Chapter 64: The Mixer Part 1

She didn’t know where to rest her eyes, but she kept her composure on the surface, steadying her voice as she said, “Sister An’an, this chair is too small. Let me hold you steady while you wash, or you’ll slip and fall.”

Gu An’an bit her lip and stayed silent, still simmering with embarrassment.

But then she thought it over. When this little rascal was a kid, she’d seen her bare bottom plenty of times.

“Got it~~” she drawled out the words, making sure to convey her lingering dissatisfaction.

Chu Ran steadied her with one hand while reaching for the showerhead with the other. As the water began to spray out, she suddenly realized that Gu An’an was still wearing her panties!

She stared at them for a moment. Gu An’an preferred clean, pure colors, so the underwear she bought for both of them was simple white cotton with a tiny white bow at the waistband—innocent and adorable.

Right now, those white panties hugged her hips, her head bowed low to reveal her snowy long legs and the graceful curves of her body. Her smooth back gleamed like a streak of pale moonlight, radiating an allure that words couldn’t capture. Chu Ran’s heart suddenly pounded like a drum, thumping wildly in her chest. Her throat went dry, her ears burned, and even her cheeks felt feverish. The dizzying sensation only grew stronger.

She drew in a deep breath to steady herself, her emotions churning like a storm inside while her face remained perfectly calm. “Sister An’an,” she asked evenly, “should I help you take them off?”

Gu An’an mumbled a quick, “No.”

Chu Ran had expected as much, so she kept one hand on her waist, waiting patiently for her to handle it herself.

Gu An’an huddled on the tiny stool, propping herself up with one hand against the floor. She lifted her hips slightly, twisting left and then right, while her other hand tugged at the waistband of her panties, inching them down to the tops of her thighs. But from there, with her legs completely numb, she couldn’t manage any more movement. She had no choice but to keep pulling them down by hand.

The previous shower stool had been the perfect height—when Gu An’an lowered her legs, her soles just touched the floor. Even without strength to support her weight, her legs could hang naturally.

But this little folding stool was made for kids, far too low. With her long legs paralyzed and senseless, they simply collapsed into a heap when she tried to extend them, twisted up like broken limbs.

Gu An’an strained to drag the panties lower, but her legs wouldn’t even lift. They just sagged uselessly to the floor, pinning the fabric in place. No matter how hard she pulled, the motion was agonizingly slow and awkward.

Those immobile legs lay there in a contorted sprawl against the tiles, and the sight was heartbreaking.

“Click!” Chu Ran jammed the showerhead back into its holder.

She couldn’t bear to watch another second. Her heart felt like it was being ripped apart!

The person she loved shouldn’t have to endure this. She shouldn’t look so wretched!

No matter how much Gu An’an resented her for it, she had to help.

Chu Ran grabbed her hand. “Sister An’an, just hold on a sec.”

She hurried out and returned with a taller chair, its surface coated in waterproof paint.

“Little Ran, what are you doing?” Gu An’an asked, watching her in confusion.

Chu Ran said nothing. She positioned the chair just right, then stepped directly in front of her.

Her expression was a tangled mix of solemnity, earnestness, nervousness, and a hidden flush of shyness.

“Sister An’an, I know you’re embarrassed about me seeing you naked.”

“So I’ll get naked too. We’ll both be bare, just the same. Then you won’t feel awkward anymore.”

With that, she whipped off her T-shirt in a flash, followed by her shorts. Summer clothes were minimal anyway, and her movements were lightning-quick. In the blink of an eye, she revealed a lithe, budding figure—still touched with the fresh innocence of youth. Her flat belly showed clear lines of muscle, giving her a slender, almost delicate frame. But she had all the right curves: narrow shoulders, a slim waist, endless legs, and pert, modest breasts that stood firm and proud. Gu An’an let out a startled “Ah!”, turning her face away in flustered panic.

“Little Ran, you… are you going to wash with me?”

Chu Ran pressed her lips together, fighting to steady her racing heart. She stepped closer, bent down, and scooped her up with exquisite gentleness. Then she sat on the normal-height chair, cradling Gu An’an sideways across her lap.

“Yeah,” she said softly. “Together.”

Gu An’an was utterly dumbfounded. How had a simple bath turned into her sitting in Chu Ran’s lap like some toddler?

