Chapter 15: Pig Milk?
The house was built from hardened clay and reinforced with wooden beams, and it was simple yet sturdy. Its sandy brown walls had faint cracks, worn by time.
Soft moonlight filtered through a single wooden window, its thin fabric covering casting subtle shadows across the room.
At the center stood a low wooden table, surrounded by plain straw mats.
Against one wall lay a simple sleeping area, a slightly old but clean blanket spread over it.
Lian hesitated, holding Zane with uncertainty in his eyes.
A glint of gold flickered in the dim light as Xiao Rui reached into his pocket, retrieving a coin.
"This should cover everything, from food, medicine, whatever he needs for now."
Lian's eyes widened. "A whole gold coin?"
Xiao Rui's voice turned serious. "That's not all. When you take him to the physician, hide his pendant."
Lian glanced at the jade pendant hanging on Zane's neck. Her fingertips moved against its cool surface.
Xiao Rui's face turned serious. "If I am not wrong, that pendant is worth a fortune. If the wrong people spotted it, we would be in trouble."
Lian gave a firm nod, letting him know she understood, and tightened her hold on Zane.
Zane, now calmer in her arms, looked up at her.
Her touch was soft, her embrace gentle. Much better than being handled like a sack of rice.
Finally, someone normal.
Zane's tiny hands clenched into fists as exhaustion pulled him under again. Lian's arms offered some comfort, but his hunger remained. Yet, no one seemed to care.
They ignored him for too long, and the hunger became unbearable. Unable to hold back, he started crying again.
Xiao Rui stretched before rising to his feet. "I'm heading back to the inn. I'll check in on him later. Make sure he's fed. Who knows how long he's gone without food?"
Lian nodded. "I got it. Be careful out there."
Pulling his dress tighter around him, Xiao Rui slipped outside.
Lian closed the door behind him.
Left alone, she sighed and looked down at the crying baby in her arms. He was so small, his skin still flushed red.
"What am I supposed to feed you?"
Lian thought for a while and said softly. "Well... we do have some milk. I'll try that."
She gently placed Zane down onto a blanket spread across the wooden table, making sure he was comfortable before walking over to a mud container in the corner of the room.
The container was round and sturdy, its surface rough with faint cracks along the edges. A wooden lid covered the top, keeping the milk inside.
Carefully, she removed the lid and scooped some milk into a small clay bowl. The bowl was simple, light brown with uneven edges, clearly handmade.
Next, she picked up a thin wooden spoon, its handle smoothed from years of use, and carried everything back to the baby.
Zane, now lying on the table, kicked his tiny legs weakly.
I don't understand a word they're saying, but I hope this means food is coming...
Lian smiled as she set everything aside and lifted him into her arms again, holding him securely as she sat down.
Placing the bowl of milk beside her, she carefully scooped a small amount onto a wooden spoon.
"Here, little one. Eat slowly."
Zane mopened his mouth instinctively, his baby body reacting before his mind could process.
As soon as the milk touched his tongue,
...Ugh. This tastes horrible.
What kind of milk is this? Is this pig milk? Zean thought, his tiny face scrunching up in disgust.
Unbeknownst to him, the milk came from a Sandhorn Beast, a creature native to the southern desert regions. Though highly nutritious and known for sustaining travelers in harsh conditions, its taste was notoriously bitter and thick, making it difficult for stomach.
It was warm but slightly bitter, nothing like the milk he remembered from Earth. But his hunger overpowered his disgust, and he kept drinking.
Lian chuckled softly. "Not too bad, huh?"
She gently wiped away a small drop of milk that dribbled down his chin and continued feeding him, spoonful by spoonful.
Zane, despite the awful taste, he felt relief wash over him. His stomach, empty for too long, finally began to settle.
By the time the bowl was empty, Zane felt much better, though the awful aftertaste still lingered.
Lian let out a small sigh of relief. "There we go, much better."
She wiped his mouth again before pulling him close. Her warmth made his eyelids grow heavy.
Well... at least I won't starve and feel pain.
His tiny body began to relax and before he knew it, sleep took over.
As he drifted into sleep, his flushed skin gradually returned to normal.
Lian, who had been watching over him, suddenly noticed his temperature dropping. She placed a hand on his forehead, confusion flashing across her face.
Strange... his temperature dropped so fast.
She looked at his small face. The redness had faded, leaving him pale but peaceful. Though puzzled, she decided not to overthink it.
If it comes back, I'll take him to the physician in the morning.
With a quiet sigh, she carefully stood, holding him close. She carried him to her bed and gently laid him down, covering him with a thin cloth to keep him warm. Once she was sure he was comfortable, she stepped back and settled into a wooden chair nearby, waiting for Xiao Rui's return.
Hours Later...
New novel 𝓬hapters are published on ƒreewebɳovel.com.
Zane who was sleeping peacefully on the simple bed, suddenly walk up, as he heard.
A sharp cry of women.
Zane's eyes snapped open, he furrowed
"What the hell was that?"
A soft moan followed, barely above a whisper, mixed with hushed words.
He turned his tiny head slightly and saw Xiao Rui pressing Lian against the wall.
The dim candlelight flickered, casting long shadows over their entwined figures.
Lian's long black hair spilled down her back, strands sticking slightly to her heated skin. Her hands pressed against the wall, fingers curling slightly as she leaned forward, her back arching just a little.
Behind her, Xiao Rui's thin holding her waist, His breath was uneven, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
Their clothes lay scattered on the floor, some half-folded, others carelessly tossed aside.
Zane froze.
Wait... wait... are they...? In front of me?!
He immediately covered his eyes with his tiny hands, peeking through his fingers despite himself.