Xie Chi examined this room—it was almost three times larger than the one she lived in.

He Feng seemed to be an extremely contradictory person. His desk and chairs were spotlessly clean, the furnishings in the room arranged neatly and orderly, but this bed…

Xie Chi looked at this bed that resembled a dog’s nest. The sheets were extremely twisted, exposing the bedding underneath. The blanket was piled in the corner of the bed, and the pillow lay horizontally in the middle. How did he manage to sleep the bed into this state? Had he been fighting on it?

Xie Chi couldn’t bear to look at it anymore and moved to another part of the room, where she saw a gramophone.

This fierce bandit had such romantic taste?

Xie Chi made a circuit of the room and discovered that He Feng quite liked small ornaments. However, they were all wood carvings—crude knife work with strange and peculiar shapes, but they looked rather interesting.

Xie Chi didn’t touch anything and returned to the table, looking at that chicken.

He Feng didn’t know when he’d return, and given his stubborn personality, he’d probably really make her pick the chicken clean to the bone.

Xie Chi sighed softly and reluctantly unwrapped the packaging paper. The aroma of chicken meat wafted up. But she didn’t want to eat it at all—she’d eaten too much meat these past days: chicken, duck, goose, beef, mutton, all kinds of meat… Now seeing meat made her feel nauseous. She’d rather go dig some wild vegetables by the roadside to boil and eat.

She reluctantly broke off a drumstick and listlessly took a small bite, then suddenly widened her eyes.

What heavenly delicacy was this!

…

He Feng was called away by the chief for dinner and drank quite a bit. He returned home drunk that night.

Xie Chi had fallen asleep sprawled on the table. Hearing the commotion outside, she immediately sat up straight and looked toward the door.

He Feng met her gaze, paused in his steps for a moment, then swayed over, looking at the chicken bones on the table. “Was it good?”

“I finished eating—I’m leaving.” Xie Chi wheeled toward the exit.

He Feng caught her and brought her back, his large palms landing on her shoulders as he asked again, “Was it good?”

“It was good.” Xie Chi didn’t deny it—she had indeed eaten it clean. Although He Feng was a bastard, she had no need to make things difficult for delicious food. Since she was trapped here anyway, she might as well eat, drink, and sleep happily.

“I specially brought it for you—thank me.”

Xie Chi pinched his hand. “Thank you for the chicken. I’m going back now.”

“What’s the rush?” He Feng pushed her toward the bed.

“What are you doing now?”

He Feng flopped onto the bed, gripping Xie Chi’s wheelchair so she couldn’t leave. “Massage my legs.”

“…” Xie Chi didn’t move.

He Feng glanced at her, sat up, and lifted her horizontally onto the bed.

Xie Chi panicked a bit, pressing her hands against his chest, trying to maintain distance. “What are you doing?”

He Feng lay down again, tightly gripping her clothes. “Massage my legs.”

Xie Chi really wanted to punch him until his nose bled everywhere, but she still reached out to massage his legs, pressing hard. “Is the pressure okay?”

“Press harder—didn’t you eat anything?” He Feng closed his eyes and smiled. “Wasted a whole chicken on you.”

Xie Chi pinched hard, seemingly hitting his ticklish spot. He Feng’s leg shrank to the side, and he chuckled softly.

Xie Chi massaged him from thigh to calf, from left leg to right leg. She inadvertently noticed his crotch area. He Feng wore loose black pants, but this area was different from usual—the bulge was particularly prominent.

Xie Chi looked twice more. What was this bandit hiding there?

She had no interest in exploring. Her hand pressure gradually lightened as she tentatively called, “He Feng… Young Master… are you asleep… I’m leaving.”

He Feng released her and turned over, his back to her.

Xie Chi didn’t leave. She stared at the gun at He Feng’s waist, mesmerized.

She carefully drew out the gun and pointed the muzzle at the back of his head.

One shot and he’d die without knowing what hit him.

Xie Chi slipped it back into the holster, silently climbed off the bed, and left the room.

She had no desire to kill him at all. Setting aside the life-saving favor, although He Feng was somewhat annoying, he wasn’t fundamentally bad.

