At that moment, Ling Xi gave Lin Xiao a confused look, not understanding why he wouldn’t let her go.
“Lin Xiao, let go of me! I want to have fun with them. How am I supposed to play if you’re holding me like this?”
Lin Xiao glanced at her with a cold, indifferent expression, and just that look was enough to silence Ling Xi immediately. “You really want to get lost in a place like this, don’t you? Let me tell you in advance—if you wander off and disappear, no one is going to come looking for you.”
Hearing that, Ling Xi pouted and muttered something under her breath.
Zhang Nu, watching this little exchange between them, suddenly had a thought: Those two really do look like a couple. Lin Xiao with his domineering aura, and Ling Xi like a clueless little bunny—it was an oddly compelling combination.
“Alright, Lin Xiao, stop scaring her. Let Ling Xi go and have fun. She finally gets a rare chance to come out and explore,” Zhang Nu said. “And Ling Xi, you don’t have to listen to him. Go play—we’ll keep an eye on you. It’s not like we’re powerless. Even if we get separated, we’ll be able to find each other.”
Ling Xi nodded eagerly, feeling validated by Zhang Nu’s words.
“See? Zhang Nu said it’s fine. Why are you the only one making a big deal out of it?”
With that, she shook off Lin Xiao’s grip and happily ran off to rejoin the others. Lin Xiao stood frozen for a moment, watching his hand being tossed aside. His gaze gradually turned darker, more shadowed.
Zhang Nu, noticing the shift in Lin Xiao’s expression, immediately realized something—To Lin Xiao, Ling Xi might just be his salvation.
If that’s the case, he couldn’t afford to let Lin Xiao spiral. Who knew what he might do if those feelings got out of control?
Clapping a hand on Lin Xiao’s shoulder, Zhang Nu gave him a smile. “What’s on your mind?”
“If you really like Ling Xi,” he continued, “the last thing you should do is try to cage her. No girl wants to be controlled. The best thing you can do is protect her, but let her be free.”
Lin Xiao looked as if he understood, but still hesitated. “But if I don’t let her out of my sight, won’t she be safer?”
“If she stays by my side, no one can hurt her. She’ll be safe from everything.”
Zhang Nu nodded, he didn’t doubt Lin Xiao’s capability. But if he really went through with that plan, Ling Xi might never forgive him. Nobody wants to live like a canary in a cage.
“Lin Xiao,” Zhang Nu said seriously, “no one wants to be locked away, seeing only one person for the rest of their life. If it were you, would you want that?”
Lin Xiao quietly nodded. He actually would be happy to spend his life with just that one person.
Zhang Nu almost laughed in exasperation. This guy really doesn’t get it… Well, he’d have to figure it out on his own, eventually.
“If you want Ling Xi to stay with you willingly,” Zhang Nu said. “Then listen to me. Protect her, yes—but don’t take away her freedom.”
Lin Xiao nodded, though his expression showed he still didn’t fully understand. He’d try Zhang Nu’s approach for now. But if Ling Xi kept rebelling against him, he wouldn’t hesitate to use his own methods.
Meanwhile, the other three up ahead had no idea what was being discussed behind them. They continued playing without a care in the world, while Zhang Nu and Lin Xiao followed along behind, quietly protecting them.
Before long, Zhang Nu and Lin Xiao’s arms were full of various trinkets and snacks—the spoils from the three’s shopping spree. From toys to food to random curiosities, they’d bought everything they could get their hands on. Even their silver was starting to run low.
Seeing that they were still eager to continue, Zhang Nu stepped in to stop them. “That’s enough. If you keep spending like this, we’ll have nothing left for travel expenses.”
Liu Hai looked disappointed but didn’t argue. With five people and dwindling funds, it made sense to cut back.
“In that case,” Liu Hai said. “Why don’t we think of a way to earn some money? We’ll need more for the road anyway.”
Zhang Nu nodded. He had to admit Liu Hai made a good point. The only problem was… they had no idea how to earn money in this place.
“So,” he asked. “Do you have any ideas?”