Chapter 214

Luna dragged Ryan toward the shade of a tree. Blood had already soaked through his tattered sleeve and was still seeping out. Frantic, she stomped her foot and quickly asked passersby for directions to the village doctor's house.

"It's nothing, just a scratch," Ryan said dismissively, shaking his hand. As a butcher, he was used to minor injuries. He'd dodged Zachary's sneak attack quickly—only a shallow cut remained. It looked worse than it was.

But Luna's eyes were red with worry, her grip on his hand unrelenting. Ryan couldn't help but feel pleased. This wound was worth it.

"Still acting tough after losing so much blood?" Luna glared at him like a mother scolding her child.

Ryan grinned. "Had to grab the eggs first. Can't let someone else take them."

Only then did Luna remember the basket. Flustered, she turned to retrieve it, but Ryan was already hoisting the heavy egg crate onto his back, handing her the empty basket instead.

"I'll carry the heavy stuff," he insisted.

At the doctor's, the examination confirmed the wound wasn't deep—just needed disinfecting. Luna finally exhaled in relief.

By the time they left the clinic, the sun was dipping low. The market crowd had long dispersed; selling the eggs was out of the question now.

"Hurry, let's catch the ox cart," Luna urged.

But when they reached the meeting point, the cart was gone. Luna bit her lip, realizing they'd have to walk back.

Ryan suddenly grabbed her wrist. Luna jerked her hand away, her ears burning. "Speak properly!"

"Eat some noodles first," Ryan said, pointing to the roadside noodle stall. "Can't walk on an empty stomach."

Before she could refuse, he pulled her to the stall and sat her down on a bench.

"Two bowls!" Ryan called out loudly.

The stall owner swiftly prepared the noodles. Luna, worried about the cost, muttered, "We could've eaten at home..."

"I'm starving," Ryan declared shamelessly. "Just got out of a fight!"

Steaming bowls of noodles arrived, generously topped. Ryan ladled chili oil into both bowls and dug in.

Watching him wolf down his food, Luna hesitated. "Want half of mine?"

"You eat first," he said without looking up. "Had three buns this morning. Not that hungry."

Luna gritted her teeth in frustration. But after the first bite, she found herself finishing the bowl without realizing it. Her face flushed with embarrassment—only to see Ryan chatting animatedly with the stall owner.

"Check, please!" Luna abruptly interrupted.

Ryan was already shouldering the egg crate. "Let's go."

"We haven't paid yet!"

The owner chuckled. "Miss, your man already settled it. Gotta let him keep face in public."

Luna opened her mouth to protest, but Ryan was already striding ahead. She had to jog to catch up. "Give me the crate!"

"What kind of man lets a woman carry the load?" Ryan didn't even glance back.

On the way home, Luna deliberately lagged a few steps behind, afraid of gossip if they were seen together. After they arrived, Ryan checked on the pigs in the backyard and chatted with the kids before leaving.

Quietly, Luna slipped the cleaned shoes and two new pairs of cloth shoes she'd made into his basket. These tasks should belong to his wife now.