When Xiao Wu returned with warm water, the three people in the lounge had already recovered their earlier appearances of being gravely injured and weak, as though the frenzied plotting from just moments ago had never happened.
"Third Brother, the water's here. Take it slow." Xiao Wu carefully helped Tang San sit up and brought the cup to his lips.
Tang San took a sip of water. Seeing her eyes all red, he reached out and gently wiped away the tear tracks at their corners. His voice was so tender it seemed to drip with warmth. "Silly girl, why are you crying? Look, I'm fine. It's just a minor injury. I'll be better after a few days' rest."
"You're hurt this badly, and you still say you're fine." Xiao Wu pouted, and tears began falling again. "It's all my fault. If I were a little stronger, I could've blocked those attacks for you, and you wouldn't have been hurt so badly."
"Knowing you feel that way is enough." Tang San drew her into his arms, resting his chin on the crown of her head. But his eyes held not a trace of tenderness, only cold calculation. "Xiao Wu, no matter what happens, you'll stay by my side, right?"
"Of course!" Xiao Wu nodded vigorously without a moment's hesitation, nuzzling against him. Her voice was soft, yet utterly firm. "Third Brother, no matter what happens, I'll stay with you forever. Even if I die, I won't leave you."
The corner of Tang San's mouth curled in a barely perceptible smile.
The fish had taken the bait.
Over the next two days, Tang San acted exactly as he always had.
He was still that gentle, considerate Third Brother. He patiently comforted Xiao Wu, discussed the upcoming matches with Dai Mubai and the