The wheelchair wheel was stuck in a pit and wouldn’t turn no matter what. He Feng just played with an arrow beside her, watching without lifting a finger to help.

“Call me big brother, and I’ll help you.”

Xie Chi didn’t even give him a glance.

“It’s just one sentence.”

The arrow fell to the ground. He Feng bent down to pick it up when he suddenly felt a drop of water land on the back of his neck. He looked up at the gloomy sky—they’d been in the forest and hadn’t noticed the weather change. From the looks of it, it was going to rain. “Hey, are you afraid of thunder?”

Xie Chi was still fiddling with the wheelchair.

“Afraid or not?”

“Not afraid.” She answered him impatiently, but just then an unexpected clap of thunder boomed overhead, startling her into a shiver.

He Feng laughed. “If you’re not afraid, why are you shaking?”

Xie Chi couldn’t be bothered with him.

“It’s raining. If you don’t call me, you can stay here by yourself.” His mouth seemed blessed—as soon as he finished speaking, raindrops began pattering down through the gaps in the trees. “There’s a cave over there—let’s go take shelter.”

Xie Chi really couldn’t get out of the pit. She put her feet on the ground, trying to stand up. Unexpectedly, He Feng walked over in two steps, wrapped his arms around her waist, threw her over his shoulder like a sack of grain, easily picked up the wheelchair with his other hand, and headed northwest.

Xie Chi pounded on his back. “What are you doing?”

He Feng said nothing.

Xie Chi hit him all the way until she was finally placed on a straw mat in the cave.

He Feng pressed his hand on the straw mat. “Feel better after hitting me?”

“No.”

“Keep hitting—I’ll make you feel better.” He pressed down on her, almost lying on top of her. “Come on, use more force.”

To avoid him, Xie Chi leaned backward, lying down directly, her voice soft. “Stay away from me.”

He Feng’s forearm was pressed under her waist as he supported her. “Why are you lying down?”

“…”

He Feng looked at her panicked little eyes, smiled, got up and walked away. “Sit here and wait out the rain. We’ll leave when it stops.”

Someone had been in the cave before, leaving behind many wooden sticks. He Feng often wandered the mountains and forests and carried a lighter with him. He piled up the sticks, lit a fire, and was about to go out.

Xie Chi called out to him. “Where are you going?”

“To find some food. I’ll be back soon.”

Xie Chi watched him disappear at the cave entrance and took off her coat to warm by the fire.

Soon, He Feng returned with some fruit.

They hadn’t eaten anything when they left in the morning, and Xie Chi was already very hungry. She looked at the small blue fruit He Feng handed her. “Is this edible?”

“No, it’s poisonous.”

“…” Xie Chi still took it, remembering the sour fruit he’d given her last time. “It won’t be as sour as last time, will it?”

He Feng ignored her, biting into his fruit as he sat by the fire.

Xie Chi said, “I want the one in your hand.”

He Feng glanced at her. “Want me to spit it out for you? Bring your mouth over.”

Xie Chi turned her face away and wouldn’t look at him, gently biting the blue fruit in her hand. It was sweet and juicy—very delicious.

…

There were many mosquitoes in the cave. Xie Chi’s neck was bitten with a big bump, and she scratched it until the whole area turned red.

Seeing her constantly scratching her neck, He Feng took off his coat and covered her head with it. “Don’t scratch—bear with it for a while and it won’t itch anymore.”

Xie Chi kept scratching.

He Feng held down her hand. “You’ll break the skin if you keep scratching.”

“What kind of bug is this? Why is it so itchy?”

“A local specialty.”

“Why didn’t it bite you?”

“Probably because you smell better.” He Feng smiled and walked away, leaving the cave. Soon he returned with two leaves, pressing them against her neck. They were cool and refreshing, very comfortable.

“Feel better?”

“Mm.” Xie Chi was very unaccustomed to this gentle version of He Feng, always feeling like he was plotting something big and bad.

