Chapter 6: He's Mute?
He was still alive? Si Ling let out a self-mocking smile.
Looking around, he realized he was in a wolf's den. Not far from him, two wolf cubs were sleeping soundly. Was his savior a wolf?
He raised his brows in surprise, but soon he overthrew his previous speculation. Looking at his wounded waist and abdomen, he noted that it had been cleaned and bandaged with white cotton fabric. In addition, he was clean of blood stains. It was as if that night had never happened. Su Ling accurately guessed that the one that had saved him was a human and not a wolf.
However, who could this person be to have such medical experience to save him, a person who was on the brink of death?
Not only did this person get rid of both toxins in his body, but the wounds on his body were also recovering at an unnatural pace.
Just as he was wondering, Si Ling heard footsteps nearing the entrance of the cave. He quickly closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep.
The person who had entered the cave was indeed Su Shuilian, who had finished washing her face at the creek. She had also collected some edible plants near the stream. Putting the plants in a basket; Su Shuilian crouched down near the man. Seeing that he was still not awake, Shuilian no longer bothered with him and went to wake up the two small wolf cubs. "Xiao Chún, Xiao Xue get up. We have a lot of chores to complete, ah. If you don't help out, then no meals for you, ah."
Just as she expected, as long as they heard the word 'meal,' the two puppies would jump right up, as if they were feigning sleep.
"Haha, while I prepare the food, you two should go to the creek and wash your front paws. Don't run too far ok?" Su Shuilian shook her head as she smiled at the wolf pups who were wagging their tails as they quickly ran out to the stream.
Since when did she start speaking to the wolves like this, ah? But they could understand her... Staying in the forest for so long, she was afraid that she would lose her human communication skills, so she could only talk to the wolf pups...
Shaking her head, Su Shuilian decided not to think too much about it. Humming a small tune, Su Shuilian continued to make her wild vegetable and meat soup.
Maybe after breakfast, she can get the two puppies to help her catch some of the fish in the stream. When she was at the creek, she saw many decent sized fish. There were even thumb-size prawns that occasionally surfaced. She hoped these wolf cubs were just as agile in the water as they were on land.
Thinking of the possibilities, Su Shuilian gulped. Since she had been stuck in the forest, all she had to eat were some vegetables and animal meat. If they could add fish and shrimp to their meals, that would be wonderful, ah.
Si Ling looked at Su Shuilian's back as she was facing the other way. Si Ling was stunned. So the person who'd saved him seemed to be a girl who was unaware of worldly affairs. He then thought that maybe it was exactly because she was unaware that she had dared to save him. Thinking of his infamy, not many were unaware of his name. He was one of the top three assassins within the whole country – the most wanted man in Feng Yao Court, Si Ling.
Then, a sudden thought came to mind, causing Si Ling's cold eyes to flash with anger. Feng Qingya! I, Si Ling had always executed all the tasks without fail and never had other thoughts. But after the previous head died, due to distrust, not only did you poison me with two different toxins, you even had Si Tuo and his group come and personally kill me. With such lowly means, how long can Feng Yao Court last under your control? Only because the past head had owed a great debt to you, will I spare you this time, but there will be no more 'next time,' Feng Qingya....
Su Shuilian heard a 'humph' sound, and looked back in puzzlement. She tilted her head in thought for a moment before going to Si Ling's side. She stared at his face for a moment, but found nothing out of the ordinary. Sticking out her finger, Shuilian was about to check for his breath, when suddenly a hand grasped tightly onto her wrist.
"Wah!" Shocked and scared, Su Shuilian fell to the ground. She looked at the man in front of her, who had been unconscious for five days and nights. When she looked into his dark eyes that were devoid of warmth, she fearfully looked away. Su Shuilian wanted to stand up, but noticed that her wrist was still tightly gripped; the pain was so immense that she wanted to cry out.
Holding back the tears in her eyes, Su Shuilian glared at him and said, "Let me go, you barbarian!"
How ungrateful ah! The usually tempered and gentle Su Shuilian could not help but blurt out in anger.
Immediately, she became annoyed at herself for learning how to cuss at others. Her cheeks turned slightly red. However, her actions did not stop as she continued to struggle to get out of his restraint.
Unknownst to even himself, Si Ling's eyes flashed with an ambiguous light. When he released his hand, Su Shuilian quickly took back her hands while taking a few steps back.
"Since you are up, then make yourself at home!" Su Shuilian said in a calm voice, but it was not that difficult to detect the anger from her tone of voice. With those words, she quickly turned around to continue brewing her soup as she no longer wanted to talk to this mannerless man.
Si Ling raised his brow. Was she grimacing at herself? Gently, he pressed on the multiple wounds on his body, only to find no pain. Puzzled, Si Ling sat up only to find himself lying on a thick layer of leaves covered by a warm mat of tiger fur. He guessed it was the bed of the girl and the two wolf cubs. Their treatment of him was not bad, ah.
Lightly, Si Ling tried to stand up with the support of the cave walls. His weak condition had confirmed that his injuries were as serious as he had thought. With a sudden wave of dizziness, Si Ling fell onto the cave wall, struggling not to fall.
When Su Shuilian heard the sounds of movement, she could not help but look back. Looking at the man who was saved from the brink of death making such a reckless action, she quickly forgot her previous anger and she quickly took large strides forward. Helping him up, she muttered, "Do you want to die again? With such heavy wounds, you think just a few days of lying down can completely heal you?"
Only when she carefully helped him down did Su Shuilian go and check on his wounds that were covered by the cotton wrapping. Seeing no reopening of the wounds, Su Shuliang sighed in relief. Looking into his chilled eyes that revealed a trace of weakness, Su Shuilian gathered her courage and said, "I spent a lot of time and effort to save you, so don't let me see you go down again."
Si Ling did not voice a sound and only glanced at her for a moment. He then closed his eyes to rest.
