After some time passed, Xuan Yan rose to his feet without a word, dusting off his cloak before turning toward the mouth of the cave.
'Where is he going?' Zhu Zhuqing blinked in confusion, her body aching too much to follow him, but a part of her still wanted to call out and demand an answer.
Minutes passed… then longer.
The crackling fire dimmed to soft embers, and yet he did not return.
Slowly, fear crept into her heart like a cold poison 'Wait... he abandoned me? Or.... did something happen to him in the forest?'
Her injured legs drew upward on instinct as she slowly hugged her knees.
A familiar loneliness that was buried deep in her heart began to resurface.
Tears moistened her eyes before she even realized she was crying. 'I'm alone again… just like always…'
Even as a noble daughter of the Zhu Clan, she had never truly lived a life of warmth or comfort.
Her home was filled with expectations, and it was a place where bloodlines mattered more than feelings.
Her older sister's face flashed in her mind... those sharp eyes filled with murderous intent.
And then there is her family...
They pushed her into an engagement with the Dai Royal Family as though she were an object to be traded.
No warmth, no affection… only a destiny forced upon her because of her martial soul.
Zhuqing lowered her forehead onto her knees.
Being left alone in this cave, even for a short while, brought all of it crashing back at once.
Then she shook her head sharply, wiping her tears with the back of her bandaged arm 'N-No… Yan doesn't seem like that kind of person. He's annoying and arrogant, but… he's kind. He'll come back.'
Finally, she heard footsteps echoing at the cave's entrance.
Panic and hope collided in her chest as she raised her head up and saw a cloaked figure step inside.
"Yan? You returned? W-Where did you go without telling me?"
The moment he saw them, Xuan Yan moved quickly, kneeling before her "Zhuqing? what happened? Why are you crying?"
Hearing the concern in his usual nonchalant tone, she blinked in surprise.
She quickly shook her head, trying to hide her embarrassment. "N-No… I just remembered something very bad."
With a soft exhale, he raised his hand and without thinking, patted her head. "Don't worry. If you ever want to talk about anything… say it to me."
Zhu Zhuqing was startled and uttered "What are you doing?"
Realizing what he is doing, Xuan Yan pulled his hand back awkwardly "Sorry… I just remembered my sister. I did it out of habit."
"Oh..."
He nodded lightly and stood up.
Almost immediately, Zhu Zhuqing asked, "Where did you go?"
Turning to her, he answered casually, "I couldn't let you starve, so I went to gather some food. And I spread some repelling powder around the cave... it'll keep insects and spirit beasts away."
Hearing how much he had done for her made her heart flutter a bit "O-Oh… that's… good," she murmured, feeling strangely warm.
Xuan Yan added more wood to the fire, then reached into his storage ring.
He pulled out barbecue needles, glanced at her injured arms… and quietly put them back.
Instead, he took a small pot, herbs, and fresh water.
He clearly adjusted everything for her condition.
Zhuqing also noticed it and smiled faintly 'Seems like he changed barbecue idea after seeing my injuries...'
"I saw a lake nearby," he said while cleaning several plump fish.
"So I caught a few. Do you like fish?"
Zhu Zhuqing nodded so fast it was almost childish.
"And the soup?" she asked timidly.
"It's 'tiger' meat soup."
He worked quietly, and his movements were almost elegant.
Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but wonder, his temperament, his skill, his items 'He must be from an extraordinary household.'
Soon, a rich aroma filled the cave, and her stomach growled loudly *grumble* echoing through the cave.
Xuan Yan glanced at her, chuckled, and said, "Wait a bit more. Dinner's ready."
She hid her face in her arms in embarrassment.
He brought her a steaming bowl of soup and a plate of beautifully cooked fish "Eat," he said, placing them by her side.
She smiled and reached for the spoon… only for pain to shoot up her arm, causing the spoon to slip from her fingers.
Xuan Yan picked it up instantly.
"Don't push yourself," he said softly, then sat beside her and lifted a spoonful of soup toward her lips.
"I-I can-"
"Just eat,"
Obediently, she opened her mouth, letting him feed her; the soup was rich and gentle, warming her insides.
He continued until the bowl was empty.
Then he removed his gloves and taking a piece of fish in his fingers, he held it toward her mouth again.
Zhu Zhuqing froze, and her blush deepened, as being fed by hand was something far too intimate.
She exhaled softly and opened her lips; as he placed the fish inside while her mouth brushed his fingers lightly.
The flavor melted on her tongue and it tasted far better than any noble banquet she'd ever attended.
He withdrew his hand… with a small bit of fish still stuck to his fingertip.
Without thinking, Zhu Zhuqing leaned forward, grabbed his wrist, and licked it clean.
Xuan Yan blinked and then burst into a warm laugh "You little cat," he teased.
She quickly turned away and even she didn't know why she acted like that.
After finishing the meal, he wiped her mouth with a soft handkerchief, then handed her the water bottle.
Every small gesture was gentle and careful, which made her heart beat fastly 'So… this is what it feels like to have someone care…'
Her thoughts drifted to a blond boy she once relied on.
He left her behind, and she heard he is visiting brothels without a care... he never treated her like this.
The comparison stung, but it also made the warmth in her chest grow stronger as she glanced at Xuan Yan.
He sat and began eating his share.
Zhu Zhuqing watched closely as he lifted the meat to his hidden face… and the moment it neared the shadowed void of his hood, the food disappeared.
Her eyes widened 'He can eat without removing his hood?'
Then she remembered, he used those hands to feed her… and now he was using them to eat.
She averted her gaze. 'I-Is this… an indirect kiss…?'
Still, curiosity tugged at her.
She turned her head slightly, watching him from the corner of her eye.
'Just… who exactly are you, Yan?'