Hu’er woke up in a daze. Jiu Lin woke her up very early to say he will depart. However, due to being so tired after a long ‘work’, she only muttered something that even she can't remember and immediately fell into a deep sleep.

Hu'er regretted that she didn’t wake up. She wanted to send him out herself and watch him for one more time. Jiu Lim will be gone for long. Hu’er didn’t know if can spend her days without Jiu Lin.

Her eyes are tearing up. She felt lost. Jiu Lin isn't there anymore to be with her. No one is on her side bringing her warm water to wash her face and gently wipe her face, no warm meals and someone coaxing her to get up.

She sniffed and wiped her tears. Forced herself to sit up, while suppressing her sadness. Hu’er only hope for one thing right now, Jiu Lin’s safety.

Closing her eyes as she prays and hopes that Jiu Lin and the traders will have a safe journey.

After a bit of time, Hu’er stood up and went towards the door to go out. Still at a loss, she walked aimlessly until her nose sniffed a delicious fragrance.

Her feet immediately went where the smell was. She could help but close her eyes as she inhaled the smell, only to get bump by someone.

Eyes to eyes, the two were lost in a moment. It’s been so long that the two have seen each other for this close.

Song Li could feel his heart beats going fast. “Ahm. I…” his face flushed. ‘Can she hear it?’ he thought and looked away.

He could feel his heart beating so much that he could hear it clearly. Song Li’s ear twitches and looks down to hide the embarrassment that he is feeling. He didn't know where to put his hands or look.

Hu'er, who was too occupied, didn't notice Song Li’s delima. She is looking for something. She sniffed and looked everywhere. When she couldn't see it, she pouted. Then look at Song Li.

Song Li finally looks at Hu’er when he didn’t hear her speak. His attention immediately went towards her red and puffy eyes. His heart dropped.

Song Li panicked and put down the jar of wine he was holding. He went to her and examined her feet, body, arms and face. He couldn't see anything wrong with Hu’er  “Are you okay? Why did you cry? Are you hurt? I’ll go and get Ke Rin.”

He was about to run out when a tug stopped him. She pulled his hand and pouted. “I’m hungry.”

Shocked, he felt ashamed. If he cooked faster, she would not feel hungry  “I.. I’ll get the food.” He ran away to get the food back.

“En.” Hu’er followed Song Li to the table. She saw a tray full of delicious food.

“I just finished cooking and was about to go up. Sorry for being late. I made you hungry.” He presented the food. It is this food that made her salivate.

These foods are the ones Song Li wanted to bring into Hu’er’s room. The food are just enough for Hu’er to taste every dishes he cooked.

He cooked so much due to excitement. It is the reason why Song Li brought out the food late. As for the wine.. He wanted to drink some… He is too nervous to speak to Hu’er, and the fact that they are alone made him more jittery.

She sniffed. “It smells good.” Her stomach grumbles. She leaned down to take a good sniff.

Song Li couldn't help himself but smile. “En. Shall we go up and eat there?”

She shook her head  “No, eat here.” Not waiting for Song Li  to respond, she sat down in front of the table.

Hu’er looks really hungry. Song Li put the food in front of her and brought out some other fruits that he prepared.

“I cut it out already,” he said and brought the bite sized fruit to the table.

“En. Eat with me.” She patted the chair next to her when she saw that Song Li was done putting all the dishes on the table.

Still hesitating, he nodded. “Okay.”

Song Li and Hu’er ate in silence. The atmosphere wasn't really awkward, it was just peacefully quiet.

He is done with his food while Hu’er is just halfway done. Song Li couldn't help but stare at Hu’er. This is the first time for so many days that he is with Hu’er alone with no beastmen ten feets near them.

His eyes couldn't help but wander around her face. Her puffy eyes are the evidence that she cried. He knew the reason why, that even Hu’er didn’t say it, Song Li still knows. It’s because of Jiu Lin. It’s rare for a female to cry just because her mate will go out for days to trade. Even his mom don't cry when his dad goes out for the whole season, she would even ask for them to find her things.

Hu’er being like this made him feel touched and jealous. Thinking that if it was him going out will she also be worried? But those thoughts washed away. Song Lo knew she wouldn't as they weren't mated yet and the connection between them aren't that close and thicker.

However, Song Li is already determined that he will fight for attention and love once he is mated. He will make sure the Hu’er will be fully satisfied with him that she will not think of Jiu Lin as their days pass by.

His eyes heated up and unconsciously went down her slim neck. It was hidden but he still saw it. A fresh reddish mark signifies that she mated with Jiu Lin before letting him go made Song Li swallow.

He wants to erase it with his and gave her a mark. No, he wants to mark all of her body and make her smell like him. Hu’er smell has Jiu Lin’s smell on her. It’s not that he hated it but he prefered to make her smell like him.