"Eh, could he be mute?" Su Shuilian frowned in response. Right from waking up till now, this man did not say anything. Thinking back to when he was surrounded by the other men, she also did not hear him say anything...
Su Shuilian was discouraged by her conclusion about this man. She had finally managed to save this man... She had wanted to get information from him about this world to plan her future. This was just great. This man turned out to be a mute.
"Oh, what horrible luck ah." Su Shuilian's back leaned against the wall as she sat down with her knees in front of her. She placed her forehead on her knees, and thought: it seemed that she could no longer ask about anything, ah... She had wanted to know the prices of the properties here. If she were to go out, Su Shuilian was not sure how long she could last with the amount of coins she had.
-----
When Si Ling woke up once again, he found himself alone in the wolf den.
Looking at the two cleanly licked bowls, while he was asleep, that girl and the two wolves must have finished their meals and gone out. Struck with self-loathing, he blamed his currently weak body. How else could he have slept so deeply in such an unfamiliar place? He did not even detect them leaving. If it were in the past, he would have died countless times.
Thinking back, right when he was about to sleep, he had heard her mumble something about being mute... was she talking about himself?... Because he did not talk, had it led her to think that he was mute? Ok, then let's pretend to be mute. Let's see her reactions...
While in the midst of this thought, Si Ling suddenly heard her voice. It seemed that she was talking to the wolf pups.
With her soft tone of voice, he had guessed this girl's temper and personality was just as gentle. However, with a sudden flashback of her angry expression and her shouting "barbarian" when he had grabbed her wrist, refusing her hand to get any closer, Si Ling's mood inexplicably got better.
"Shh, don't be too loud. If he wakes up, we're going to have to go out again." Peeking into the cave, Su Shuilian saw that Si Ling's eyes were still closed. Putting her index finger to her lips, she gestured at the wolves to not make a sound.
Hearing her words, Si Ling frowned. What 'going out again'? Just because he would wake up, they would be driven out of their own house?
Si Ling's unfazed heart suddenly rippled in anger. No longer did he pretend to sleep as he opened his eyes and coldly stared at Su Suiliang.
Su Shuilian was quietly preparing lunch when, suddenly, she felt a chill on her back that caused her to shiver. However, she did not think too much about it. She picked up the just-cleaned rock pot and put four fish into it. The other six fish she planned to take out to grill.
Those two little rascals were really powerful, ah. They caught 20 fish with ease... Selecting the 10 biggest ones for today, Su Shuilian planned to dry the rest. On such hot days, the fish will quickly go bad. Using the salty fruits and seasoned berries, she could make plentiful amounts of salted grilled fish.
Thinking, Su Shuilian let out a chuckle in content.
Seeing that she was able to chuckle by herself, Si Ling could not help but sound out a 'humph.' Very good, now, her attention was on him.
"Eh, you're up?" Su Shuilian looked back to see Si Ling staring back at her. Quickly, she stopped her previous actions and walked towards him and embarrassedly said, " I... I was rude before, sorry.... That, uh do you feel better now? Xiao Chún and Xiao Xue caught a lot of fish today. Are you able to drink some warm soup? If you want some, you can nod..."
Su Shuilian anxiously said to the man she had concluded to be mute as she let out a shy smile.
At her honest look and confession, Si Ling involuntarily nodded.
"Ok, just rest for a bit. I'll go prepare the soup... It'll be ready soon." After getting an answer, Su Shuilian helped him pull the blanket up, and then retreated back to preparing the food.
Chapter 7: You Are Not a Mute
"Xiao Chún, Xiao Xue. It's time to eat!"
Su Shuilian called out to the playing wolf pups. Having finished cooking the fish soup, she poured it into two stone bowls. One bowl was placed at the usual corner for the wolves, while the other was for the man resting on the tiger fur.
It seems that she had to find another suitable stone to use as another bowl...She'll also need another spoon and another pair of chopsticks.
Taking out her pair of chopsticks and spoon, Su Shuilian gave herself a mental note to make another set when she had the time.
With such heavy injuries, even with the use of the magical green liquid, just five days of recovery would not be enough. He was still weak... To leave the forest, that can only happen a month later. With such thoughts, Su Shuilian calmly planned out her future actions.
Taking four of the six dried fish, Su Shuilian handed it to the two energetically eating pups. The other two, she took to Si Ling along with the bowl of fish soup. She was about to call him when she suddenly realized that she had never gotten his name. Before, she had heard the other men in black call him "Si Ling," "Si Lin," or maybe "Secretary Lei," but it was not appropriate to randomly use one of those names. She was eavesdropping after all.
Si Ling was already aware of Su Shuilian's approach toward him. He had thought that she was going to call him, but there was no sound for a while. He opened his eyes to see what was going on, only to find her standing a few steps before him dazing out. Taking this opportunity, he took a good look at the girl in front of him.
He had to admit that she was indeed a beautiful girl; her appearance would turn heads on streets, and she exuded a gentle aura. She was only wearing a plain attire, her hair braided to both sides without a single hairpin. Although she was very plainly dressed compared to the ladies on the outside who wore extravagant clothing and decorated their updone hair with flamboyant hair wear, this girl gave him an unexpected sense of comfort that he had never felt before.
"Huh?" When Su Shuilian awoke from her daze, she was met with his cold, sharp eyes. With her cheeks burning red, Su Shuilian quickly squatted down and placed the bowl on the floor. As she was helping the man sit up, Su Shuilian said, "Sit and drink some warm fish soup."
This time, Si Ling allowed her close contact with him. Su Shuilian supported his neck, moving in closer to support him up. He saw the girl use her bag as a cushion for his back, making it more comfortable than directly placing his back against the wall.
"Come, drink some of this soup. It may taste bland, but I heard that it is not good to consume too much salt when a person is severely injured." Spooning up a bit of the soup, Su Shuilian placed the spoon near Si Ling's mouth.