She wanted to settle accounts with Song Qingtao, and for that she still needed to rely on this mountain stronghold. She hoped he would stay safe and sound, live well, and protect himself properly.

…

Xie Chi’s new clothes arrived. Her bet with He Feng was for two sets, but he had someone deliver five sets. One dress, one qipao, two upper and lower garment sets, plus a thin coat—the styles were quite fashionable.

Aunt Wang touched each piece of clothing, beaming with joy. “So beautiful! This fabric is really good—must be worth quite a bit.” She sighed repeatedly. “The young master really dotes on you.”

Xie Chi smiled without speaking.

“Want to try them on?”

“Sure.”

“Which set?”

“Any is fine.” Xie Chi randomly pointed to a white dress. “This one.”

“I’ll help you change.”

“Okay.”

He Feng hadn’t had anyone take her measurements, yet the dress fit surprisingly well, showing off her graceful figure.

This dress was medium-thick—even in this October weather she didn’t feel cold. The style was somewhat unusual, like Western fashion, with a wide belt adorned with fine beads at the waist. The hem was slightly flared, like a half-opened white magnolia. The top had something of a qipao feel, with a standing collar embroidered with small begonia flowers in white thread.

Aunt Wang looked at her and sighed repeatedly. “It really is true that clothes make the person—look, where did this fairy come from?”

“You’re exaggerating.”

“Want to try these others?”

“No need—they should all fit.”

“I feel like something’s missing.” Aunt Wang suddenly clapped her hands. “Wait, I’ll go find you some rouge!”

“…”

…

Ever since Xie Chi made kites for that group of children, they frequently came to find her—sometimes wanting her to tell stories, sometimes to teach them to read, and sometimes to teach them painting. Xie Chi felt like a scholar who’d fallen into a mountain valley.

He Feng was rarely in the courtyard during the day. That evening he returned early and happened to encounter them. The children were gathered around the large tree in the corner of the courtyard, painting. He didn’t go over, afraid of disturbing them, so he watched from a distance.

Xie Chi sat in her wheelchair, slightly bent over, guiding a child’s painting. The wind blew leaves that fell on her shoulders, then drifted to the ground.

She had her back to him, wearing the newly bought white dress. Her hair was braided in a single plait falling over her right shoulder, her long neck still as slender as when he first saw her.

Having stayed in the mountain stronghold so long, she was still this pale.

He Feng watched her every movement, every smile and frown, and inexplicably began to smile.

A thought suddenly sprouted in his heart.

He wanted her to stay here forever.

Xie Chi seemed to sense his gaze and suddenly turned around, her eyes meeting his.

He Feng immediately changed his expression, frivolously raising an eyebrow at her, smiling as he approached. “How lively.”

The children all called “Brother Feng.”

They showed no fear of this mountain king whatsoever.

Xie Chi said flatly, “Spying on me?”

He Feng snorted with laughter. “I need to spy to look at you?”

“Do I look good?”

He Feng didn’t answer, looking at her mouth. “What did you eat? Your mouth is so red.”

“Xiao Hua gave me a lipstick.”

He Feng didn’t remember who Xiao Hua was, nor did he understand what lipstick was. He just thought her little mouth looked strangely pretty all red like that.

Xie Chi looked at his expression, laughed softly, and lowered her head to continue teaching the child. “Paint like this—use the side of the brush here.”

He Feng didn’t disturb her, quietly watching from the side.

After Xie Chi guided each child individually, she wheeled over to He Feng’s side. “What? You want to learn too?”

“Me?” He Feng crossed his arms and looked down at her disdainfully. “You’re not qualified to teach me.”

Xie Chi didn’t want to argue with him verbally. She was used to such remarks from him and paid no attention. “Fine, I’m not qualified.”

He Feng hadn’t expected her to say that. “Don’t leave—stay here to teach, teach them writing and painting.”

“Why should I?”

“I’ll pay you.”

“How much?”

“However much you want.” He Feng smiled lightly. “Even this whole mountain stronghold would be fine.”

“Make me the chief?”

He Feng bent down and pinched her right cheek. “How about being the chieftain’s wife?”

“Be your mother?”

