Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 180

Chapter 180: I’ll Tie You Up If You’re Stubborn
The soothing lull of the river mixed with the visitors’ indistinct chatter. The golden glow of the festival lights brightened the riverside, creating a serene backdrop against the night.

Lariette and Ruediger finished their last bites of food. She was eating a warm chestnut bun while he chewed the grilled corn-on-cob, glazed with butter.

“What should we play first?” Ruediger asked after wiping his mouth. He tossed the cob into a paper bag, “Excited to throw darts?”

Lariette grinned as she listened to the hint of teasing in Ruediger’s voice. She swallowed the last bite before dusting off her hands.

“Of course! You got to show off to me this afternoon. It’s my turn now.”

Ruediger chuckled in helplessness. Gathering all the trash, including the empty cups. into the paper bag, he said, “Don’t aim your dart at anyone innocent this time.”

Narrowing her eyes, Lariette playfully swatted Ruediger’s arm. He shrugged, pretending to be innocent.

“Let’s go,” Lariette stood up, stretching slightly, “I wanna get the biggest prize. I hope it’s a giant plushie.”

Ruediger smirked, also rising to his feet, “Aye aye, ma’am.”

Lariette and Ruediger got ready to leave the riverside when a sudden yelp cut through the night. Their eyes focused in the same direction.

“H-help!”

Near the water’s edge, an elderly man had lost his footing on the uneven rocks. He flailed his arms, struggling to regain balance.

“Careful!”

Lariette cried out, instinctively stepping forward. A huge figure dashed from beside her, rushing to the old man. The orange lights showered on the blur of his back.

Lariette frozenly witnessed Ruediger lunging forward, catching the man’s arm before he could tumble into the river. His grip was strong, but the sudden momentum threw off his own balance.

“Argh!”

A sharp grunt escaped Ruediger’s lips as he twisted midair, taking the brunt of the fall while holding the old man. His back slammed against the rocks, the impact echoing through his bones.

“E-Eddy!”

Lariette snapped out of her daze, hurriedly running to Ruediger. She dropped to her knees, her hands hovering over his chest, unsure of what to do. A few people also rushed to them.

“Are you okay? Eddy!”

“O…okay… I’m okay…”

Ruediger tried to smile, but he quickly gasped for air. The radiating pain from the back hurt him. Still, his gaze went to the old man.

“Mister… are you hurt?”

Ruediger pushed himself upward, his eyes assessing the old man who was crouching beside him. He tried to endure the flaring pain, not wanting to add more to Lariette’s worries.

“Y-young man… I’m so sorry! I’m sorry…”

The old man stuttered, his wrinkled hands trembling. Guilt was evident in his voice.

“It’s okay. You’re fine, right?” Ruediger reached out a hand, patting the old man’s back, “Are you alone, mister? Where’s your family?”

Ruediger doubted this old man came here alone. Perhaps he was separated from his family members and friends.

Lariette also thought the same. She glanced around, trying to find someone looking for the old man in the crowd.

“G-Grandpa!”

A child’s cries sliced through the commotion. A young teenager sneaked through the small crowd, almost crying once he reached the old man.

Lariette exhaled a sigh. She looked from Ruediger to the old man, “We should check for any injuries. Let’s go to the first-aid booth.”

Ruediger and the old man didn’t argue with Lariette. The other visitors assisted in escorting the men to the booth.

The festival’s lively atmosphere still thrummed in the background as Lariette, Ruediger and the old man entered the first-aid booth. The sharp odor of antiseptic lingered in the air, a stark contrast to the aromatic scent of the food outside.

Ruediger sat on a chair, his shirt unbuttoned and pulled downside, revealing his bruised back to the medic. The latter examined his back.

Lariette stood nearby, nervously looking at Ruediger and the medic. She tried to stand still, hoping not to bother the medic from treating the man.

The bright lamp above cast light over Ruediger’s broad back, now marred by a fresh bruise spreading across his upper back. The medic pressed his gloved hand gently against the injured area.

“Bruised, but no fractures,” the medic concluded, “You’re lucky, young man. It could’ve been much worse. You fall on those rocks.”

Scoffing lightly, Ruediger answered with a hint of a joke, “Wouldn’t be my first bad fall.”

Lariette shot Ruediger a sharp look. Clenching her hands together, she said, “That doesn’t make it any better, Eddy.”

Ruediger immediately shut his mouth. He forced himself to smile, hoping he could alleviate Lariette’s evident concern.

Lariette noticed Ruediger’s attempt to soothe her. Shaking her head in helplessness, she turned to the medic, “What should we be aware of? About his injuries?”

The medic easily explained, “Cold compresses help to reduce swelling for the first twenty-four hours. After that, you can use warm ones to encourage healing.”

Lariette nodded, making sure to instill everything in her mind. She was also focused when the medic mentioned that Ruediger should avoid any heavy lifting or sudden major movements, including putting pressure on his bruised area.

“What about medicine, mister?” Lariette asked, her brows furrowing in concentration, “Can he take anything? Usually, painkillers, right?”

“Yes,” the medic replied, began applying some pain-relief gel on Ruediger’s bruise, “Mild painkillers are enough. And, he should rest as much as possible.”

Ruediger let out a low chuckle as if the medic’s words amused him, “Rest, huh? Not really my style.”

Lariette narrowed her eyes. She held back from smacking Ruediger’s arm, “That will be your style now. I’ll tie you up if you’re stubborn.”

“…”

Ruediger shut his mouth again, sensing Lariette’s anger flaring. The medic laughed lightly, entertained by the two people.

“No reckless stunts, buddy,” the medic said as he took away the swab used to apply the gel earlier, “Listen to your wife.”

“…haha, I really should.”

Lariette glared at Ruediger again, warning him not to act up. The man could only smile.

The medic handed Ruediger a small bag containing painkillers once he was done. The man thanked the former, and Lariette also did the same.

Ruediger sighed, looking at Lariette, “Guess that we can’t play games, huh? No dancing around the bonfire too.”

Lariette shook her head, “Not when you’re injured. Let’s just go back. I’ll apply some cold compress for you.”

Lariette couldn’t help feeling disappointed, but she knew there was nothing else she could do. All she thought about now was to get Ruediger to rest instead of straining himself.

Ruediger wanted to protest by saying they could stay longer at least, but he swallowed his words. The bleak look on Lariette’s face made him feel guilty despite knowing there was nothing to blame.

“Okay. Let’s go back.”

Before leaving, Ruediger and Lariette checked on the old man. Fortunately, he didn’t suffer from any injuries aside from minor cuts.

“Thank you again, young man.”

“I’m glad that you’re okay,” Ruediger nodded with a smile, waving one hand at the old man, “Still, be careful next time.”

“Sure, sure,” said the old man sheepishly. His grandson bowed at Ruediger, also thanking him.

Later, Ruediger and Lariette made their way to the bicycle parking area. She unlocked the chain before stating, “You sit in the back. I’ll ride us home.”

Ruediger froze. He quickly shook his head, “Lettie, it’s fine. I can still ride it.”

“Don’t underestimate me,” Lariette glared at Ruediger, not taking no from him, “Stand over there.”

“…okay.”

Without intending to, Ruediger couldn’t help but picture a hissing, angry cat when Lariette continued glaring at him.