Si Ling looked at her face for a while. Only when she looked back at him with a puzzled expression did he open his mouth to drink. Mmn, the flavor was indeed bland, but to be able to drink this in the wild, especially since this girl seemed not to be a practitioner of martial arts... to be able to drink such authentic-like fish soup was already excellent. After savoring the taste for a while longer, there was also a hint of mushrooms as well.
One carefully fed as the other boldly drank.
The two had forgotten one thing; that he had no injury to his arms or hands, and could hold and drink the soup on his own.
---
"This is grilled fish, did you want some?" When Su Shuilian finished feeding him, she saw the man was still staring at her. She had thought that he wanted the dried and seasoned fish in her hand. Although she knew it was not good to consume dried foods when one was severely injured due to indigestion, from his intense stare, she could only ask in a low and soft voice.
Si Ling neither nodded nor shook his head; he was not hungry. The reason he was staring at her was due to her change in personality. At times she was bold, like that time she glared and cussed at him; but other times she was very shy. Like at this moment, how just with his stare, she was flushed with embarrassment, blushing all the way to her ears.
Even though she seemed to have lived in this wolf den for a while, her manners and actions appeared to be of a noble and very much lady-like. Moreover, the carved spoon and chopsticks are well made and can be seen as more of an art piece rather than tableware... This girl, how did she end up living with these wolf companions in the wild?
Although Si Ling's mind was full of doubts, his expression remained stoic, with eyes still covered with a layer of frost.
Seeing that the man did not reply for a while, Su Shuilian pouted and no longer bothered with him. Taking back her hand, she began to enjoy her long-awaited dried and seasoned fish.
---
It should be mid-summer soon, right?
Listening to the singing cicadas, Su Shuilian sat on a large rock right beside the body of flowing water. She had taken off her shoes and socks and was soaking her feet in the cool stream. Occasionally, some bold fish would come near her and brush by her feet. Su Shuilian giggled at the tickling sensations.
Since picking up Si Ling, Su Shuilian had spent most of her afternoons like this; resting by the stream.
Of course, there were times she did venture a little further into the woods to pick some wild fruit. However, she would always make it back before sunset to prepare dinner, as there were now three mouths to feed besides her own.
Looking down at her two-piece dress, she bit her lips. When she tore her second inner wear for that man to use as bandages, she did not think about how difficult it was not to have a change of underclothes, especially during the summer. Moreover, after manual work, her sticky clothes were uncomfortable, ah. So she could only use one of her two outerwear to make another two sets of underclothes.
This way, she had enough to change into. However, the material of the outerwear used was neither breathable nor sweat-absorbent. It was suffocating ah. Fortunately, most of the hot sun rays were blocked, and she only had to bear with the heat in the afternoon. In the evening, the temperature was much like spring and autumn.
Nonetheless, when winter comes, with her thin clothing, she would freeze to death.
...That man would not last in the cold, either. Thinking back, because she needed to apply medicine for him, Su Shuilian had cut a large hole on the front of the man's black clothing. And because she had to carry it through till the end, Su Shuilian had done the same to the back of it as well. His original outfit was now a low-cut garment.
Su Shuilian sheepishly bit her lips. Fortunately, when the man woke up, he did not seem to blame her for her actions. But then again, it was necessary. However, when he fully recovers, he will need to get a change of clothing.
Su Shuilian turned her head slightly, looking upstream as her thoughts started to float afar.
Not knowing how her Su family was faring. Especially her mother and elder brother, they must be very depressed. And also brother Xin Yi....
Thinking of Xin Yi, Su Shuiliang let out a bitter smile. Although brother Xin Yi had promised to wed her, that was not what he'd truly wanted. The person he liked was Shuiyan. Of course, it's because Shuiyan was a beautiful and cheerful girl. Unlike herself, who at the age of thirteen decided to seclude herself in her small courtyard. If she were not indoors embroidering, then she would be indoors reading.
Even if she did have feelings for brother Xin Yi, she wouldn't dare to make any important moves, let alone a confession. Thinking back, he had often visited her, but in the end, he would use that time to accompany Shuiyan outside. Now he should be able to love her openly.
Su Shuilian quietly sighed, recovering from her thoughts. She pulled her feet from the water to dry. After putting back on her shoes, she turned around, intending to go back to the cave.
"Ah!" Covering her mouth, Su Shuiliang exclaimed. Then quickly, she stepped forward to aid Si Ling who was using a cane to support himself. "How did you get up? And you even walked this far? Although the wound has mostly recovered, you shouldn't be pushing yourself like this!" Too naive ah. Su Shuiliang cleverly kept that last line in her heart and did not say it out loud.
Si Ling closed his eyes and allowed her to help him back.
Of course, he knew that after the last twenty days of rest. But although he was not fully recuperated, he had already recovered eighty percent of his original strength. However, his eyes flashed with a shimmer of light. This girl had biasly treated him as if he was still heavily injured. But inexplicably, he was much content by her fussiness and daily care for him.
Just before, he had been walking around familiarizing himself with his current location. When he came here, he had seen her comfortably soaking her feet in the stream. To avoid arousing suspicion, Si Ling was about to turn back around when he suddenly saw her sadden face gazing slightly upward. It was the first time he had seen this girl put on a lonely expression.
She was always gentle and cheerful, but it seems she was also capable of letting out such an emotional expression. She only looked about fifteen years of age, but that expression was much too mature for her. It was during that pause that he was discovered when she turned back around.
Did this count as peeping? Si Ling's eyes flashed with embarrassment and self-blame. However, his gaze quickly reverted to its previously cold eyes because that girl quickly came forward to support him. At the same time, she was also lecturing him. Si Ling looked down at the girl – who had only reached up to his chest, when all of a sudden, his heart felt a light tug.
—
"Hehe, you guys (Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue) are quite powerful, aren't you?" Holding the two wolf cubs, Su Shuilian generously petted their snow white fur, praising them to no end.
With midsummer soon approaching, the number of animals appearing was rapidly increasing.
