Chapter 7: Sister Dan, Fair-Skinned and Beautiful

Li Chao stepped out of the clinic with a heart heavy yet oddly lightened. He walked slowly along the village path, the earth beneath his feet exuding a familiar rustic scent. That aroma seemed to seep into his soul, letting him forget his illness for a while.

The village felt unchanged, yet today, Li Chao was at the center of everyone’s attention. Villagers gathered around, some concerned about his health, others drawn by curiosity to hear the latest gossip from the clinic. They peppered him with questions, and Li Chao answered each with patience, never losing the warm smile on his face.

Time slipped by amid the idle chatter, and before he realized it, noon had arrived. Sunlight broke through the sparse clouds, casting a gentle warmth over the tranquil village.

Li Chao felt his empty stomach growl and was overtaken by hunger. Looking around, he noticed the village’s small shop not far ahead. Though its storefront was modest, inside it was stocked with all manner of goods.

Pushing open the door, he saw a young woman standing on a chair with her back to him, reaching for something high on the shelf. Her name was Liu Dan, about twenty-seven or twenty-eight. She was strikingly beautiful, fair-skinned, with long legs that drew the eye. Her husband worked far from home all year round to support them, leaving her alone in the village. To give her something to do, he’d opened this little shop in their home.

Liu Dan was so focused on her task she didn’t notice Li Chao’s arrival. Suddenly, the chair wobbled, her body tipped, and she lost her balance. Li Chao’s heart leapt—he rushed forward, hoping to catch her.

Liu Dan had already cried out, her voice full of fear and helplessness. In a flash, Li Chao seized her arm just as she was about to fall, pulling her safely into his embrace.

Liu Dan, still shaken, gasped for breath, terror written across her face. Li Chao asked with concern, “Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself?” Liu Dan shook her head, her voice trembling. “I’m... I’m fine. Thank you, Li Chao.” She looked up at him, gratitude shining in her eyes.

Li Chao smiled, gently patting her on the shoulder. “Good. Just be careful next time.”

A small accident had just played out in the village shop. Liu Dan, still thinking of Li Chao, felt a strange nervousness within her. As she was arranging the goods on the shelves, the chair beneath her wobbled unexpectedly, and she lost her balance.

Just as she thought she was about to fall flat on her back, a strong hand appeared out of nowhere, wrapping around her waist and pulling her aside with speed and force.

The falling items grazed her clothes and thudded to the ground. Her heart leapt with the sound—what a close call! She instinctively patted her chest, only to realize with embarrassment that she was tightly held in a man’s arms. Worse still, his other hand was supporting her rounded hips. The position was so intimate that Liu Dan’s face flushed crimson.

Looking up, she recognized Li Chao—the young man who often shopped here. He was always friendly, well-liked in the village, and because they were distantly related, they called each other brother and sister.

“Are you alright, Dan?” Li Chao’s voice broke the awkward silence. He quickly released her, setting her down and scratching his head apologetically.

Liu Dan’s expression softened a little as she took a deep breath to calm her racing heart. “I’m fine, thank you, Chao,” she replied softly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

“Is your illness gone?” Liu Dan asked suddenly, noticing how much healthier he looked.

“Yes, I was able to get out of bed last night,” Li Chao replied. “I took a walk in the village this morning, just to breathe some fresh air. Now it’s noon, so I thought I’d buy a packet of instant noodles.”

“You just got better—how can you eat instant noodles?” Liu Dan chided him, a hint of reproach in her voice. “They're not nutritious at all! Wait here, I’ll make you some noodles.” Without giving him a chance to refuse, she headed straight to the kitchen at the back.

Li Chao’s lips twitched—something about her words sounded odd to him. His mind drifted to the sensation of holding Liu Dan, how soft and supple she’d felt. He scolded himself inwardly, forcing the thought away.

About twenty minutes later, Liu Dan emerged from the kitchen carrying a steaming bowl of noodles. A golden fried egg rested on top, making the dish irresistible. The kitchen was clearly hot—her clothes were damp with sweat, clinging to her curves and accentuating her figure, sending Li Chao’s suppressed thoughts into turmoil again.

“Eat up!” Liu Dan handed the bowl to him. Li Chao, looking into her gentle eyes and hearing her caring tone, felt a wave of warmth fill his heart. He bent over the bowl, savoring the noodles and the perfectly fried egg. When he finished, sweat beaded his brow, but he was thoroughly satisfied.

“Sister Dan, your noodles are the best—rich and flavorful, I could eat them every day!” Li Chao grinned.

Liu Dan laughed at his flattery. “You always know how to make me smile!” Then, as if remembering something important, she glanced toward the door to make sure no one was around and lowered her voice. “By the way, Chao, now that you’ve recovered, can you treat others again?”

“Of course, Sister Dan. I’d never give up my trade,” Li Chao replied without hesitation.

A hint of shyness appeared on Liu Dan’s face. She hesitated, then said, “My cycle has been irregular for two months, and it’s been terribly painful when it comes... Could you help me with it?”

Li Chao was startled but quickly nodded. “Of course, don’t worry, Sister Dan. I’ll take a look right away.” He stood to fetch his medical kit, ready to examine her.