CHAPTER 80: CHAPTER 80: WHAT IF I GET EVEN CLOSER TO YOU?

How could Pei Shu’er possibly say that he was her destiny!

She could only turn her head, raising an eyebrow to look at Tang Zan, somewhat defiant.

"What, does this place belong to you? I can sit wherever I want. Even if I sit a bit closer to you, what can you do about it?"

After saying this, Pei Shu’er leaned closer to Tang Zan, their breaths intertwining.

Her peach blossom eyes slightly tilted, provocatively looking at Tang Zan, fingers drawing circles on his collar, her gaze hooked like a lure.

She really resembled a captivating enchantress like this.

Tang Zan watched Pei Shu’er, a scent enveloping him.

He felt his heartbeat going off balance.

With a cold laugh, he sat further away from Pei Shu’er, first turning his head.

Pei Shu’er let out a long sigh of relief.

What a relief, she was thinking if she hadn’t acted this way, Tang Zan might have really pushed her to sit elsewhere.

With someone like Tang Zan, you truly have to go against his wishes.

She didn’t dare gamble.

Survival is paramount.

The group advanced forward a bit more, the weather growing colder.

Having crossed this Snow Mountain, everyone thought it would get warmer soon.

Instead, they faced an even larger Snow Mountain ahead.

Everyone groaned but had to press on.

The conditions here were so harsh, everyone temporarily gave up thoughts of escaping.

If you run away, without anyone to care for you, death is the only path.

They passed a section of the Snow Mountain, fortunately only at the foothills, but everyone was already shivering cold.

Reaching the stop for the night, Pei Shu’er proactively approached the government officers, smiling as she spoke.

"Lord, would you like me to make dinner for you all?"

Lu Qing looked up somewhat surprised, then smiled and nodded.

"Sure."

Others also calmly said, "Go ahead."

Their eyes were secretly excited though, great, they could have tasty food again.

Pei Shu’er thought for a bit, knowing she couldn’t go too far from Tang Zan, so she ran over to his side.

She said to Tang Zan, "Come over there to help me, and while you’re at it, inquire about Gulan Mountain’s situation."

Others were a bit surprised, thinking someone as cold as Tang Zan wouldn’t go, right?

Tang Zan’s face was cold, and Pei Shu’er feared he wouldn’t come, quickly tugging his sleeve, her tone softened as she blinked and spoke.

"Let’s go."

The words of refusal were stuck in Tang Zan’s mouth, unable to come out.

With a final cold humph, he followed Pei Shu’er over.

Those familiar with Tang Zan had their mouths agape, surprised that even Tang Zan, with his proud stubbornness, would compromise.

Liu Xu and Tang Qingning exchanged a glance, seeing the amusement in each other’s eyes.

Tang Zan didn’t really know how to be an assistant; though he came here, even wanting to help, he couldn’t manage anything properly.

He really didn’t understand kitchen stuff.

Pei Shu’er quickly laughed, "Never mind, you just chat with Lu Qing here."

The knowledge she would get from Lu Qing would be shallow, but Tang Zan was different, he was once a Young Master.

Hardly anyone could dismiss Tang Zan.

True to expectation, Tang Zan asked indifferently, "What’s the situation at Gulan Mountain now?"

Pei Shu’er admired his tone a bit, truly accustomed to being in charge.

Lu Qing, generally acquainted with Tang Zan, spoke openly without reservation.

"Heavy snow is falling there now, food is insufficient. The troops stationed there aren’t familiar with the environment, often beaten back by the Dazi, it’s quite tragic."

"If you go there, the government officers would arrange suitable lands for you, all located behind the barracks, generally untouched by the Dazi."

"Meanwhile, other prisoners there aren’t easy to deal with."

At that moment, Pei Shu’er finished cooking and returned to give Lu Qing and others their meal, noticing they had nothing more to say, she pulled Tang Zan back to their resting area.

When Pei Shu’er arrived, the people from the third room had already prepared their meal and greeted them immediately.

"Come eat quickly, the weather’s cold, otherwise it’ll get chilly."

Pei Shu’er took a few bites, finding the taste palatable.

The cooking was done by a woman named Honghua and three others with Granny Yinxing.

After the meal, Pei Shu’er shared the information she learned with people from the third room.

Liu Xu frowned deeply, Tang Qingning was silent for a long time before speaking up.

"Looks like we need to plan early. Once there, shelters or caves are a must, Shuo’er and Qing Huan are too young."

Pei Shu’er thought likewise; during exile it’s okay to be without a residence.

But upon reaching the place of exile, the aim is to settle down; how can you do that without somewhere to live?

Anyone would feel a lack of belonging.

After finishing dinner, the old couple cleaned up the dishes to wash, Pei Shu’er leaned against the stone wall, dozing off.

This body is truly worsening day by day.

Pei Shu’er thought, perhaps before even reaching the place of exile, her health might collapse.

Maybe because the fire was too warm, and her blanket too cozy, she soon drifted off to sleep.

Lin Yu was roasting the fire on her left, Tang Zan on her right.

As she slept, she gradually leaned towards Lin Yu.

Lin Yu caught a whiff of floral scent, turned to look, and immediately saw Pei Shu’er peacefully sleeping face.

It was Miss Pei.

The one who saved him and his brother, Miss Pei.

Something stirred inside him, his heartbeat quickened uncontrollably.

He dared not move, nor did he wish to.

His fingers tensed, curling, his whole body turning into a sculpture.

At that moment, a large hand reached over, moving Pei Shu’er’s head onto his shoulder.

Lin Yu felt a hollow inside, the warmth from where Pei Shu’er had leaned gradually cooled, even colder than the other side.

He turned his head, seeing Tang Zan with a cold, intent gaze, eyes seeming murderous.

While Pei Shu’er rested against his shoulder, adjusting as if seeking a comfortable angle.

Tang Zan remained motionless, his good nature starkly contrasting with his cold demeanor.

Pei Shu’er finally found a fitting angle, resting against his shoulder, dozing off.

The fire crackled, Pei Shu’er’s breathing gentle.

Tang Zan felt warmth melting inside him, yet he simply let Pei Shu’er lean on him.

Why such warmth?

Thus, Tang Zan let Pei Shu’er rest against him all night, eventually sleeping too.

Early the next morning.

Pei Shu’er awoke to find Tang Zan beside her, organizing the clothes roasted by the fire.

Pei Shu’er, in high spirits, spoke up for once.

"Morning."

Tang Zan silently nodded, continuing to organize.

Pei Shu’er didn’t mind Tang Zan’s indifference.

Liu Xu and Tang Qingning exchanged a look, their lips curving slightly upwards.

Tang Zan appeared to remain an ice figure, but inside, who knows how much he’s melted.

After waking, Pei Shu’er started another fire.

She reheated white bread in a skillet, then served it to everyone.

This counted as breakfast.

If she didn’t eat, she wouldn’t last until noon.

While other exiles could only hope for a midday meal.

The third room had already started having three meals a day, even contemplating variety for dinner.