Since meeting the wolf cubs, their hunting skills had been noticeably getting better. Every day, these two would make their rounds and always come back with either rabbits, pheasants, or ducks. And today, they had even managed to drag back a thick, four to five meter long python.
Though Su Shuilian had a fear of these ferocious looking beasts, in this dense forest, this was one of their few sources of food.
Besides... With the flash of her eyes and curving smile, Su Shuilian looked over toward the currently meditating Si Ling.
Si Ling was sitting with his back against the walls when he heard the girl's cheerful voice. Opening his eyes, sure enough, he was met with her shining black eyes and her pleasant smile.
He got up and walked towards the entrance of the cave. Without a word, Si Ling started to clean the huge python.
Ever since Su Shuilian saw how quickly and cleanly Si Ling had skinned a rabbit, many similar tasks were all given to him.
----
"Start packing up; we are going to leave the wilderness in two days." After Si Ling had finished his meal, he nonchalantly threw out this single sentence. At his words, Su Shuilian widened her eyes and looked at him in shock for a long time. After swallowing the food in her mouth and finding her voice, she slowly asked, "You... you are not a mute?"
Chapter 8: Preparing to Depart Again
"Start packing up, we are going to leave the wilderness in two days." After Si Ling had finished his meal, he nonchalantly threw out this single sentence. At his words, Su Shuilian widened her eyes and looked at him for a long time in shock. After swallowing the food in her mouth and finding her voice, she slowly asked, "You... you are not a mute?"
Si Ling raised his brows in disagreement, "Who said that I was a mute?" If not for his frost-covered eyes and voice, Su Shuilian would have thought he was ridiculing her.
Oh! Su Shuiliang let out a bitter laugh, dropping her shoulders, covering her face with her hands, she exclaimed in a muffled voice: "Then why didn't you say so earlier? Watching me act like that must have been very entertaining, huh?"
Si Ling internally sighed. He reached out his hand, about to appease her, but stopped mid-air. What kind of relationship does he have with her? Was it really worth it to do this?
He and her, a man and a woman living together in a secluded forest for a month and a half. That was already not appropriate.
He was indifferent, orphaned at a young age, he wandered to many places. And now that he is no longer part of Feng Yao, he also was freed from the constraints of that organization; his only last restraint was gone.
But she was different. Watching her actions, he knew that she was raised from a large noble family. Although they were living together in the forest, this was only temporary. Once they make it out of the woods, they will surely part. And when they separate, it is unlikely that they will cross paths again.
Taking back his hand, Si Ling closed his eyes and got up to walk toward the exit of the cave.
Su Shuilian only felt ashamed at herself for mistaking him for a mute. And her misconception had carried on for a month and a half... that was just great. It was good that he was not angry with her. If someone had done the same to her, she would have been furious.
After self-contemplating, Su Shuilian put her hands down and looked up. She was ready to apologize to him, but he was no longer there. She was alone with the two wolf cubs devouring the cooked python meat.
During these past two days, Su Shuilian had felt something was off.
Yes, after that day's single phrase, the man no longer spoke again.
Had he misunderstood her reaction? Would he rather be mute than converse with her?
While allowing herself to run wild in her imagination, Su Shuilian continued to pack up; after leaving, she'll never return, right?
The truth was, other than some minor inconveniences, living in this forest was really not that bad. Especially since after the man had recovered, all the manual labor was done by him. With that, Su Shulian was more at ease and also was given more leisure time.
But, even with the endless amounts of wild animals, wild fruits and other foods, with their measly set of light attire, they would not last during the winter season.
Thinking so, Su Shuilian's packing speed noticeably increased.
All kinds of dried meat, dried mushroom, and wild fruit were stuffed into a baggage.
When her eyes swept to the gourd on the ground, Su Shuilian was suddenly reminded of the rest of the green liquid. She hurriedly took large steps towards the inner part of the cave. Sure enough, there was still some of the liquid remaining. Since this liquid was so easy to use, why not take it all?
Although the remaining was not used to put into the soup that she had made for the man, why not add some water to it, and put it in the gourd to take away? Although there was only a small amount left, if injured, this can really help ah.
"What are you doing?" As Su Shuilian was happily immersed in her thoughts, a sudden low voice cut in and surprised her. Losing her balance, Su Shuilian slipped and fell backwards.
Oh no! Su Shuilian closed her eyes in fear of the incoming pain. Speak of the devil, ah, she was just thinking about future injuries, and now she was going to be injured....
Huh? How come it's so soft? And warm too... this is....
"Ah!" Su Shuilian's mind made a quick turn. She quickly jumped out of Si Ling's arms. With her face flushed red, Su Shuilian looked down and shyly said: "Thank you."
Si Ling took back his hands awkwardly; he had reacted without thinking when he had moved to catch her fall. Only when her soft and fragrant body had fallen onto his chest did he realize how repressed he was. "What are you doing? Don't you know how to be careful?" He strongly pressed down his indescribable loss, and with a low tone, he spoke in his previous cold, indifferent tone.
"I ... ..." Su Shuilian pouted, but did not know how to explain herself. She could not refute that it was his fault for interrupting her thoughts and thus surprised her into losing her balance when stepping backwards. After all, he did not carry ill intentions.
"Oh yeah, come, see this..." When Su Shuilian realized she had yet to pack the liquid, she tugged on Si Ling's clothes and instructed him to walk closer towards the tiny 'pool' under the stalactite.
Si Ling raised his brow, but wordlessly stepped forward.
This is!? His eyes flashed with a complex light. Sticking his pinky into the small body of water, he took a taste. Indeed, it really was it. Was this what the girl had used to save him from the brink of death?
Si Ling turned around and locked gazes with the smirking little woman behind him.
This fool, to use this rarely found 'Heart of Jade Fairy Essence' on him... Did she not know that after a month of continuous use of this essence, it can extend a person's life? In addition, become immune to all diseases and poisons?
"What did you say? You used two spoonfuls on me!?" When Si Ling heard Su Shuilian's simple, yet not simple explanation, he felt an upsurge of emotions. Thousands of thoughts left to only one: This fool!