“Hold them there yourself—it’ll be better soon.”

“Okay.”

He Feng sat beside her and continued warming by the fire. Because he’d gone out to find leaves, his clothes were almost soaked through.

“Why are you so good to me?” Xie Chi gazed at him. “Do you like me?”

He Feng glanced at her sideways. “I do quite like you.”

Xie Chi hadn’t expected him to admit it directly and was momentarily speechless.

“It’s rare to meet someone as fun as you.”

“I’m just a plaything to you.”

“Quite self-aware.” He Feng raised an eyebrow. “How old are you?”

“Seventeen.”

“Which month were you born?”

“November twenty-first.”

“You’re half a month older than me.”

“Call me big sister.”

He Feng laughed. “Little woman.”

He stood up and went to the entrance, suddenly whistling a few times, as if summoning something.

Xie Chi had an ominous feeling and stared intently at the cave entrance.

Sure enough, a white shadow quickly darted over.

He Feng crouched down to greet Bai Ge.

Bai Ge was completely wet. After playing with He Feng for a while, it walked toward Xie Chi.

“Bai Ge, come here.” It returned to He Feng’s side and obediently sat by the fire.

Xie Chi looked at this white wolf. “How did you tame it?”

“I won’t tell you.”

“…Once it’s touched by human presence, will the wolf pack accept it?”

“No.” He Feng stroked its neck. “Following me has much better prospects than following the wolf king.”

Xie Chi laughed softly.

He Feng looked up at her. “What are you laughing at?”

“Narcissism.”

“This is called ability.”

Xie Chi braced herself on the ground and moved closer to them, carefully touching Bai Ge’s neck. Bai Ge looked up at her and touched her fingers with its nose.

Xie Chi didn’t dodge, petting its head. Though she’d lived in the mountains for many years and occasionally heard wolf howls, she’d never had such close contact with one.

“Aren’t you afraid it’ll bite off your hand?”

“With you here, I’m not afraid of anything.”

“Stop flattering me.”

Xie Chi clearly knew her position. He Feng was playful—in his eyes, she was just a temporarily interesting plaything, no different from a gun, a knife, or a bow.

Her status was even lower than this wolf’s.

Xie Chi gently stroked its back and suddenly asked, “If Bai Ge killed someone from your stronghold, what would you do?”

“Bai Ge doesn’t bite people randomly.”

“What if it did?”

“Then that person definitely deserved to die—they must have done something wrong.”

“What if the dead person had high status?”

“Where do all these ‘what ifs’ come from?”

“Would you protect it?”

He Feng heard the implications in her words and pressed down on Xie Chi’s hand on Bai Ge. “Do you want to kill Song Qingtao? Or Song Mang?”

Xie Chi wasn’t shocked. He was a smart man—since he’d already guessed, arguing would be useless. “Both.”

He Feng fell silent.

“If I really killed Song Qingtao, would you protect me?”

He Feng laughed mockingly. “Do you think killing is that simple?”

“How would I know without trying?”

“You’re delaying leaving because of this, aren’t you?”

Xie Chi tacitly agreed. “Would you protect me?”

“Why should I protect you? Offend the entire Qing Village for your sake?”

“The people of Qing Village burn, kill, rob, and abuse others—they’ve committed every evil act and repeatedly violated your rules. You’ve long wanted to properly manage them, but you’ve been busy with mine affairs and lack the energy.

You’re an ambitious person, unwilling to just be a bandit. You want to lead your brothers and villagers to live better lives. The Song brothers, aside from killing and arson, have no great talent or strategy. They can’t help you and harbor some disloyalty. Wouldn’t it be better to replace them with your own people?”

“Should I put you in their place?” He Feng released her hand. “I think you’re becoming more and more like a bandit, always thinking about killing people.”

“Sure, I’d definitely manage Qing Village properly, even better than Yun Village.”

He Feng smiled and poked her forehead. “Give you a ladder and you could climb to heaven.”