Chu Ran’s face was deadly serious as she watched her intently, tracking every shift in her expression. Gu An’an flushed crimson at first, then squirmed uncomfortably—but her legs refused to cooperate, making the effort futile. Instead, she just looked adorably like a wriggling baby.

She clutched at Chu Ran’s arm in a panic. “Little Ran, I’m not a kid anymore! How can I bathe like this? Only babies get washed this way.”

Chu Ran replied with perfect sincerity. “You used to hold me just like this when I was little. Now I’m taking care of you the same way. What’s wrong with that?”

“That’s completely different! I’m a grown woman now!”

Chu Ran knew arguing logic wouldn’t get her anywhere. She fell silent, one arm wrapping securely around Gu An’an’s back while the other gently eased off her panties.

Gu An’an squeezed her eyes shut in mortified agitation, desperately trying to curl up. But only her upper body could manage it, balling into a tight knot while her legs dangled limply over Chu Ran’s thighs.

The paralysis brought a terrifying sense of helplessness. Her legs hung there uselessly, inert as dead weight, making her look fragile and pitiable.

Chu Ran didn’t let it linger. She promptly lifted Gu An’an’s knees and pulled her close into a firm embrace.

She grabbed the showerhead and poured warm water over her.

Gu An’an twisted a little more. “Little Ran, I want to wash myself…”

She was mortified and guilt-ridden, her voice small and pleading. But that pitiful, vulnerable look only fueled Chu Ran’s protective instincts to a fever pitch. A voice roared in her mind: This was the girl she loved, the treasure she cherished above all. She couldn’t let her appear so pale, so helpless, so forlorn!

Even paralyzed, she’d make sure Gu An’an lived like anyone else—full of dignity, full of love!

Gu An’an’s upper body was pinned securely in her arms, her legs too numb to budge. Her feeble squirms were like a fussy infant’s tantrum. She soon went still, realizing that any movement pressed her bare skin against Chu Ran’s smooth thigh, blanking her mind entirely. As the warm water cascaded down with a soothing patter, it eased some of her embarrassment. She slipped back into ostrich mode, burrowing into Chu Ran’s embrace and letting her wash.

Fine, she thought. We’re both girls. I bathed her like this when she was little. It’s no big deal.

She even closed her eyes.

When Chu Ran finished washing her and carried her back to the bedroom, Gu An’an cracked her eyes open for a sneaky peek.

Chu Ran was staring right at her. “Sister An’an, are you uncomfortable anywhere?”

Gu An’an snapped her eyes shut in a fluster!

The big-sister shame welled up again, mingled with that strange feeling from before. She wanted to bury her head in the sand once more.

Whether from the hot bath or sheer embarrassment, her cheeks glowed a rosy pink, like ripe peaches begging to be bitten.

She shook her head, face still flushed.

Chu Ran tucked her into bed. The room’s AC was already humming cool air. She pulled the covers up snugly, then went to fetch pajamas.

Gu An’an peeked out from under the blanket again.

Chu Ran was still completely naked, her back to the closet as she rummaged for sleepwear.

They’d only unpacked a few everyday clothes into the drawers.

Chu Ran grabbed her own pajamas first and dressed with brisk efficiency. She yanked the oversized T-shirt over her head, gave it a tug, and it draped down to cover her slim waist. Then she bent to step into her shorts, hopping once to hitch them up.

All done.

For some reason, Gu An’an found that little hop utterly endearing. She stared, forgetting to blink—until Chu Ran spun around and caught her red-handed.

“Sister An’an, what are you looking at?”

Gu An’an panicked, burrowing under the covers and clutching the edge to hide most of her face.

She didn’t dare make a sound.

She couldn’t even explain why she was so flustered.

This kid was one she’d raised herself. So what if she gave her a bath?

What was her problem?

She couldn’t figure it out, but just seeing Chu Ran now made her blush uncontrollably.

“N-Nothing,” she stammered.

Chu Ran smiled faintly and brought her pajamas to the bedside.

She’d picked out a soft beige sleep dress dotted with tiny flower petals—gentle and comforting.

With all the massages Gu An’an needed lately, a dress was more practical. Easier for bathroom trips, too.

When Chu Ran pulled out a pair of panties, Gu An’an blurted, “Little Ran, I can put my underwear on myself! I can do it!”

Her voice pitched up in haste, the blush still staining her cheeks, making her look endearingly flustered.

Chu Ran fixed her with a sharp gaze. “I know you can dress yourself, but you know how much effort it takes you, and how painful it is for me to watch.”