"A spoonful for oral application, the other for external application." Su Shuilain added. Although she found it strange why he suddenly was interested in how he recovered.
"Have you tried this yourself?" Si Ling asked, as he poured a bit of water into the liquid and scooped it into the gourd.
"Yes, in the beginning I did not know what it was. However when I tasted a little bit and found that it helped with resisting hunger. Later, when I dropped it on my scarred hand, it completely healed." Su Shuilian happily smiled as she replied.
Thinking back to the past, when she had just gotten here, she had stared dazed at the dead tiger for such a long time. Looking at herself now, although she would occasionally daze, she was still much better than before.
When Si Ling heard her say 'scarred hand', he could not help but frown. Yes, she was a weak woman; it must have been difficult for her to have survived alone in the wilderness. For her, to be able to have not suffered in depression and was even living so carefreely... Looking at the delicately carved spoon, Si Ling thought to himself.
---
"All ready." Su Shuilian said as she finished tying the knot to her bag. When she finished covering the basket full of fruit, Su Shuilian raised her head and smiled at Si Ling.
Si Ling took her bag and her basket, and also her tiger fur. Su Shuilian called over the two wolf puppies. They were ready to set off.
"Uh...What is your name? I am Su Shuilian."
Su Shuilian shyly made her introduction. Although the two had been living together, they had yet to get each other's name. Although it was ok like this in the woods, as it was only the two of them, once they got out of the forest... It would be embarrassing to not know what to call each other.
Si Ling glanced down as Su Shuilian looked down in embarrassment. When he saw her exposed clean white nape, he quickly averted his gaze.
"Lin Si Yao." Si Ling coldly said.
Si Ling, whose name was associated with Feng Yao, including his identity and status. After cutting his ties with the organization, he shall also rid himself of his past name.
Su Shuilian nodded, and secretly rejoiced that she had not abruptly called him by the name that she had vaguely heard from that time.
"Lin... Si Yao, after we get out of this forest, do you know how far it is to the nearest town?" As Su Shuilian overcame her embarrassment in calling his name, she asked the question that had been long circling her mind. Looking down at her own body's unusual attire, she could not wait to buy a new set of clothing.
Although she had called him by his made-up name, his heart still felt a throb. Steadying his mind, thinking back, he had stayed overnight at a nearby location. Thinking it was called Fan Lou City, nodding, he said: "About half a day."
"So close?" Su Shuilian shouted in surprise. Pouting, she muttered: "If I knew that, then I would have left much sooner."
Looking at all the baggage Su Shuilian was carrying, Lin Si could not help but sigh.
Lin Si Yao naturally heard her whisper. If it was him using qigong, then it would only take half a day, but at her pace, and with the need to stop once every so while, it would have to take a long time. With that thought, he blurted out: "According to your speed, it would take three days.
Hearing this, Su Shuilian looked up in shock as she quickly exclaimed: "What?" What he meant was that at his pace, it would take half a day, but she would have to take three?
"Or I can take you." Without a second thought, Lin Si Yao quickly blurted out.
Su Shuilian looked puzzledly at him. What did he mean? Was he not already leading the way?
Lin Si Yao tied the baggage onto his back, gave the fruit basket to Xiao Chun, and tied the tiger fur to Xiao Xue. With a 'let's go', he picked up Shuilian (in a princess carry), jumped and started to quickly make his way out of the forest.
Surprised at his sudden movement, Su Shuilian subconsciously wrapped her hands around his neck.
After she found with a single jump, Lin Si Yao had already moved ten meters away from their original location, her original tension and shyness changed to joy and respect. So this was the legendary qigong ah!
Lin Si Yao feared that she would be afraid and cry, wanting to come down. After all, this type of position from an outsider's point of view, should only be done by husband and wife.
Husband and wife? The sudden words floated upon Lin Si Yao's mind, but he quickly rejected this possibility. She was not a person he could pursue.
Chapter 9: Finally out of the Forest
As the cicadas sang their songs in the summer of the forest, if someone were to be here, they would see: running as fast as the wind, two wolves carrying large bags and luggages on their back, chasing a seemingly recklessly shuffling man dressed in black. And in this man's embrace was a strangely dressed girl with long braids.
"Do... Do you want to stop and rest?" Looking up, Su Shuilian softly asked when she saw that Lin Si Yao's forehead had developed a light layer of sweat.
Though Lin Si Yao had heard what she said, he only glanced at her, but he did not have any intention of stopping.
Su Shuilian bit her lips; she did not know what to say. To him, she was just a girl who did not know martial arts. Even her walking pace was slower than others. Was she an inconvenience to him?
Seeing her actions, Lin Si Yao let out a light sigh. Choosing a location with a wide clearing, he gently placed Shuilian down on a large stone next to a tree. "I'll go look for water," He said as he turned around. With a jump, he disappeared from Su Shuilian's sight.
Was he angry? Su Shuilian thought as she rubbed her slightly numbed arms. She had apparently heard the stiffness in Lin Si Yao's voice. But... She was worried that he was overworking himself. Although she was not heavy, she was a... 15-year-old girl. Carrying her continuously for an hour, doesn't it tire him out?
As Su Shulian massaged her numbed legs, her mind started to wander.
Suddenly, she realized a problem and instantly blanked out. Her hands stopped in the middle of their movements.
Heavens! How old was this body? From her height and the fuzzy reflection from the creek, she had assumed her body was about fifteen in age; but it had already been three months – why is it that she had never menstruated?
Su Shuilian covered her mouth in shock. This body... Was it even fifteen? Dropping her shoulders, Su Shuilian buried her head in her knees.
Seeing her like this, Lin Si Yao who had come back with water held in a large leaf, wrinkled his brows. He was about to call her when the heavily panting wolves who had finally caught up arrived.
"Xiao Chun, Xiao Xue......" Su Shuilian also heard the two wolf cubs. Pushing her frustration aside, Su Shuilian looked up with a smile. Intimately petting their soft fur, she was about to praise their hard work when she saw Lin Si Yao a few meters ahead.