Xie Chi didn’t dodge, gripping his finger. “I grew up in the mountains—my experience isn’t less than yours. I’ve read many books, not just poetry and songs. Managing a small mountain stronghold isn’t difficult. You’re surrounded by illiterate brutes—you’re exactly lacking an assistant like me. Once I manage it to your satisfaction, then let me go.”

He Feng nodded. “Interesting.”

“You’ll send me back safely, right? You promised.”

He Feng suddenly smiled. “I never said I wouldn’t capture you again.”

“…”

“Don’t worry about stronghold affairs. Take care of your leg properly. Once it’s healed, I’ll send you away.” He ruffled her hair. “Want to manage Qing Village? You’d be more suited to being my concubine.”

Xie Chi dodged his hand and moved to the other side, no longer wanting to deal with him.

…

At noon, the rain stopped.

The dark clouds dispersed, and the sky gradually brightened.

The mountain path was difficult after rain, so they stayed in the cave for half the day, waiting for the road to dry somewhat before returning.

Xie Chi fell asleep. When she woke, she found his clothes covering her, along with a thick layer of straw.

He Feng sat at the cave entrance with Bai Ge leaning against him. Xie Chi watched him for a long time, feeling inexplicably warm inside.

If only he were an ordinary person.

He Feng turned to look at her, meeting her gaze. “Awake.”

Xie Chi sat up.

He Feng also stood. “It’s getting late—let’s go back.”

“Mm.”

“There are many puddles on the road—the wheelchair won’t work well.” He Feng came over and lifted her horizontally.

“What about the wheelchair?”

“I’ll have someone come get it later.”

“Oh.”

He Feng looked at her and smiled.

“What are you smiling about?”

“Smiling because you’re really light.” He suddenly bounced her, and Xie Chi wrapped her arms around his neck. “Hold tight—be careful I don’t throw you into a frog pond.”

“…”

Three years old.

…

From far away, the brothers in the stronghold began teasing He Feng. Xie Chi turned her face toward his chest, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

“Young Master, where did you come from?”

“Left early this morning and only returning now—the Young Master really knows how to have fun!”

“Look how lovey-dovey they are, hugging every day without letting go.”

He Feng gave instructions: “Bring the wheelchair—it’s at the West Mountain cave in Maple Forest.”

“Going right away.”

“There’s also a black bear—bring people to carry it back.”

“You killed it? Worthy of being the Young Master!”

“Stop talking nonsense and hurry up.”

“Right away.”

The stronghold was decorated with lanterns and colored streamers, already having the atmosphere of a grand feast. Xie Chi looked at the rows of lanterns. “So beautiful.”

“Are they as beautiful as those in your hometown?”

“About the same.” Xie Chi looked at him. “The day after tomorrow, people from all the mountain strongholds will come, right?”

“Would they dare not come?” He Feng smiled. “They’ll feast here for two whole days.”

Xie Chi fell silent, lost in thought.

“Put away those little schemes of yours. When the time comes, you’ll stay in your room and not take a single step out.”

“I want to see the excitement and eat good food too.”

“Do you want to see the excitement or see Song Qingtao?” He Feng saw right through her. “I’ll have food sent to you—you can eat your fill.”

“…”

He Feng placed her on the bed. “I’ll have Aunt Wang come over later. I’m going out first.”

“Where are you going?”

He Feng stopped. “What, can’t bear to see me leave?”

“…”

He walked toward her, bracing his hand on the bed, his face close to hers. “To bathe. Want to come together?”

Xie Chi pretended to wrap her arms around his waist. “Sure.”

He Feng was speechless for a moment, then pushed her away. “Dream on.”

Xie Chi grabbed a pillow and threw it at him. He Feng caught it. “You just love throwing pillows, don’t you? From now on, don’t use any pillows.” He took the pillow and slammed the door as he left.

Xie Chi slumped over with a long sigh.

All her plans had been disrupted.

