Chapter Thirty-Two: A Misunderstanding

Jiang Bai felt a bit bashful under his gaze. She lowered her head to tidy up her medical kit and said softly, "This is only what I should do; there is no need for you to be so formal, Military Advisor."

Duan Jing smiled and said nothing more. The two fell into a silence, and the atmosphere became somewhat subtle. Jiang Bai looked at the books placed nearby, and having formed an idea about what to do next, she took the initiative to ask, "Military Advisor, what book were you reading just now?"

Duan Jing handed her the book in his hand and said, "It is a manual on military strategy. I was just passing the time with some casual reading."

Just as Jiang Bai reached out to take the book from Duan Jing, a faint green light flickered from her fingertips, which were hidden beneath the book. Then, she heard Duan Jing hiss and release his grip. Looking down, Duan Jing discovered that his finger had been cut by the edge of a page, and blood was slowly seeping out.

"Military Advisor, you're hurt!" Jiang Bai looked up, her gaze fixed on his finger. Her tone was anxious, and a subtle warmth could be seen in her eyes.

"It is nothing, just a minor wound," Duan Jing said with a smile, attempting to press on the bleeding cut.

"Don't move!" Jiang Bai cried out urgently. She immediately set aside the book and pulled a clean piece of gauze and a bottle of medicinal powder from her kit.

"Military Advisor, please extend your hand." Jiang Bai's voice remained cool, yet her tone carried an undeniable firmness.

Duan Jing was slightly taken aback, then obediently reached out his hand. Jiang Bai's fingers gently supported his wrist, while her other hand skillfully pressed the wound with a cloth to wipe away the blood before carefully sprinkling the powder onto the cut. The moment the powder touched the wound, Duan Jing felt a slight stinging sensation, which was quickly replaced by a cool, soothing feeling.

"This powder is my own special concoction; it stops bleeding and reduces inflammation. Do not worry, the wound will heal quickly," Jiang Bai said, offering quiet comfort as she bandaged the cut. Her fingers pressed gently against his knuckles to ensure the gauze was secured firmly.

Duan Jing looked down at her focused profile, a warmth rising inexplicably in his heart. Although Jiang Bai’s movements were calm and professional, he sensed a touch of imperceptible tenderness in her fingertips. He couldn't help but recall that while Jiang Bai was usually reserved and rarely smiled, she always exhibited this same gentle demeanor whenever she treated the soldiers.

"Doctor Jiang, you have worked hard," Duan Jing said softly, his tone filled with admiration.

Jiang Bai looked up, and their eyes met. Her expression remained as calm as water, yet Duan Jing seemed to catch a flicker of something subtle. Why had Jiang Bai’s eyes been so strange lately?

"There is no need for thanks, Military Advisor. By the way, I will leave this medicine with you." Jiang Bai placed the bottle on the table and took out another one. "This is for scar removal. Use it once the scab falls off; it can also be used on older scars." From now on, these two bottles would be his routine medication.

"Really? Doctor Jiang, you are truly amazing," Duan Jing said, picking up the bottle with curiosity. "Can it also remove the scars on my brother's body?"

"It can, though I suspect this won't be enough. Once I go up the mountain to gather more herbs in a while, I will prepare a new batch for the General," Jiang Bai said, feeling a slight reduction in her guilt as she watched him accept the medicine.

"Then I must trouble you, Doctor Jiang." Duan Jing was delighted; Duan Yue’s wounds often felt itchy and uncomfortable during rainy weather, so it would be for the best if they could be removed.

Noticing that the sky was growing dark and concerned that the blood on the gauze might dry and become difficult to use, Jiang Bai stood up and said, "It is getting late, so I will take my leave now. Please rest early, Military Advisor."

Duan Jing nodded and watched her leave. Only when her figure disappeared at the courtyard gate did he look away, pick up his book, and continue reading.

Back in her own quarters, Jiang Bai happily took out the cloth strip, absorbed the blood from it, and felt a pleasant sensation of change within her body.

The injury on Duan Jing's leg was no longer suitable for drawing blood; any further accidents would leave permanent scars, so she would have to find another way. Today had been a stroke of luck that she caught such an opportune moment, but she couldn't use him again for a while; he needed to recover properly. She was, after all, a proponent of sustainable development.