In the shadows of a molded tree stood an exquisitely handsome and slender man. If one were to stand next to him, one would feel a cold breeze instead of the hot summer air.
"You're back?" Su Shuilian lightly asked while smiling.
Lin Si Yao nodded as he handed the leaf to her. Even from his leaping, all of the water had stayed in the middle without any droplets to the side of the leaf, let alone dripping out.
"Thank you." Taking the leaf, she took a small sip from it. She had planned to ask if Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue were thirsty, but was surprised to see them walking toward the location of the streams themselves. What she didn't know was that when she was taking a few sips of water, Lin Si Yao had scared them away with a cold stare.
Su Shuilian looked puzzledly at Lin Si Yao: "What's with them today? It seems as if they've become much more sensible, oh."
Lin Si Yao raised his brow but did not comment. Praising animals as rational, only she would say such a thing. Subsequently laying his back on the large tree, Li Si Yao sat cross-legged, using this opportunity to rest.
Seeing that Lin Si Yao was self-recuperating, Su Shuilian no longer bothered him. Quietly, she observed her surroundings and listened to the forest's sounds by the cicadas. Occasionally, there were also bright and beautiful chirping sounds from the wild birds. Resting on the trunk of the tree, she slowly fell asleep.
In her dreams, she returned to her courtyard in the Su House. Sitting in her small, yet beautiful courtyard, Su Shuilian was basking in the warm rays of the afternoon sun. From time to time, she would cheerfully speak to the maidservants that were beside her.
Suddenly, the scene changed. Su Shuilian was standing in her esteemed father's room, and in her hands, was the embroidery piece that she had painstakingly finished.. This piece was called the "Riverside Stroll." She had waited for a long time, but neither her esteemed father nor her elder brother came; instead, in arrived her stepmother and Shuiyan. Without a word, they snatched the embroidery out of her hands, and not only that; they fiercely pushed her to the side.
Vaguely, she heard her step-mother coldly say, "Su Shuilian! The Su Embroidery House will not be singled-handedly deceived by you!"
I didn't! Su Shuilian wanted to shout back in a retort, but she soon lost the strength in her body. Slowly, her sense of sight and smell slowly blurred out.
Su Shuilian furrowed her brows- it was cold. She subconsciously scooted closer and wrapped her hands around the warmth near her.
Lin Si Yao helplessly looked at the little woman in his embrace as he adjusted his grip without affecting his speed as he leaped from tree to tree.
The two wolf pups were right behind the man as they each carried their luggage. After the last time, they were determined to keep them in sight, and rushed to keep up – or else their owner may be taken away by this man.
When Su Shuilian had woken up, she discovered herself midair and in the embrace of Lin Si Yao.
"Ah!" She embarrassingly buried her head, but realized that this action had put her closer in proximity to him.
Realizing how naturally she had put her arms around his neck, Su Shuilian stole a peek at Lin Si Yao. Discovering that he had not noticed her embarrassment, Su Shuilian sighed with relief. Quickly, she released her arms, putting a little bit of space between them.
Looking around, Su Shuilian noticed the unfamiliar terrain surrounding her. The sun was close to setting in the west... It seems that she was asleep for quite a while.
Looking down in embarrassment, Su Shuilian tried hard not to let her blush reach her ears.
Only then did Lin Si Yao look down at the currently self-contemplating Su Shuilian. An unknown feeling suddenly emerged from his heart. However, he felt that this feeling had inexplicably filled his heart completely.
"Take a break, we'll be out of the forest in an hour. I'll go get more water" In a rather good mood; Lin Shi Yao had spoken more than he had usually done. Under Su Shuilian's astonished gaze, he awkwardly turned around to begin his quest for water.
Su Shuilian was indeed surprised, but this way Lin Si Yao seemed much more approachable.
Looking at the heavily breathing wolves that had closed in towards her, Su Shuilian gently patted their heads as she untied the burdens on them. Opening the basket of fruit, Su Shuilian took out two that were high in water content to feed to them.
Soon, Lin Si Yao was seen coming back with a large leaf of water in his hands. With a sweep of his eyes, the two wolves subconsciously stepped back, but quickly sprang away after Lin Si Yao had arrived towards Su Shuilian's side.
Su Shuilian dazedly looked at Lin Si Yao for a second before exclaiming: "They are really smart ah! Even without saying anything, Xiao Xue and Xiao Chun already know what to do! How come I only discovered this now?"
Lin Si Yao sat down, and pretended to have not heard her words. The way that she said it seemed as if he was a wolf whisperer.
"Oh yeah, what are your plans after we make it out of the forest?" Su Suilian asked as she took small sips of the water. Pursing her lips, she could not help but curiously ask about his plans.
Lin Si Yao's body twitched without her detection, but his face remained cold and frozen. Was she driving him away now? But of course, after they make it out, she will have to go home. He had lived a solitude life; it made no difference where he went or lived.
"I am unfamiliar with the (commodity) prices outside. Say, about how much would a small house cost?" Supporting her chin, Su Shuilian leisurely added. Although she was asking him, Su Shuilian also seemed to be asking herself. Thinking back to her five silver ingots in her purse, Su Shuilian pondered if it were enough to sustain herself.
Hearing this, Lin Si Yao opened his icebound eyes, but this time, there was a trace of confusion in them.
"Are you not going home?" He softly asked. With even her mannerism so elegant, even her sitting posture extruded grace. It was hard to believe that she was like him: a homeless orphan.
"My home.... I don't think I can go back to." Su Shuilian replied as she sunk her face. Her hands clutched her silk trousers as her eyes flashed with a sense of loss.
Lin Si Yao turned towards her. Can't go back home? What does it mean? However, his habit of always performing tasks without ever inquiring caused him not to question her further. Rubbing his fingers, Lin Si Yao pondered for a bit before saying, "In the city, the lowest would be about fifty taels, as for the outskirts and the farm areas... the land there is about fifteen taels."
