The shopping trip continued without incident after leaving the craftsmen area. The only problem was that Mochou still needed to get a good quality knife and some arrows.
"Yichen, is there another shop that sells arrows?"
"We can head back to the shop we were going to before. That man and his son should be gone." Yichen suggested.
It wasn't that there weren't other shops. However that shop was the best and Yichen didn't want Mochou to have low quality arrows.
"If the arrows aren't well made Mochou could get hurt." Yichen thought as he changed their direction back to the craftsmen area.
Walking back Mochou was a little more vigilant. He wasn't necessarily afraid of the man and little boy, but he didn't want to cause a commotion. At least, not in town. If they were in the village it would be different. Yichen's father was the head of the village and they were a well known and respected family. However in town they were basically surrounded by enemies and strangers.
Yichen was also stressed because so far the shopping trip wasn't going as planned.
"Why is this so hard. My bae is wonderful but everyone keeps looking at him with disgust and contempt. My bae is beautiful. Those stupid scars can't cover up his beauty. Anyone who thinks differently is blind." Yichen thought as he glared once more at another woman who showed disgust and avoided walking close to them.
The two of them walked in silence. Both were preoccupied with their own worries and thoughts. It wasn't until they reached the weapons shop that Yichen finally turned around to speak.
"Mochou?" Yichen called out curiously when he noticed Mochou looking down in thought. He wanted to tell him that the man and boy were gone, but Mochou seemed to be lost in thought.
Surprised or a little taken off guard Mochou raised his head when Yichen called out his name.
"Is something on your mind?" Yichen asked when Mochou only stared back.
"I was just thinking about money. Yichen, this may seem unusual but I... I would like to have a serious conversation with you tonight about money. I want to know how much we have and the cost of things. It feels strange not knowing if the money we spent today was a lot or a little." Mochou nervously asked.
At first Yichen was a little taken aback by Mochou's concerns. It seemed a bit out of the blue but the more he thought about the more it made sense. After all Mochou had asked him about the cost of everything they bought since the first time Yichen went to town on Mochou's behalf.
"Is that all? That's fine. If you want to know anything just ask. I know there are a lot of men who try to control the household finances but I don't want to be like them. We are building a life together. There should be no secrets." Yichen said.
"How progressive?! Could it be Yichen is like me? A modern man reborn in this world." Mochou thought for a brief moment. But then he quickly shook his head.
"No way! It's already unbelievable that I was reborn to think that another person is like me would be absurd." Mochou thought as he dismissed his own thoughts.
...
Yichen held his head up high with a proud smile on his face as he lead Mochou into the Weapon shop.
Inside Mochou was surprised by the variety. There wasn't just hunting weapons like bows and arrows. There were also swords and armour.
"Yichen, are these needed?" Mochou asked. He felt the world was relatively simple but if such weapons were available he would have to change his opinion.
"Not really. At least not in this area. Closer to the northern border they often suffer attacks from the barbarians living in the north. Because of the danger the army is stationed there and villagers might buy such wares to protect themselves. There are also people who become mercenaries and guard caravans as they travel from town to town and need such weapons but living in our village they aren't needed." Yichen explained.
"Earlier you seemed to handle that man effortlessly. Have you learned martial arts?" Mochou asked. He had been wondering about it for awhile now and finally decided to ask.
"A little. Traveling with my uncle we spent a lot of time with different caravans. When we did I got to know the mercenaries or soldiers. As a kid they were happy to teach me a little martial arts. Nothing too difficult. Just simple self defence." Yichen explained.
"Are you interested in learning more?" Mochou asked.
The reason he asked was because Mochou saw potential in Yichen and was considering teaching him some more modern martial art skills he knew from his time as a soldier.
"If we ever decided to leave the village to travel I think it would be good to know, even just practicing a little every day to stay fit is also important. However I don't think I need to learn more if we plan to settle down in the village quietly." Yichen said as they browsed the store.
"I see." Mochou said as he mulled over Yichen's answer.
"I wonder if Yichen would be happier as a traveller?" He wondered. He wasn't opposed to the idea, but currently his body wouldn't be able to handle any long journeys so he set that particular conversation aside for the moment.
...
The shopkeeper had noticed Mochou and Yichen wandering the store. However he didn't leave his chair at the back of the shop. Not until Yichen called out to him to get a better look at a hunting knife.
"What kind of hunting do you plan to do?" The shopkeeper asked.
"Mostly small game like rabbit and birds, but with any luck we'll also be aiming for wild boars and deer. We need a sturdy and sharp knife. Something that can handle cutting through the thickest hides." Yichen explained.
"In that case I would suggest the knives over here. Those are sharp but they are more of an ornamental knife." The man said.
Mochou looked at the knives the man pointed to. They were definitely simpler in design but looked durable and well made.
Yichen also seemed to agree and picked up one of the smaller ones.
"Mochou come here and see how it feels in your hand." Yichen asked. When he did the shopkeeper's brow furrowed but only for a second before it returned to the disinterested expression from earlier.
Mochou held the knife and even twirled it around a few times to test the weight and balance.
"The balance is a little off but considering these are all handmade it's pretty good." Mochou thought before handing the knife back to Yichen.
Yichen stared wide eyed and unmoving at Mochou. Mochou had done the little knife wielding show without any thought. It was a habit he picked up long ago. But for Yichen and the shopkeeper neither expected the little GER to display so much skill.
"Is something wrong?" Mochou asked when he noticed Yichen staring.
"Nothing's wrong. You are simply amazing." Yichen said as he took the knife from Mochou.