He Feng grabbed her nose. “I’m the future chieftain—what are you thinking?”

Xie Chi knocked his hand away and deliberately said, “I’d rather jump off a cliff than marry you.”

“You hate me that much.”

“I just don’t like you anyway.”

“Fine then, I won’t force you. Stay or leave as you please. When are you leaving?”

“When I can stand up.” Seeing he didn’t respond, Xie Chi added, “During this time I’ll teach them for free.”

He Feng smiled and nodded. “Alright.”

“I heard the chief’s birthday is in a few days.”

“What mischief are you plotting now?”

“I want to paint a picture to give him. After all, I’m eating your food, wearing your clothes, and using your people—I’d feel bad otherwise.”

“Then you should give it to me.”

“If you want one, that’s fine too.”

He Feng thought for a moment. “Paint me ten.”

“Paint what?”

He Feng picked up her braid and swung it. “Paint yourself.”

Xie Chi nodded. “Sure.”

He Feng smiled and let go. “Go back inside and continue teaching.”

“Mm.”

…

The injuries on Xie Chi’s body had mostly healed, only the leg wound hadn’t fully recovered—exerting force still caused pain.

He Feng behaved himself for three days before finally couldn’t contain himself. Early one morning he called Xie Chi up to go practice archery.

That’s right, archery—bow and arrow.

He Feng had made a new bow from wood that Ding Shan had given him, supposedly quite valuable.

Xie Chi hadn’t slept well last night and had a terrible headache. Just as she was sleeping soundly, He Feng dragged her up, and she couldn’t even open her eyes.

They weren’t going to the usual shooting range, but to West Mountain.

The mountain path was rough. Xie Chi was jostled back and forth in the wheelchair until her head felt dizzy. She complained, “If you want to practice archery, go by yourself. With all this bouncing, how can we travel? You’re tired from pushing too—what’s the point?”

He Feng suddenly stopped. “Then stand up and walk yourself?”

“…” They were halfway up the mountain with nothing to lean on—did he expect her to crawl?

He Feng seemed to hear her thoughts. “I’ll find you two tree branches to use as support—you can walk holding them.”

“Then please continue pushing.”

He Feng smiled and continued forward.

“Nowadays who still plays with bows and arrows? Everyone uses crossbows.”

“What’s fun about crossbows? Bows and arrows are interesting.”

“Old-fashioned.”

“Say that again.”

“Old-fashioned.”

“Tsk, you’re getting rebellious.”

“Old-fashioned.”

“Do you believe I’ll throw you down the mountain?”

“Great—then I can go home.”

“Return your soul to your homeland?”

“Then I’d have to become a female ghost first and haunt you to death.”

The two bantered back and forth until they almost reached their destination. He Feng brought Xie Chi to a chaotic tree pit, left her at the edge, and went to lie prone in the distance, staring at a cave in the distance.

Xie Chi looked at him in confusion. “Why are you lying down?”

“Waiting.”

“Waiting for what?”

“Prey.”

“What prey?”

“Black bear.”

“…” Xie Chi was stunned. “You can lie there, but what about me?”

“You?” He Feng stared at the cave entrance with a smile. “Of course you’re the bait.” With that, He Feng nimbly rolled over and rolled to the other side of a large tree, hiding even deeper.

Xie Chi braced herself against the wheelchair and stood up, wanting to lie down and hide like him. He Feng stopped her. “Sit back down.”

“No.”

“Then I won’t shoot.” He Feng crossed his arms and looked at her. “You’re lame anyway—you won’t be able to crawl far before the black bear catches you. I won’t save you.”

“You!” Xie Chi really wanted to grab a tree branch and stab him to death! She sat back down. No matter how inhuman He Feng was, he wouldn’t ignore her life. Looking at his confident appearance, he probably didn’t have too much trouble dealing with that black bear.

There was no movement at the cave entrance. Xie Chi asked quietly, “How long do we have to wait?”

“Soon—why don’t you sing a song to lure it out?”

Xie Chi turned her face away, not wanting to say another word to him.

Suddenly, sounds came from the cave.

Xie Chi stared intently at the cave entrance, then saw a listless black bear shamble out, shaking its head.

