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Lou Dong Zang was lean, his hands included. The slender connection between hand and wrist was quite evident. It was as if his skin barely covered his thin bones.

He Guan’s touch was the only warmth he could feel.

Despite what Lou Dong Zang said, he made no move. It was the warmest sensation he had felt in months.

A normal person would be anxious when he became unwell. Having been blind for two months, Lou Dong Zang’s pride was more amplified.

He Guan realized his probing could end there. As for blindness??

That wasn’t a question someone who’d just arrived a day ago should ask.

As He Guan spoke, the warm breath from his words touched Lou Dong Zang’s hand.

After ensuring the bandage was secure, He Guan quickly released him.

Admiring his handiwork, He Guan suddenly asked, “Looks good, right? Want to give it a try?”

Even after hearing that, a tight-lipped Lou Dong Zang remained still.

He Guan joked and asked, “Can’t you humor me, my dear?”

Hearing that, Lou Dong Zang noticeably frowned, “Dear?! Have you lost your mind??”

He Guan directly responded, “I was addressing you.”

With a slight edge in his voice, Lou Dong Zang shot back, “Who’s your ‘dear’?”

He Guan smugly wagged a finger, and said, “If you’re married to me, aren’t you my dear? Right, darling?! I’m certainly not your nanny, don’t get it all twisted.”

Lou Dong Zang, “…”

He Guan continued, “I don’t intend to be nice to you to expect something in return. I’m doing this for my own comfort.”

“Assuming there would be no unforeseen changes, we’ll be living together for a while. I just want to live more comfortably and have a better environment for myself.”

Scratching his ear, He Guan added, “Of course, if you ever suspect I have ill intentions towards you, that’s understandable. I promise not to loom around if you’re uncomfortable with it.”

He Guan sighed and finally said, “Calling you ‘my dear’ is merely an emphasis on our relationship. Legally, since we’re married, it indicates that I am, just like you, a person.”

“I understand you can’t see and I will make sure to inform you about everything in the house— anything new, or changed.”

“After all, this home is yours. I assure you any action I take regarding you comes from my genuine concern.”

“If you aren’t comfortable with…”

Lou Dong Zang suddenly interrupted, “If I’m not comfortable, you’ll stop?”

He Guan retorted, “What are you thinking about? I need to keep you informed about everything, at the very least, to ensure you don’t harm yourself in front of me.”

After speaking, He Guan remained silent while maintaining his crouched position as he observed Lou Dong Zang.

This verbal agreement wasn’t truly necessary for him.

After all, Lou Dong Zang was the vulnerable party here.

He had already been resigned to accepting the marriage arranged by his family, acquiescing to another stranger to live in his home.

Now, this verbal agreement seemed more like shackles for He Guan.

It mandated him to consistently care for someone who was blind without having any ulterior motives.

Lou Dong Zang took a few minutes before speaking. He inquired, “What’s for dinner?”

Feeling relieved after making his point clear, He Guan responded, “Sliced Grouper Fish soup, it’s boneless and utterly delicious.”

Hearing a new word, Lou Dongzang questioned, “Grouper?”

While supporting his chin, He Guan elaborated, “The fish has an earthy yellow color, round-bodied, with stone-colored patterns. I guess that’s why it’s called a grouper fish.”

“In any case, it looks quite festive. If it’s alive and you put it on a chopping board, it might splash you with fishy water. It’s best to get one that’s freshly dead.”

“… Fresh yet motionless. Just Perfect.”

He Guan spoke with animated liveliness, always with a hint of humor, seeming like the kind of person older people would adore.

Lou Dong Zang wasn’t sure why suddenly such a thought popped into his head, but it just did.

He Guan continued, “Well, given that someone left a poorly sliced fish in the kitchen, I’m not too keen on going in there right now.”

Lou Dong Zang, “…” He’d been caught.

Lou Dong Zang had never participated in the cooking at home. It was always handled by professional chefs. 

He wasn’t fussy about food. As long as he was full, Lou Dong Zang was content.

During Lou Dongzang’s busiest times, even if the maids brought food to him, he’d leave it untouched, and by the time he remembered, the meal would have turned cold.

His sensitivity to food was quite low. His primary focus in life had always been work. He once believed that it was the essence of his life, but now, reflecting on it…

He found it was merely his own wishful thinking.

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