Gu An’an pursed her lips, refusing to give in.

Chu Ran’s heart instantly softened, and her voice grew gentler. “I’ll slip my hand under the covers and put it on for you, okay?”

Gu An’an still pursed her lips and said nothing.

Taking that as consent, Chu Ran pulled back the blanket and slid her hand inside, helping her into her underwear right there beneath the covers.

Gu An’an’s cheeks flushed even deeper. “What about my bra?”

Something about that earlier fleeting glimpse crossed Chu Ran’s mind, making her voice a little strange. “You don’t need to wear one at home.”

“I do,” Gu An’an added softly, suddenly digging in her heels.

Chu Ran was all heart, but for some reason, she felt a twinge of reluctance. “Put it on tomorrow morning when you get up. Science says sleeping in a bra affects development.”

Gu An’an’s eyes snapped up to meet hers, wide as saucers, her tone full of confusion. “But I’m already grown up. What development?”

That innocent, pure look made Chu Ran feel like a total con artist. She averted her gaze uncomfortably and cleared her throat. “Sister An’an, you have to listen. This is doctor’s orders.”

The moment medical advice came up, Gu An’an wavered. She was soft-hearted and kind, never wanting to burden anyone, so she instinctively wanted to comply.

Chu Ran picked up the nightgown. It was easy to put on—just slip it over her head and tug it down.

Gu An’an took it. “Little Ran, I can manage the nightgown myself.”

Her tone was lighter this time; this was something she could handle on her own.

Chu Ran happily obliged. “Of course, Sister An’an. You can do so many things, and you do every one of them perfectly.”

She didn’t interfere, just smiled as she watched Gu An’an dress herself. Once she was done, Chu Ran adjusted the air conditioner to 26 degrees Celsius and slipped under the covers.

The lights were still on, but both of them fell quiet.

Gu An’an spoke up. “Little Ran, did you not mop the bathroom floor yet? Be careful if you get up in the night—don’t slip. And that toilet needs disinfecting a few times. I checked the kitchen too; the utensils are all there, but they need disinfecting as well. My wheelchair fits in the kitchen, so I’ll tidy it up tomorrow. Oh, right—are you heading to school tomorrow to check out your department?”

Chu Ran scooted closer, pressing tight against her arm. She felt utterly languid after sitting in the car all day; she was pretty tired. Lying here beside Gu An’an, feeling her warmth and breathing in her fresh, pleasant scent, all her tension melted away. She just wanted to lie there forever, unmoving.

Her voice matched her mood, lazy and drawling. “Sure, I’ll remember. No rush for school tomorrow. I’ll help you tidy up the house first.”

Gu An’an went on about the apartment’s furnishings, planning what furniture and appliances to buy. Chu Ran listened attentively. After a while, Gu An’an started to feel sleepy.

Chu Ran rolled over to face her and saw her stifling a yawn with her cherry lips. “Sister An’an, if you’re tired, just sleep. Classes don’t start for a while yet. There’s plenty of time for everything.”

Gu An’an murmured in agreement, her voice tinged with wonder. “I can’t believe it. In the blink of an eye, we’re in the capital. It feels like a dream.”

Chu Ran chuckled softly.

“Yeah. No matter where we are, we’ll make it great. Now sleep.”

Gu An’an slowly closed her eyes.

Chu Ran watched her quietly.

Soon, Gu An’an’s breathing evened out into steady rhythm. Chu Ran inched closer again. Ever since Gu An’an’s legs had gone paralyzed, they’d shared a bed, but Chu Ran no longer dared to snuggle fully into her arms. She was afraid of putting pressure on her legs. They had no sensation now, and prolonged pressure could lead to numbness or even worsen the muscle condition from lack of relief.

But right now, gazing at her serene, water-like tranquility—sweet, gentle, peaceful—Chu Ran’s exhaustion vanished. A suppressed desire began to stir.

She wanted to hold her so badly.

Tentatively, she extended her arm, slipping it gently under Gu An’an’s head and drawing it slowly into the crook of her elbow, inch by inch, until her cheek pressed against her own.

Finally.

Gu An’an’s breathing remained steady. Her rosy lips were so close, exhaling warm, orchid-like breaths that brushed Chu Ran’s neck—soft and heated, like a tickling feather. Chu Ran’s heart raced, her breaths quickening, her palms growing hot and sweaty…