"Do you like the knife?" He asked after taking it back.
"It's a good knife." Mochou said after glancing at the others. There were nicer ones but given his height and strength the little one Yichen picked out would suit him the best.
Yichen was glad Mochou found a knife that suited him. He looked around some more and aside from the arrows he didn't see anything else they might need.
"Is there anything else you want?" Yichen asked just to make sure.
"No."
YIchen brought the knife and a quiver full of arrows to the shopkeeper to buy them. While he did Mochou perked up his ears to listen.
"That will be 5 large silver." The man said without much interest.
"5 large silver?! That's even more than all our purchases combined. Are we really okay for money?" Mochou wondered.
They had bought quite a bit. They bought pots and pans, wood for Mochou's bow, a few buckets, rope, tools, and food for the house. They also went to the linen shop and bought some towels. They had more than a few things but the knife and arrows seemed to blow the budget.
Despite Mochou's shock however Yichen paid the man without batting an eye. He was so calm about it Mochou couldn't help but wonder how rich Yichen was. Despite his curiosity he decided to be patient and stick to the plan and wait until tonight.
"Where are we going now?" Mochou asked as they left the store.
"We're going to go see my eldest brother. He and my second brother should have used the family mule to come to town. We can use it to head home." Yichen explained.
"If we take the mule how will they get back?"
"Thry can get a ride from the ox cart." Yichen said.
Mochou didn't feel right taking the mule cart when Yichen's brothers needed to use it, but he wouldn't argue either.
"I'm glad Yichen feels comfortable asking his family for help. It's something I wasn't able to do for a long time." Mochou thought as he walked alongside Yichen.
When they reached the school Mochou was surprised by how many children were attending it.
"Yichen, isn't school expensive?" He asked.
"It is but my second brother Yi Hao works as an official and he was able to convince the governor to lower the cost. At the time my father also gave his support and my eldest brother Yi Ming who works at the school was willing to lower his pay as well."
"That's wonderful. I think it's important that more people have a proper education. The only way a country can strive is if they can have access to education and health care." Mochou said.
The more he heard about what Yichen's family believed and did the more he thought they were amazing.
"Yichen's family is definitely way ahead of their time in regards to how they think. I'm so lucky." Mochou thought as he playfully bumped Yichen's body with his shoulder.
Yichen was a little surprised by his gentle bump. Not only was he surprised but he was also a little worried Mochou had hurt himself. However seeing the smile on Mochou's face when he turned to ask if he was okay made all his worries disappear.
"He's being naughty again." Yichen thought as he continued to head towards the school.
...
It didn't take long before they found Yichen's brother Yi Hao. When they did Yichen quickly ran over and explained that they needed the mule cart while Mochou waited outside.
Less than a few minutes later he ran back out with a smile on his face.
"My second brother said it's fine. The mule is just over here. He and Yi Ming will catch a ride on an ox cart." Yichen said as though it were a simple matter.
"What should we do to thank them? I was planning to make some food for your family, but maybe I should add something else for your brothers?" Mochou asked.
He wasn't just doing it out of kindness he was also worried they might start to resent him if he didn't properly thank them.
"Mochou, we are a family. You don't have to thank them for every little thing. Right now we need their help. Later they might need our help. The point is that because we are a family we are there to help each other without question." Yichen explained.
Mochou looked up at Yichen still feeling uneasy about everything. After being disowned by his family his trust in the concept of family and the idea of unconditional love and support disappeared. The only person he truly felt he could trust was Yichen. Even his best friend during the apocalypse Quian Duo wasn't someone he could completely trust and rely. It also didn't help that he lost his life after being betrayed by his boyfriend.
"Sorry. It's just a bit strange for me." Mochou admitted in a sorrowful voice.
Yichen leaned down and gave Mochou a light peck on the cheek.
"Don't apologize. I know it isn't easy. Just give it some time. Eventually being part of my family won't feel so awkward." Yichen said as he hugged Mochou.
Ew!!
Suddenly from the direction of the school a group of children shouted out "ew" and laughed.
"Bug off you little brats!" Yichen playfully shouted as he shooed the children away.
Mochou couldn't help but chuckle a little as well. He much preferred being teased for being intimate with Yichen then for his appearance.
"Let's hurry home." Yichen said as he grabbed Mochou's hand and lead the way to the little stable that housed the family mule.
...
Yichen and Mochou returned home without incident. The only problem along the way was the obvious need for shocks.
Yichen jumped down and stood ready to give Mochou a hand down from the cart. Following behind him Mochou also stood up.
"Ow! Riding that mule is worse than a night of debauchery." Mochou complained as he rubbed his sore aching hips.
"Is that a compliment or complaint?" Yichen asked with a mischievous and playful tone as he helped Mochou down.
"Hehe, of course it's a compliment." Mochou said the moment his feet touched the ground. Yichen opened his arms planning to capture Mochou but before he could Mochou gave Yichen a quick tap on the butt and ran off into the house.
Yichen smiled and turned to run after Mochou. Inside the little hut Yichen found Mochou was waiting for him on the opposite side of the table with an innocent smile.
"Mochou, come here." Yichen called out. He stepped forward to captured the laughing but he evaded his attempts.
"This is fun. I'm in my thirties but this is fun!" Mochou thought as he continued to play with Yichen. The two of them played cat and mouse for a few minutes before Mochou started to feel a little tired.
"Gotcha!" Yichen shouted when he lunged forward and picked Mochou up in his strong arms.
Mochou rewarded Yichen with a light kiss on the lips and an innocent laugh.
...