As Jiang Bai pondered this, her thoughts wandered to the "blood bank" himself. His image, weak yet refined, now frequently surfaced in her mind, etched into her memory and refusing to fade.

Just as Jiang Bai was finally drifting off to sleep, she heard hurried footsteps outside. Opening the door, she saw a soldier rushing toward her, panting, "Miss Jiang, the Military Advisor is injured! The General wants you to come at once!"

Jiang Bai quickly grabbed her medical kit and ran toward Duan Jing's quarters, following the soldier. Her heart was in a turmoil—how could Duan Jing be injured? He could not have any complications!

When she arrived, she found the room full of people. Duan Yue was standing by the bedside with a grave expression. Ignoring the formalities, Jiang Bai hurried to the bed and saw Duan Jing lying there, pale and covered in cold sweat.

"Military Advisor, what happened? How are you?" Jiang Bai asked anxiously.

Duan Jing struggled to open his eyes. Seeing it was Jiang Bai, he smiled faintly and said in a weak voice, "I am fine, just a minor injury. Do not worry."

Without waiting for more, Jiang Bai began to examine the wound. As she peeled back the gauze, she gasped. The scab that had just formed had been mostly scraped off. "How did this happen?"

"The Military Advisor wanted to bathe and change clothes," explained Chen Tao, the guard who always stayed by his side, looking extremely remorseful. "Everything was fine at first, but when he was getting out of the tub, we didn't support him well, and he bumped his leg against the edge."

Jiang Bai said nothing, waiting until she had finished treating the wound carefully before letting out a long sigh. She looked up at the General and said, "General, the injury is dressed, but he has lost too much blood and needs to rest properly."

The General nodded and said in a deep voice, "Miss Jiang, I leave the Military Advisor in your care. Please ensure he recovers as quickly as possible."

Jiang Bai nodded solemnly. "Rest assured, General, I will take good care of him."

After the General gave a few more instructions and left with the others, Jiang Bai and Duan Jing were left alone. She sat by the bed, looking at his pale complexion, her heart aching.

"Military Advisor, how could you be so careless?" Jiang Bai scolded softly. All that blood had gone to waste.

Duan Jing smiled weakly. "I don't know what is wrong with me; I keep getting hurt. I've worried you."

Jiang Bai shook her head and sighed. "Military Advisor, you must rest well and stop pushing yourself." Having lost so much blood, she knew she couldn't take any more for at least a month.

Duan Jing looked at her with gentle eyes. "Very well, I will listen to you."

Jiang Bai felt shy under his gaze and lowered her head. "Military Advisor, sleep for a while; I will watch over you."

Duan Jing nodded and slowly closed his eyes. Jiang Bai sat by the bed, watching him quietly. When Duan Yue returned and saw the way Jiang Bai was looking at Duan Jing, his eyes widened—he felt as though he had discovered something.

By nightfall, when Duan Jing woke up, he was startled by his brother's face looming directly over his own. Duan Jing turned his head away, not wanting to look at him. "Brother, what are you doing?"

Automatically ignoring his brother’s look of disdain, Duan Yue couldn't help but exclaim, "He really is a natural-born beauty."

"Brother, that is called being handsome and dashing," Duan Jing said, unable to bear his brother's misuse of words. "What is wrong with you?"

"Someone has taken a fancy to you," Duan Yue said, getting straight to the point.

Duan Jing froze, his brow furrowed. "Brother, what are you talking about? Who has taken a fancy to me?"

Duan Yue chuckled and leaned in mysteriously. "Who else? It’s Doctor Jiang, of course! I saw the way she looked at you earlier; it was full of deep affection."

Duan Jing’s face flashed with an unnatural expression. He tried to remain calm and waved his hand. "Brother, don't talk nonsense. Jiang Bai is only concerned about my injuries. Don't guess wildly."

"Guessing wildly?" Duan Yue raised an eyebrow, looking unconvinced. "Do you think I'm blind? That look in her eyes—it’s clear she has feelings for you. Don't play the fool and let her down."

Duan Jing sighed helplessly, his tone tinged with exhaustion. "Brother, how could I have the heart for such things now? Military affairs are busy, and my wounds haven't healed. Where would I find the leisure for romance?"

