Seeing the happiness and satisfaction on Zhao Yang and Ling Xis faces, Liu Hai couldnt help but look at them with mild disdain. He couldnt believe that neither of them had ever eaten something as common as candied hawthorn before.

It was honestly a little pitifulso much so that even Liu Hai felt a twinge of sympathy.

Zhao Yang, Ling Xi, have you two really never had this before? he asked. Youre both gobbling it down like you havent eaten in days. Its hard not to be curious.

Zhao Yang, too focused on the candied treat to care whether Liu Hais words were teasing or concerned, simply nodded enthusiastically.

Ive seriously never tasted anything this good before! Sweet and sour, with sugar wrapped around hawthornwho comes up with stuff like this?

Liu Hai fell silent for a moment. His gaze toward Zhao Yang shifted, softening with a mix of pity and affection.

So pitiful, he thought. Even something this simple is new to him.

At that moment, Zhang Nu, observing how the groups relationships were gradually growing warmer, felt quietly pleased. Their little team was finally starting to take shape. He wasnt sure if more members would join later on, but for now, the bond between them was the most important thing.

All right, enough chatting, Zhang Nu said. Lets find a place to stay. Its getting late, and we havent had a proper rest in days.

Everyone nodded at once and followed Zhang Nu to a nearby inn. Once inside, the entire group agreed on one thing: they desperately needed a bath. Theyd been traveling nonstop, sleeping in the wild and eating whatever they could scavenge. A proper wash was long overdue.

You all brought spare clothes, right? Lets get cleaned up first, then well eat, Zhang Nu instructed.

The group nodded again and began sorting out their belongings. After about half an hour, everyone had reappearedexcept Ling Xi.

An entire incense sticks worth of time passed, and their stomachs were starting to growl. No one wanted to wait anymore.

Zhang Nu, why dont we just go get food ourselves? Liu Hai suggested. Ling Xis taking forever.

Yeah, if we wait much longer, I think Ill pass out from hunger, Zhao Yang joked.

Zhang Nu hesitated. If they left Ling Xi behind and she came out to find them gone, she might worry. After all, she was still new to the outside worlda young, inexperienced YaoGuai, easy to deceive and quick to trust. If she ran into trouble, they might not be able to find her again.

Sensing Zhang Nus dilemma, Lin Xiao stepped forward.

Theyre not wrong. Ling Xi really has been taking too long. And weve already waited a while, he said. Im not hungry yet, so let them go eat. Ill stay here and take her to meet up with you once shes out.

Zhang Nu finally relaxed and nodded, reassured. Lin Xiaos offer was just the thing he needed to hear. Alright. Ling Xis in your hands, then. Ill take the rest of them to eat.

Lin Xiao watched as the others left the inn, then remained seated in the lobby, patiently waiting for Ling Xi.

Finally, after another incense sticks time, Ling Xi emerged from her room.

The moment he saw her, Lin Xiao froze.

She wore a flowing white robe, ethereal and light, the occasional jingle of bells dancing from her wrist. A radiant smile bloomed on her face, as warm and vivid as spring sunshine. She looked like the embodiment of life itselfan image of vitality completely opposite to Lin Xiaos own cold temperament.

But when Ling Xi noticed that only Lin Xiao was waiting, a small frown creased her brow, slightly ruining the harmony of her appearance.

Lin Xiao quickly averted his gaze, his deep, somber eyes settling into calm once more.

Youre finally out. Do you know how long Ive been waiting? he said flatly.

Ling Xi had been about to ask him something herself.

Why are you the only one here? Where are the others? Did they already go eat?

Lin Xiao looked at her like she was an idiot.

Of course, theyd gone to eat. Did she expect them all to wait forever? He was the only one foolish enough to stay behind.

What do you think? We waited for two incense sticks worth of time, he said.

Ling Xi wilted instantly, like a frost-struck eggplant. She hadnt realized shed taken that longand now Lin Xiao had been left to wait alone because of her.