Even though Yoizumi-nii was still carrying someone on his shoulder, he acted as if she weighed nothing. Nishimura, seeing his slender arms and legs, never expected him to be so strong!
It was fine that he was handsome, and he was also strong. Besides being a man of few words and having a slight stutter, he basically had no flaws.
He would definitely be a good hand at farming!
The more Nishimura looked, the more satisfied he became. Komatsuse was a renowned beauty in the village, and a handsome man and beautiful woman together would surely be a sight for sore eyes. If possible, Nishimura wanted to play matchmaker for the two of them. It was definitely not because Yoizumi's looks were too striking, but simply because, from his rich experience, Yoizumi was certainly not a bad person.
Komatsuse grew up with her grandmother, her parents having died young. She usually made a living with her tailoring skills, and the neighbors were often willing to help out. If there was a man in the house, many things would be easier to handle. Moreover, in Nishimura's opinion, Komatsuse also favored Yoizumi. Bringing such a man home would allow her to show off to other villages later.
Putting everything else aside, their villagers were simple and pure-hearted, with few hobbies, but they loved good-looking people!
Komatsuse couldn't resist and could only cover her flushed cheeks with her hands. She wondered if she was heavy and if Mr. Yoizumi was tired.
She hadn't eaten enough recently, so she must have lost a little weight. It was great that she hadn't eaten enough!
Following behind the villagers, who were familiar with the terrain, they quickly reached the foot of the mountain by taking a shortcut. They arrived at a village, which was not large, only about twenty households. It was late at night, yet candles were still lit in every home.
Several villagers who heard the commotion opened their doors. Seeing that everyone had returned, they immediately asked if Komatsuse had been found. When they saw that Komatsuse was safe, they all breathed a sigh of relief. A woman pulled Komatsuse and examined her several times before letting go.
"Xiao Se, it's good that you're alright. Everyone was worried sick about you," the woman suddenly took a deep breath, settled her qi in her dan tian, put her hands on her hips, and shouted,
"Komatsuse has been found!"
The sound was deafening, startling flock after flock of birds in the forest. The previously quiet village became lively, with every household coming out to gather, chattering excitedly, all relieved that Komatsuse was safe.
"Thank you all for your concern," Komatsuse bowed deeply to everyone. "This is Yoizumi, my savior."
In an instant, the noisy crowd fell silent, with only the sound of breathing. Yoizumi uncomfortably avoided everyone's gaze; it was his first time seeing so many people.
Someone in the crowd murmured, "He's truly handsome."
It was like a drop of water falling into a hot oil pan, stirring up a thousand waves. The aesthetic tastes of the group were surprisingly consistent.
Seeing that the situation was getting out of hand, Komatsuse quickly said, "I apologize for disturbing everyone. Please go back and rest. I need to go back and check on Grandma; she must be worried." Komatsuse pulled Yoizumi and left.
It was late, and everyone couldn't stay much longer, so they reluctantly watched Yoizumi's figure gradually disappear.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Yoizumi."
"It's fine."
"That's my house up ahead," Komatsuse said, pointing to the small house in front.
As they approached the house, they saw an old woman sitting under the eaves. Seeing Komatsuse, she excitedly stood up, leaning on her cane, and limped over. Komatsuse immediately went to meet her, and the old woman embraced her tightly.
"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back~ Good child." The old woman didn't ask what had happened to Komatsuse. She was afraid it would make Xiao Se recall unpleasant things from that time. For her, it was enough that she was safe and sound, and back by her side… that was all that mattered.
"Grandma, I'm sorry for making you worry," Komatsuse cried, holding the old woman's frail, hunched body.
"Good child, don't cry." Her wrinkled hands gently and tremblingly wiped away her tears, and also brushed off the dirt from her face. She looked at her injuries with heartache. "Quickly, get inside!"
Yoizumi watched this scene quietly.
Is this what family affection is?
Will I also have someone waiting for me to return?
"Yoizumi-nii!"
A tender female voice suddenly came from behind him. This familiar yet unfamiliar voice startled Yoizumi, and he immediately turned around, but there was no one behind him.
Did he mishear?
Yoizumi lowered his head in thought. In a trance, he seemed to see a boy whose face was unclear standing beside him, smiling at him. It was a gentle voice.
"Yoizumi-nii! Let's go home!"
Facing the boy's outstretched hand, which had a slight callus, Yoizumi instinctively reached out, but just as he was about to touch it, the boy disappeared. Yoizumi stared blankly at his hand; though he hadn't touched anything, there was a warm sensation in his palm.
Who were they, and why did he feel familiar with them?
Yoizumi suddenly felt terribly cold all over, as if he were in a place of ice and snow. A bone-chilling cold pierced through his spine, yet only his palm was throbbing with warmth, as if a hand was tightly gripping his.
That gentle voice, and the warm smile… who was he to me?
…"Mr. Yoizumi?" Komatsuse waved her hand in front of Yoizumi's eyes. Why had he suddenly zoned out?
But, Mr. Yoizumi, even when he's in a daze, is still very handsome!
"W-what is it?" Yoizumi also snapped out of his previous state. Those seemed to be his memories.
It seemed his decision was correct. As long as he encountered more things from the outside world, he would one day remember all his lost memories.
"Let me introduce you, this is my grandmother."
"Grandma, this is Mr. Yoizumi. He saved me."
Hearing this, the old woman immediately took Yoizumi's hand, her kind voice filled with gratitude.
"Thank you, thank you!"
Looking at the old woman's already gray hair, looking as if she would fall with a gust of wind, Yoizumi did not resist, letting her shake his hand.
"It's… nothing."
It took a while for the old woman's emotions to calm down. Komatsuse led her grandmother and Yoizumi back into the house. As soon as they sat down, a distinct "growl~" sound was heard.
Yoizumi also looked at Komatsuse following the sound. She lowered her head shyly, covering her rumbling stomach, not daring to make eye contact with Yoizumi.
How embarrassing!
Komatsuse kept scolding her uncooperative stomach. Her grandmother, standing nearby, smiled and stood up, patting Komatsuse's head.
"Good child, you haven't eaten, have you? You must be hungry."
"Grandma will cook for you."
"Xiao Se, go wash up first."
"Okay~ Mr. Yoizumi, come."
Leading Yoizumi to the backyard, there was a small well in the modest yard. She turned the handle, and with a "creak," drew water up with a wooden bucket. She placed the wooden bucket on the ground, and it was only by the reflection of the moonlight that Komatsuse saw her own face.
"Huh?"
Her hair was disheveled, and her entire face was a mess. She had fallen during her escape, and mud clung to her face, making her features barely discernible.
Komatsuse felt as if the sky had fallen.
Had she been with Mr. Yoizumi and everyone else looking like this?
Why hadn't anyone told her!