…

The night before He Zhanghui’s birthday, Xie Chi and He Feng were practicing shooting on East Mountain when a young brother hurriedly came to call him. “Young Master, the Chief wants you in the main hall.”

It was getting late, so He Feng put away his gun and pushed Xie Chi back to the stronghold.

Seeing they weren’t heading back to He Feng’s courtyard, Xie Chi asked him, “Where are you taking me?”

“The main hall.” He Feng reached behind her waist and pulled off the holster. “I’m confiscating the gun for now. I’ll give it back after the birthday feast.”

“Then I’m not going.”

“I’m taking you to see fireworks—the angle from the courtyard isn’t good.”

“I don’t want to see them.”

“Whether you want to or not, you’re going.”

“…”

Food and wine were already prepared. As soon as He Feng pushed Xie Chi through the hall doors, He Zhangzhi shouted in his rough voice, “You little brat! We’d need eight bearers to invite you!”

Xie Chi felt gazes from all directions. Unlike the small fry outside, those seated here should all be notable bandits in this den—either looking fierce and menacing, or bearing scars on their faces and heads, each more frightening than the last.

But Xie Chi wasn’t afraid at all—she had He Feng backing her up.

“Second Uncle.”

This He Zhangzhi was He Feng’s biological second uncle, from Meng Mountain, also a bandit leader of considerable renown.

He Zhangzhi carried a wine jar and walked toward them. “Drink a whole jar as punishment!”

“Second Uncle, please don’t make things difficult for me.”

He Zhangzhi laughed heartily, slapped He Feng’s shoulder, and looked at Xie Chi. “So this is the little woman you’ve been hiding in your room?”

Xie Chi proactively called out, “Second Uncle.”

“Oh, look at that mouth—so damn sweet.” He Zhangzhi patted his lower back. “Since you’re calling me Second Uncle, I can’t not give you a meeting gift.” He pulled out a knife and handed it to Xie Chi. “Take this.”

Xie Chi looked at He Feng.

He Feng said, “Take it.”

Xie Chi accepted it. “Thank you, Second Uncle.”

“I heard your leg was injured by that Peach girl. Tomorrow I’ll call her over to apologize to you.”

Xie Chi seized the opportunity. “Then tomorrow I must drink with Second Uncle until we’re both drunk!”

He Zhangzhi laughed again, putting his arm around He Feng’s shoulder. “Your woman has spirit—you’re not at a loss with her.”

He Zhanghui was smoking a pipe, leaning against tiger skin as he watched them. “Everyone sit down.”

He Feng pushed Xie Chi to beside his seat. “Eat whatever you want—I’m going to drink.”

“Mm.”

He Feng picked up the wine pot from the table and walked away.

Xie Chi ate quietly, occasionally observing her surroundings. No one from Qing Village was there—none of the people she wanted to see.

Tonight was probably a family dinner.

After three rounds of drinks, two men led three women inside.

“Chief!” A short, fat man stood on the table. “These are gifts from your humble servant—three great beauties! Please accept them!”

He Zhanghui squinted as he looked them over. “Liu Laosi, are you trying to exhaust me to death?”

“Hahaha!”

“What are you saying! The Chief is as vigorous as ever—what are three women!”

Another man stood on the table, knocking a wine bottle. “Liu Laosi, you have no eye for this. Our Chief likes them big—the two on the sides are passable, but the one in the middle probably hasn’t even grown all her hair yet.”

More raucous laughter.

“That little girl would be better suited for the Young Master’s room.”

Xie Chi was about to pour tea when her hand paused.

Liu Laosi called to her, “Young Madam, you don’t mind, do you?”

Xie Chi didn’t answer, looking toward He Feng. He seemed not to hear, still drinking with others.

Liu Laosi called him:

“Young Master!”

“Xiao Feng!”

“He San Feng!”

He Feng turned around.

“Hey, had to call San Feng before you’d respond.” The fat man pointed at the girl in the middle. “Sending you a woman—want her or not?”

