Chapter 289


    Chapter 289 Are They Poisonous?


    As I spoke, I offered the simple water container I had crafted from leaves to Charlie’s lips. ” Have some


    water first, andter, I’ll roast some mushrooms for you to eat.”


    His lips had already dried up a bit from the fever, and he took a few shallow sips of water. His


    complexion improved slightly, but it seemed like his attention was on me. He looked at me and said, “I


    thought you wouldn’te back.”


    I was momentarily taken aback by his words, not understanding why he would say that. I could not help


    but respond, “What are you saying? How could I note back? You’re already this sick, and if I were


    to leave you behind, I wouldn’t deserve to be called human.”


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    He smiled wryly, seemingly resigned. “No, it’s just that in my condition, I’m a burden to you. It would be


    faster for you to find a way out on your own.”


    I could not fathom his line of thinking. After giving him some water to drink, I checked his clothes, most


    of which had been dried by the fire. Then, I examined his leg, which had be significantly more


    swollen.


    Seeing his condition, I told him, “You should lie down for a while. I’ll prepare some food first and then


    tend to your injuries.”


    He responded with a quiet “okay“. He appeared so haggard that he might pass out at any


    moment.


    He did not faint but closed his eyes by the fire. I busied myself with processing the mushrooms and


    medicinal herbs I had collected.


    I found some thin branches and skewered the edible mushrooms together, slow–roasting them by the


    fire. Then, I located a stone to grind the gathered medicinal herbs. Since I did not have any gauze, I


    used vine strips and leaves.


    Upon returning, I noticed that Charlie was still asleep with his eyes closed. I approached him quietly


    and softly called out, “Mr. Yates.”


    He did not respond, so I reached out to check his breathing. Thankfully, it was steady, and I sighed with


    relief, thinking he had fallen asleep. I rolled up his pant leg and applied the crushed herbs to his leg,


    which was already covered in sores. Perhaps the medicine was too cold, as he suddenly opened his


    eyes and turned his sharp, intense gaze toward me. Due to his instinctive movement, the freshly


    applied medicine fell onto the ground.


    I felt a pang of regret and furrowed my brows as I looked at him. When our eyes met, his weakened but


    wary gaze locked with mine. I could not help but soften my tone. “Did I wake you up?”


    Perhaps realizing it was me, he hesitated for a few seconds before his gaze softened as well. He


    asked, “What are you doing?”


    Fortunately, I had collected an ample amount of medicinal herbs, and while I had dropped some, there


    was still enough. I continued to apply the medicine to his wounds, exining, ‘ I’m helping you treat


    your injuries. These herbs have anti–inmmatory and pain–relieving properties. I can’t do much else


    for your injuries, but I can ease your pain. It might hurt a bit, so please bear with it. Once it’s bandaged


    up, you’ll be fine.”


    He remained silent, only observing my actions attentively. After I finished, I looked at the somewhat


    clumsy bandaging job I had done. I was not a doctor, and without proper medical tools, his leg ended


    up looking a bit like it had been wrapped in unsightly tree bark. It was definitely not aesthetically


    pleasing.


    Seeing him gaze at his bandaged leg, I felt a bit self–conscious and looked at him apologetically. “It


    might look a bit ugly, but I assure you the medicine works. Please don’t mind it.”


    His gaze


    shifted away from his leg, and he looked at me intently. His dry lips parted slightly as he uttered two


    words, “Looks good!”


    I could not help but chuckle and shake my head, fearing he would continue focusing on my less -than–


    impressive medical skills. I then handed him the mushrooms that I had roasted to perfection. “Have


    some. It will replenish your energy.


    He nodded and took a bite before offering some to me. “You should eat too.”


    I had roasted quite a few mushrooms and declined his offer, saying, “No need. There are plenty more


    here.” With that, I picked up another skewer and began eating.


    While observing me, he did not insist and quietly savored his meal. However, I could not help but


    wonder aloud, “Aren’t you afraid these mushrooms might be poisonous? You’re eating them without


    asking any questions.” Earlier, when I applied the medicine, he had been quite cautious. It was strange


    that he epted these mushrooms without any hesitation.


    Upon hearing my question, he finally looked at me, and his expression was serious. “Are they


    poisonous?”


    1…


    I found myself amused by his response and chuckled. I said while shaking my head, “No, they’re safe


    to eat.”


    He gazed at me with deep, prating eyes. “You still haven’t told me why you fled into the primitive


    forest before.”