her fingertips came into contact with the bandage, she recalled his nagging earlier and immediately shifted her fingers onto the other side of her forehead. It hurt. When she had been slammed against the wall last night, she had genuinely thought she was about to lose her life.
Feng Ling recalled the incident and the fat commander she had killed. Earlier, Boss had appeared composed as though nothing had happened at all. She slowly stood up and glanced at the door. Since he didnât take off her clothes yesterday, he wouldnât come in while she showered. She didnât lock the bathroom door and directly took off her clothes. She then sat back down in the tub.
After soaking in cold water for a night, the painful effects of the drug had finally faded, leaving coldness in its wake. She sat in the warm water to wash herself properly and gradually felt much more comfortable.
Not too long later, just as Feng Ling was about to reach for a towel, the manâs figure approached the door. She faltered in her movements and turned to look at the figure outside.
Li Nanhengâs voice could be heard: âThe clothes are placed outside the door. Take it yourself.â
After speaking, the man turned to leave. He did not pause for even a second.
Feng Ling relaxed her guard and stood up to wrap a towel around herself. She approached the door and opened it slightly. Li Nanheng was no longer outside. Instead, there was a set of comfortable menâs homewear placed on an European style marble flower stand. She stretched her hand out and quickly took it.
After closing the door, she approached the ceiling-to-floor mirror and glanced at the clothes in her hands.
The clothes were in Li Nanhengâs size and they appeared brand new. The weather was turning colder and this set of homewear was meant specifically for autumn use. It was slightly thick and the sensation was fluffy; it was also loose and big.
She hesitated for a moment, but seeing that there werenât any other options, she decided to put them on.
Although the clothes were big and the sleeves and pants had to be rolled up several times, thankfully, this set of clothes was thick and loose. As long as he did not pay close attention to her chest, it was unlikely for him to discover anything amiss.
Feng Ling had been deliberating over her soaked binding cloth; she couldnât possibly use it despite its damp state. Would that cause eczema?
The clothes didnât seem amiss. As long as Boss maintained the appropriate distance and refrained from touching her, it was unlikely for anything to happen.
Furthermore, right now, those werenât her main concern.
After putting on her clothes, Feng Ling rubbed her hair until it was almost dry and shook it lightly. Her hair was short and soft. Without even combing it, it easily returned to her usual, neat, and tidy hairstyle.
She placed her clothes into the laundry basket and turned to leave.
Outside the windows, the sky was already bright. She guessed that it was around nine in the morning.
As Feng Ling came out in Li Nanhengâs clothes, the set of homewear that were originally slightly loose on him were unbelievably so on her. Half of her shoulders and collarbones were revealed, but the thickness of the fabric ensured that her silhouette wouldnât be too obvious. It was suitable for her to continue concealing the things she was unwilling to share with others.
After stepping out of the shower, the young woman glanced around at the unfamiliar place. Her gaze appeared somewhat helpless and confused.
Li Nanheng was sitting on the couch with an unlit cigarette in his hand. His brows moved slightly as he spoke: âThis is my place. It isnât a room within the military district or a hotel.â
Hearing these words, the wariness that Feng Ling was exuding reduced greatly. She finally turned to the man on the couch. After pursing her lips for a moment, she approached him and stood before the coffee table. She did not dare to move closer and only stood stiffly like a little student that was about to be lectured: âBoss, about yesterdayâs incident...¦â
âThereâs no need for you to explain. Iâve seen the surveillance footage. I already know everything.â Li Nanheng watched her appearance. Despite clearly feeling aggrieved, it seemed like she wanted to take on the responsibility for everything. âYou didnât do anything wrong. If it had been me, I probably would have killed him immediately. I wouldnât have waited that long.â
Feng Ling never expected such a response. She had already made the mental preparation to take on the full responsibility for killing the commander. She didnât want to bring any difficulties to the base or to implicate them.
âBut I killed someone, and itâs an important military commander.â Feng Ling watched him. âBoss, I know you feel responsible for everyone in the base, but I can take on the responsibility for this on my own.â