Chapter 56 - Give Me A Favor
Yang Jingjing's heart fluttered like a frightened deer, nearly leaping out of her chest.
Here, in the wilderness, a man was holding a woman's hand. What could his intentions possibly be?
Is he about to confess to me? Yang Jingjing wondered silently. If that were the case, would she accept or decline?
Had it been another man, she might have worried about him pressuring her into something. However, she believed Zhang Xiaoloong wouldn't do such a thing. Moreover…
Yang Jingjing inwardly chided herself. Since when had he ever been so reserved? It was as if, at this moment, if he were to make a move, she might just say yes.
This realization made her blush and surprised even herself. She could deceive others, but she couldn't deceive her own feelings. In that instant, she was actually looking forward to whatever Zhang Xiaoloong might do.
Yang Jingjing modestly lowered her gaze, expecting him to approach as she had imagined. However, instead, the two of them simply stared at each other for a while, akin to a scene from a movie…
His hand gently and tenderly massaged hers, without a hint of mischief. As his skilled fingers worked their magic, the ache in her arm dissipated, and the fatigue in her body melted away.
“Xiaoloong, you truly are a remarkable man!” Yang Jingjing complimented him wholeheartedly.
“Haha,” Zhang Xiaoloong released her petite hand. “Take a break for now. When we've both fully recovered, we can venture to the cliff ahead and search for the treasure we seek.”
Yang Jingjing peered into the distance. While she hadn't noticed it before, the idea of ascending the cliff now seemed daunting.
“You go on your own. I'll wait here,” she admitted, blushing with embarrassment.
The mountain wall ahead was exceedingly steep, with few footholds to be found. It posed a significant challenge, especially for her, who had only recently regained her strength.
Though reluctant, she didn't want to impede Zhang Xiaoloong's progress and, thus, decided to wait.
Unexpectedly, Zhang Xiaoloong immediately dismissed the idea. “No. We're fairly deep into the mountains now, and there could be wolves around. Food is becoming scarce this season. If you go alone, you might end up as a wolf's lunch, don't you think?”
Yang Jingjing shivered at the remark and could only agree, trailing behind Zhang Xiaoloong.
“Don't worry. I know a slightly better route. We can locate it if we search. Plus, with me leading the way, I'll be at the bottom to catch you. You won't fall,” Zhang Xiaoloong reassured her.
“Alright,” Yang Jingjing smiled. For some inexplicable reason, she felt a profound sense of security when she heard Zhang Xiaoloong's words. It was as though nothing could harm her, even if she were to tumble down the mountainside.
The two swiftly identified the trail they had discussed. Zhang Xiaoloong had learned about it long ago from a hunter who had also returned with a mountain herb.
However, considerable time had passed, and it was likely that no one remembered this anecdote anymore.
“What kind of herb is it?” Yang Jingjing inquired upon learning that it was an herbal specimen. “Is it ginseng or Lingzhi?”
Wild ginseng still commanded a high price, particularly if it was a century-old or even older ginseng king, making it virtually priceless.
Observing Zhang Xiaoloong's dedicated search for this herb he'd heard about years ago, Yang Jingjing naturally presumed it was something of great value.
“Neither,” Zhang Xiaoloong grinned. “I'm on the lookout for the legendary elixir of immortality.”
Yang Jingjing clicked her tongue and began her ascent up the mountain.
As Zhang Xiaoloong had mentioned, this path seemed to have been carved out by someone before. Though only faint remnants remained, it was still much better than what lay ahead. At least she didn't need to fret about her footing.
“If you get tired, don't hesitate to rest for a bit,” Zhang Xiaoloong offered a helping hand from behind every so often.
“No need, I can still manage,” Yang Jingjing replied, her curiosity growing. Each time Zhang Xiaoloong's hand made contact with her, it felt gentle and refreshing, bringing comfort to her entire body and alleviating her fatigue.
The two continued their climb for another half an hour. Suddenly, Yang Jingjing pointed ahead in astonishment. “Look, there's a butterfly there. It's enormous and exceptionally beautiful!”
Seeing a butterfly in this season was already unusual, but what made Yang Jingjing even more surprised was its size, which was truly remarkable.
She completely lost track of her surroundings and instinctively reached for her camera to take a photo. However, just as she was about to snap the picture, her footing gave way, and she let out an involuntary “Ah” as she tumbled down.
Zhang Xiaoloong made a desperate attempt to catch her but only managed to grasp a piece of her clothing. In a rush, he threw himself down as well.
He moved with remarkable speed, swiftly enveloping Yang Jingjing in his arms, pulling her closer as he reached for a small tree to halt their descent.
Yang Jingjing's face drained of color as fear coursed through her veins. A sizable gash on her leg had begun to bleed.
Zhang Xiaoloong tore off a strip of cloth from his own attire and used it to staunch the bleeding. He placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and said, “Don't be frightened. We're almost at the top. I'll carry you from here.”
Yang Jingjing wasn't one to play the damsel in distress. Once she regained her composure, she leaned against his back.
This was not the time to be a burden. Her injured leg throbbed with pain, and she had no choice but to rely on Zhang Xiaoloong. No amount of politeness would alleviate the agony.
Fortunately, they weren't far from their destination. Eventually, they reached a plateau near the mountain's summit.
“Look, what's that?” Zhang Xiaoloong gently set Yang Jingjing down and his eyes suddenly sparkled. He pointed to a grassy plant, about ten centimeters tall, resembling a small potted plant.
“Is this what you've been searching for?” Yang Jingjing moved closer, supported by Zhang Xiaoloong.
Zhang Xiaoloong didn't offer a comment. Instead, he had Yang Jingjing sit on the ground. He plucked a branch from the plant, chewed it, and then spat it out into his hand.
Carefully, he unwrapped the makeshift bandage on her wound, tore a piece more from his pants, and applied an herbal paste. He blew on it as if it were second nature.
This time, Yang Jingjing lowered her head even further. Her face turned as red as the back of her ears.
When she had fallen, Zhang Xiaoloong had quickly rushed to her side, hugging her. However, it was unclear whether she had been scratched by a rock or a tree branch, but it was a sizable cut on her leg, perilously close to a major artery.
Having a man personally tend to her wound, touching and applying medicine, was one thing. But blowing on it afterward…
Zhang Xiaoloong noticed her blush and suddenly comprehended the situation. He instinctively averted his gaze.
This time, it wasn't a tight situation. The fair skin under her exposed injury quickened his pulse. Remembering their recent close contact and the glimpse of fabric that had seemed to slip, Zhang Xiaoloong quickly looked away.
He wasn't some saint who could remain impassive. He was certain this beauty before him was even more captivating than the one Old Man Liu had in his arms. If he kept staring, he might lose control.
“Ahem… I'll go check on something over there. You tend to your clothes,” Zhang Xiaoloong hastily suggested.
“But…” Seeing that Zhang Xiaoloong hadn't done anything else, Yang Jingjing felt a twinge of disappointment. “My hands are still numb. Can you help me with…”
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