Su Shuilian looked at Lin Si Yao in surprise, did he say that to her?
Fifty taels? Fifteen taels?
With the amount that she has, Su Shuilian knew that living in the city was not possible. Fine then. She'll just go to one of the villages to find a suitable house. With her farmland and house, it seemed that she would become a peasant woman. Thinking about this, Su Shuilian let out a smile.
Lin Si Yao looked at Su Shuilian's face for a bit before turning to check the almost setting sun. He got up and said, "Let's go."
"But Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue..." --aren't back yet. Su Shuilian didn't finish her words because she soon saw the two emerging from behind the trees. They were even cleverly waiting for Lin Si Yao to tie their share of baggage on their backs.
What kind of situation was this? Are wolves always this understanding of human nature? Su Shuilian looked at Lin Si Yao and then turned her head down to look at the two wolves who were wagging their tails. She was left speechless.
What she didn't know was that Lin Si Yao had exuded his internal forces, which scared the wolves into obeying his every order. For now, they could only follow his every command as they were too weak to beat him. Of course, wait until they grow up, and soon he'll know who's the stronger one.
Around an hour later, Su Shuilian was finally able to see the end of the woods. Without herself knowing, she embraced Lin Si Yao's neck out of joy. Heaven knew that she had stayed in the forest for three long months! Other than trees were bushes, and other than creeks, there were streams! Tired from the lack of visual stimuli, ah!
Now she finally witnessed a different view, although it was only a vast amount of farmland. A little further, she could see a reflection of stars on the ground, presumably a large pond. Then in the distance... Wow! Villages! Villages with actual smoke rising to the air! Su Shuilian was exhilarated.
Finally!
She was finally out of the forest!
Chapter 10: Fan Luo City
Taking advantage of the fact that the sun had yet to rise, Lin Si Yao quickly leaped ahead with Su Shuilian in his arms. Fortunately, the farmers had already packed and left for home, because they would have freaked out if they had seen this scene. This was not a human walking. It was more like a ghost drifting ah! They were even followed by two white, four-legged monsters.
These two were helpless. Dressed in black and carrying a bizarrely dressed Su Shuilian, Lin Si Yao was not at fault. At the same time, it was also not the fault of the two wolves. They were only carrying white-bagged luggages on their back, which had looked like grotesque ghosts from afar.
Fine, the fault lies in Miss Su, in her dereliction of duty. She should not have cut Lin Si Yao's clothes when attempting to clean his wounds. She should not have cut her other outer clothing because she only had one change of innerwear. She should not have longed for the sweet and sour wild fruits, the soft tiger fur, and her weaved-vinenet – that she had taken so much effort on, with no choice but to rely on the just recently matured young wolves.
"How about... I'll just go by myself," Su Shuilian glanced at the sweat dripping down Lin Si Yao's face. She felt ashamed of herself for having him carry her bags for an entire summer day.
Lin Si Yao glanced down at Su Shuilian. If he had let her walk on her own, catching up to his speed would have been impossible. However, to continue carrying her like this wasn't a realistic idea either. They were getting closer to the town, and if the villagers saw her being embraced by him, then it'd damage her reputation in the future.
Faced with a difficult decision, Lin Si Yao frowned. At the same time, the sounds of a chariot came from the outside; he immediately halted in the middle of his leap and spun Su Shuilian around before putting her down.
After being spun several times by Lin Si Yao, Su Shuilian felt dizzy as she staggered. As if she was about to fall, Lin Si Yao exerted force and gracefully pulled her into his bosom.
"Be careful." His low voice was heard from the top of her head.
Su Shuilian was ashamed and angry at the same time. You didn't have to make such movements to put me down! Didn't you know that such actions can cause dizziness? And what "Be careful"!? It's as if you are saying it for my own good. With my whole body in your embrace, how do I 'be careful'?!
But because of her gentle and smooth temperament, Su Shuilian did not dare not speak her thoughts out loud. Moreover, he did not do anything wrong; it was just because she was too helpless. With just two spins, she was already unable to tell east from west.
Lin Si Yao, however, did not pay attention to her look of anger – he was carefully listening to the sound of the horse carriage that was closing in.
"Yu-" the coachman halted his carriage when he saw the silhouettes of people on the side of the road. He was certain that these people would hitch a ride on his carriage. This happens countless times; he had already lost count on how many times this happens each day. Not to mention, the sun has almost set – many people are trying to rush into a safe location. In these recent years of peace and comfort, the lazy soldiers who guarded the doors no longer locked the gates due to the lack of thieves. But even so, the town does not exceed more than five inns. And by nighttime, they would be filled up. Looking at the strangely dressed young man and woman in front of him, he was sure that they were not locals.
With this thought, the driver mentally decided in his mind. Hardening his heart, he shouted at Su Shuilian, "Do the two of you need a ride ah? Just thirty bronze and this old man will help you today."
Lin Si Yao's eyes flashed with a glint, he was just about to step forward to kick the man off and take his carriage when he was interrupted by Su Shuilian's delighted words, "Yes, thirty copper, is it? We have! Good, good! Let's go up, Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue, too."
The driver blinked, what? There were more than just these two? Immediately, two flashes of white appeared in front of him; looking closer, it was a pair of snow white dogs, each carrying something. Even more surprising, they had already actively got onto the carriage.
Su Shuilian tugged Lin Si Yao as she happily made her way onto the carriage. Untying the bag on Lin Si Yao, she took out the smallest piece of silver in her purse and gave it to the coachman.
"Uncle, is this enough? "
The coachman took a look. It had turned out to be a piece of silver, worth more than a hundred pieces of copper. Immediately, he smiled and said: "Very much enough, you guys sit tight, this old man is setting off now."
The air around Lin Si Yao became more chilly. It was not, however, due to Su Shuilian's initiative to give the driver money, but because of his habitual nature to do harm.