He Feng was drinking happily. Following the man’s gesture, he looked over and nodded in agreement. “Sure.”

Xie Chi stared at him, suddenly feeling suffocated. She put down her cup and stopped looking at him.

Indeed, there weren’t many good people in this bandit den.

…

That girl was sent to He Feng’s courtyard. Fireworks were set off outside. He Feng had drunk too much and completely forgot about taking her to see the fireworks.

The whole room reeked of alcohol and stinking men. Xie Chi couldn’t sit still anymore and wheeled herself away.

She hadn’t gone far when someone suddenly grabbed her wheelchair. She turned back and saw He Feng.

Under the colorful fireworks, his face flickered between light and shadow. “Why did you leave?”

“I’m tired.”

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Hearing this made Xie Chi even angrier. Just now he’d accepted a woman to take home! And now he was being ambiguous with her again!

“You continue drinking. I’ll go back by myself.”

“Don’t the fireworks look good?”

“Ugly.”

He Feng was silent for a while, then let go. “Then go slowly and sleep early.” He called Qing Yangzi over. “Take her back.”

All the way back, Xie Chi gradually calmed down. What did it matter to her if he took women? It would be best if he took a hundred of them to pester him to death every day!

Qing Yangzi left her at the courtyard entrance and went back to drink. Xie Chi entered the courtyard by herself and unfortunately saw the girl waiting at He Feng’s door.

The girl saw her too. The two looked at each other, then Xie Chi looked away and went to her room.

The girl called to her: “Young Madam.”

Xie Chi didn’t turn back. “I’m not his wife.”

The girl quickly followed, walking beside her with a smile. “Were you also captured and brought here?”

“Mm.”

“Me too.”

Xie Chi looked at her smiling face. “You seem very happy about it.”

“Of course! I thought I’d have to marry that old man, but who knew I’d have such incredible luck to be sent here.”

Xie Chi laughed coldly.

“I think this place is quite good. My family is poor—we can barely afford food. Though I’m somewhat pretty, at most I could only marry into a small household. Here it’s different.”

Xie Chi said, “This is a bandit den—there aren’t many good people.”

“The Young Master is different. When I was down the mountain, I’d already heard of his reputation. They all said he was extremely handsome. Seeing him today, he’s even better looking than the legends. I never imagined such good fortune would fall on me in my lifetime.”

The more she spoke, the happier she became. Xie Chi found it incredible. “Good for you then.”

“What happened to your leg? You… can’t stand up?”

“Got injured a bit. You should go back—I’m going inside.”

“Do you know when the Young Master will return?”

“No idea.”

The girl followed behind Xie Chi. “My name is Song Wan. What’s yours?”

“A’Zhi.”

“A’Zhi.” Song Wan put her hand on the wheelchair. “Let me push you inside.”

“No need.”

Song Wan ignored her refusal and quickly pushed her into the room. “Your room is nice. I wonder what mine will be like.”

Song Wan looked around. “You said you’re not the Young Madam, so what’s your relationship with him? A bed warmer?” Song Wan looked at her leg. “Like this? You can still warm beds?”

“I need to rest.”

“It’s so noisy outside—you can’t sleep anyway.” Song Wan sat on the bed and patted the quilt. “Since the Young Master brought you to the main hall, you must be special to him.”

“I have absolutely no relationship with him. If we must have some connection, I’m his gun target. Please leave—I really need to rest.”

Song Wan pouted. “Alright then.”

Xie Chi watched her leave. At the door, Song Wan turned back. “Since you say there’s no relationship, then tomorrow you might have to call me Young Madam.”

“…”

Song Wan waved. “See you tomorrow.”

Xie Chi watched her close the door and leave, suddenly filled with anger.

What kind of people were these!

…

He Feng returned very late. Xie Chi heard footsteps outside, tossing and turning unable to sleep, uncomfortable no matter how she lay.

Shouldn’t he come check on her?

Of course, with a beautiful woman, who would bother coming to torment her?

…