Chapter 214: Rose Dragged Nolan Toward the Shade of a Tree

Rose dragged Nolan 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," Nolan 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 Rose's eyes were red with worry, her grip on his hand unrelenting. Nolan couldn't help but feel pleased. This wound was worth it.

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

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

Only then did Rose remember the basket. Flustered, she turned to retrieve it, but Nolan 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. Rose 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," Rose urged.

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

Nolan suddenly grabbed her wrist. Rose jerked her hand away, her ears burning. "Speak properly!"

"Eat some noodles first," Nolan 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!" Nolan called out loudly.

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

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

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

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

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

Rose 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 Nolan chatting animatedly with the stall owner.

"Check, please!" Rose abruptly interrupted.

Nolan 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."

Rose opened her mouth to protest, but Nolan 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?" Nolan didn't even glance back.

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

Quietly, Rose 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.