Not too bad—not too big.

He Feng looked relaxed. “Here it comes.”

“Shoot quickly.” The black bear saw Xie Chi and slowly walked toward her. “It’s coming over.”

“Wait.”

“Wait for what?”

Getting closer and closer.

Xie Chi gripped the handles, watching the black bear only five meters away from her. “Hey!”

Hearing her voice, the black bear seemed stimulated and suddenly charged over with its bloody mouth open.

Xie Chi fell backward, feeling like the wheelchair was about to tip over. “He Feng!”

The massive black shadow loomed over her. He Feng raised his bow—whoosh—the arrow shot out, precisely entering its throat. With a thud, the black bear fell, twitched twice, then breathed no more.

Xie Chi came to her senses, staring at He Feng in a daze. He was smiling—he was smiling again!

Xie Chi was furious.

He Feng walked over and kicked the black bear with his foot. “Stupid thing, runs so slowly.”

“Have you had enough fun?”

He Feng pulled out the arrow and casually threw it away. “Exciting, right? Fun?”

“You be the bait and see how exciting and fun it is.”

“Sure. But you’d have to learn archery first.”

“That’s not difficult.”

He Feng laughed mockingly and threw the bow to her. “Come on, let you try.”

Xie Chi caught the bow and arrow, pulled with force, and the arrow floated out lightly, landing in the nearby grass.

He Feng laughed even more. “Still simple? With your little strength, you can only shoot guns.”

Xie Chi was unconvinced and reached out for a second arrow. He Feng handed it to her.

Xie Chi used all her strength for another shot—good, one meter farther than the last one.

He Feng brushed off his hands and sighed. “That’s not how you play.”

Xie Chi gave up—she simply couldn’t draw this thing. Just as she was about to throw down the bow, He Feng came over, stood behind her, wrapped his arms around her shoulders, gripped her hands on the bow. “Watch carefully.”

His breath was too warm, spreading around Xie Chi’s ear, making her shiver involuntarily.

He Feng easily drew a full bow, aiming at a bird in the tree. “This is called archery.”

Just as he was about to shoot, Xie Chi suddenly moved her hand, and the arrow went off course, flying past the bird’s side.

“Why are you moving around?” He Feng looked at her profile.

“Don’t shoot it.”

“Why?”

“Stop killing so much. You’ll have karmic retribution like this. And this black bear—it was living well here. Why did you provoke it for no reason? Just to tease me?” Xie Chi frowned, turning to face him. She accidentally brushed his chin with her nose tip. “…”

She quickly turned away, her ears getting hot. He Feng suddenly pinched her chin and turned her face back. “Someone from the stronghold disappeared half a month ago. A few days ago we found clothing nearby—he was killed and eaten by this bear.”

Xie Chi was slightly surprised.

“A man-eating beast—why keep it alive?” He Feng stared into her eyes. “Not only will I kill it, I’ll skin it and give the hide to my father as a seat cushion.”

She looked at He Feng’s face so close to hers, trying to pull down his hand, but wasn’t successful.

He Feng grinned wickedly. “Use some force.”

Xie Chi lowered her hand and pouted defiantly.

He Feng pressed his thumb against her lips. “Pig mouth.”

Xie Chi took the opportunity to bite him.

He Feng didn’t dodge. Looking at his finger in her mouth, he suddenly pressed hard on her teeth. Xie Chi let go in pain.

He Feng flicked her forehead hard. Xie Chi covered her forehead, looking aggrieved.

“Going to cry?”

Xie Chi rolled her eyes at him.

“Come on, cry once.” He Feng lifted her chin. “I don’t know why, but seeing you cry makes me feel particularly satisfied.”

Xie Chi bent down, grabbed a handful of mud and grass, and threw it at him.

He Feng brushed the grass off his face. “In all my years, you’re the only one who dares to be so fierce with me.”

“Sick.” Xie Chi wheeled away.

“Hey.” He Feng twirled a blade of grass, leisurely following behind her. “You’re going the wrong way.”

“That way is a cliff.”

“Slow down.”

“Don’t cry if you fall.”

“A’Zhi.”

…