POP.
The pepper, agitated by the rough handling and the sudden infusion of Sun Qi, detonated.
A cloud of red, spicy dust exploded in Gu Zhiwei's face.
"AAAAAHHH!" The Protagonist staggered back, clutching his eyes. "My eyes! It burns! It's a trap! The weeds are attacking!"
"You idiot!" Ji'an dropped her basket and rushed forward. "Don't grab the Exploding Chilies! They have a defense mechanism!"
"Ah, ah, ahh! I'm blind!" Gu Zhiwei wailed, tears streaming down his flawless face. "Is this the end? Tell Brother Wen I'm sorry I ate his dessert!"
"You're not blind, you just got pepper-sprayed!" Ji'an sighed, grabbing his wrist. "Come here and sit down. Don't rub them!"
She pushed the flailing Holy Son onto a rock. She pulled a waterskin from her belt, uncorked it, and soaked a clean handkerchief.
"Lean back," she ordered.
Gu Zhiwei obeyed instantly, tilting his head back, his face red and puffy. He looked pathetic. And, Ji'an had to admit, kind of cute. Like a sad, spicy bun.