Seeing his state, Duan Yue set aside his teasing and patted his shoulder. "Fine, I won't force you. But the girl is truly excellent. If you really have no feelings for her, tell her clearly sooner rather than later so you don't keep her waiting."

Duan Jing nodded, his gaze complex. "I understand, brother. I will handle it."

Duan Yue left the room once he saw his brother had agreed. Duan Jing leaned against the headboard, staring at the darkening sky outside, his heart in turmoil.

He had not been entirely unaware of Jiang Bai's feelings. It was just that he had never intended to reciprocate. For one, while they called themselves an army, they were essentially mountain bandits; such a status was unworthy of a pure, innocent girl. Secondly, they lived in chaotic times, and he might die any day. To reciprocate her feelings only for him to meet an unfortunate end would be to ruin her life in vain.

Just then, the door was pushed open gently, and Jiang Bai entered with a steaming bowl of medicine. Seeing that Duan Jing was awake, her face lit up. "Military Advisor, you're awake? Perfect, the medicine is ready. Drink it while it's hot."

Duan Jing accepted the bowl and thanked her, taking a sip. The bitter taste spread in his mouth, but he seemed not to notice, drinking it silently.

Jiang Bai stood to the side, watching him, a sense of satisfaction rising in her heart. She said softly, "Military Advisor, how are your injuries? Are you still in pain?"

Duan Jing shook his head, his tone flat. "Much better, it is of no consequence."

Jiang Bai nodded, but thinking of how important he was to her, she couldn't help but want to treat him even better. "Military Advisor, it would be best if you rested well. Otherwise, if the wound keeps reopening, it will likely leave a scar."

Duan Jing looked up and met her eyes, a complex emotion flashing through his own. After a moment of silence, he said slowly, "Jiang Bai, thank you for your constant care. However, you need not concern yourself so much with my affairs."

Jiang Bai’s smile stiffened. Had he discovered her intentions? She lowered her head, her voice barely a whisper. "Military Advisor, I... I just want to take care of you."

Watching her, Duan Jing felt his heart soften. He sighed, his tone gentler. "I know your heart. However, some things are beyond your reach. You... you should just take good care of yourself."

Jiang Bai looked up. She hadn't expected this "mobile cheat code" to want to distance himself from her. She couldn't help but highlight her own great utility, hoping to keep a chance to interact with him. "Military Advisor, I know I cannot help with major matters, but my medical skills are quite refined; I should still be of some use."

Duan Jing was shaken by her firm gaze. He had never realized the depth of her feelings for him. Yet, the more he saw, the more he felt he shouldn't let her down.

Seeing Duan Jing about to speak again, Jiang Bai cut him off. "You should listen to your doctor." She couldn't let him push her away, or how else would she find a way to unlock her potential?

Duan Jing looked into her stubborn, determined eyes, feeling a sense of complexity. He clearly felt that her affection had exceeded ordinary concern, and he knew he could no longer avoid the issue. His deep sense of responsibility and uncertainty about the future made it impossible to easily reciprocate, but he decided it was best to be clear with her today.

"Jiang Bai," Duan Jing said, his voice clear and gentle, tinged with helplessness, "I... my health is poor."

"I understand," Jiang Bai thought to herself. She knew him well enough; after all, his frail body required long periods of conditioning before she could draw blood again.

"My life is filled with danger and uncertainty," Duan Jing continued, seeing that he still couldn't persuade her.

Jiang Bai was puzzled. Danger? Uncertainty? What was he talking about? Considering a possibility, she tentatively replied, "I don't care."

Duan Jing fell silent for a moment, the complexity in his heart intensifying. He now realized that Jiang Bai was a stubborn person; once she had made up her mind, she would not easily change it. Yet, it was precisely because of this that he could not easily reciprocate.

"Jiang Bai," Duan Jing said, his voice low and weary, "you deserve a better life, not to follow me into danger."

Jiang Bai gasped. He wanted to go on adventures in his current physical state? Had he looked at his own constitution? He had lost so much blood recently that he was incredibly weak—and he wanted to go on adventures? If he got hurt again, would her plant ever be able to awaken?

"Military Advisor, I hope you stay safe, and I hope even more that I can restore your health," Jiang Bai stated her requirement earnestly. No, how could it hurt to let her condition his body?