Lowering his eyes to his hands that had been bathed in the blood of others, it was hard to say if he could ever wash his sins away. Himself, compared to Su Shuilian, was like the difference between the mud and the clouds. With this thought, Lin Si Yao's whole body again started to extrude a cold chill. This had scared the two wolf cubs who were previously horsing around to become well-behaved. They quietly sat next to him and no longer dared to spoil themselves in Su Shuilian's lap.
"You... Are you alright?" Su Shuilian looked worriedly at the quiet Lin Si Yao. She had thought he was exhausted from carrying her for so long. After all, this is his first time after recovering to have done such strenuous labor. Fearing that he had reopened his wound or caught a fever, without a thought, Su Shuilian reached out to feel his forehead.
Lin Si Yao was shocked by her actions and spaced out for a bit. Looking into her eyes full of worry, he softly replied: "I'm all right." as he gently took down her hand. When his fingertips touched the tenderness of her hand, Lin Si Yao subconsciously retracted his murderous aura, afraid that it would scare her.
If the two wolves could read his mind, they would have loudly refuted: Boss, you are only intimidating to us; the owner is immune to your killing intent, ok?
---
After traveling for about three hours, Su Shuilian felt the speed of the carriage slow down. Opening the carriage curtains, she curiously stuck her head out.
"Wahhhh, How beautiful!" Su Shuilian shouted her inner thoughts. Compared to her embroidery work, [The Tranquil River], this scenery here was so much more lovely.
Hearing her, Lin Si Yao secretly frowned, this was but a remote town. It was not worthy of her sincere praise. Her original family's geographical location and scenery could not be compared to this- this measly town, right?
Su Shuilian sights were stuck looking at all of the bright lanterns in front of all the buildings in this town.
Although this was not as lively and as busy compared to the festivals in her previous life, there was a unique atmosphere, or it was more accurate to say that this seemed more natural. Yes, it is because her past life (Republic of China era) was more modern. Although some people may view this regression of lifestyle as unacceptable, for her, on the contrary, after three months of forest life, Su Shuilian was very much excited at the lively atmosphere.
Afraid others may find her strange – Su Shulian secretly laughed.
"This is the most lively street of Luo Town, and because today is the Seventh of the Seventh Month, the streets are more lively. Later they will even be setting lotus floats and beginning the Fairy's Night. Would you like to stop here, or would you like to be dropped off at an inn?" said the coachman as he slowly halted his horse. He had turned and lifted the hanging curtain, and enthusiastically asked them; to have received so much compensation, he would naturally attend to them.
Su Shuilian turned to look at Lin Si Yao. She was unfamiliar with the place, so naturally, it was difficult for her to decide.
Lin Si Yao felt her silent plea for help; so to the driver, he said in a decisive voice: "Straight to the inn."
"Ok, la!" When the driver got the order, he immediately replied. "Jia!" as he motioned at the horse. The carriage slowly started moving again as it made its way down the main street of Fan Luo City.
Su Shuilian looked out the window as she enjoyed looking at the items that every stall was selling. After thinking about the driver's words, she turned back to ask Lin Si Yao, who was resting with his eyes closed: "What is the Seventh of the Seventh Month, the lotus floats, and what is the Fairy's Night?"
Lin Si Yao opened his eyes, unexpectedly meeting gazes with Su Shuilian's glittering, crystal eyes. He quickly averted his eyes. His cheeks rose with a not-so-obvious heat.
"The Double Seven Meeting*." Lin Si Yao explained.
(Chinese Valentine's Day, when Cowherd and Weaving Maid (牛郎织女) were allowed their annual meeting)
Looking into her eyes full of interest, Lin Si Yao blurted: "Do you want to go?"
"Yeah!" Su Shuilian nodded. Blinking, she looked at Lin Si Yao and softly asked: "Can we?"
Lin Si Yao involuntarily nodded his head, only to later realize he seemed to be unable to refuse her pleas.
"That's great!" Su Shuilian happily exclaimed as she let out a radiant smile. She unconsciously tugged at Lin Si Yao's clothes and said, "Thank you..."
Watching her tug at the hem of his clothes, Lin Si Yao once again blanked out.
---
"Prepare two rooms, a pack of incense, hot water (bathing), warm meals, and two sets of men's and women's clothes." Walking into the inn with Su Shuilian, Lin Si Yao let out a series of orders toward the smiling innkeeper.
"Ok, not a problem! Your command will be immediately followed! A'Feng, bring these two upstairs to their designated rooms." The innkeeper happily took the silver ingot deposits that Lin Si Yao had thrown at him. For these two people to have ordered hot water, hot food, but also clothes, and a pack of incense. He had earned a lot today!
Lin Si Yao no longer bothered with the innkeeper as he pulled Su Shuilian upstairs.
"Um, guests... Pets like cats and dogs are prohibited from entering the inn, how about this little one help bring them to the back yard?" Wanting to greet the other incoming customers, the innkeeper turned around to see a pair of snow white dogs carrying a basket of fruit. Although it was truly an unusual sight, the rules of the shop would not be broken. He could only shout at the two people making their way up the stairs and nod at them apologetically.
Su Shuilian moved her lips; she knew it would be difficult to have the wolves stay with her in the room – she did not know what to do.
"I'll leave that up to you." Lin Si Yao said to the innkeeper, as he continued to pull Su Shuilian up the stairs with him. Before turning, he swept a glance at the two wolves; the two wolves immediately followed the man to the backyard. Wu wu wu, owner, do you see how poorly he treats us? Oh, we wanted to sleep with you, owner, but that man is too fierce. We can not beat him, ah. Woo woo woo...
"How is it that I hear Xiao Chun and Xiao Xue calling out?" Su Shuilian stopped to listen more carefully before turning to Lin Si Yao, asking, "Do you hear it?"
"No," Lin Si Yao said without hesitation. "You misheard." as he continued to walk up the stairs.
This time, no one bothered them as they both made their way upstairs to their rooms.