Each person carried a large package and several smaller packages. The weight wasn't particularly heavy, and it wouldn't bother them for a while.
However, walking in the snow is already a heavy burden, and you also have to be careful not to slip, so Xiang Wan fell behind. After walking this stretch, she could no longer straighten her back.
The two men in front, standing tall and straight, moved with the ease of the wind, as if nothing had happened. Shi Cong was one thing, but the third brother was utterly clueless; knowing his brother was lagging behind, he didn't even try to lend a hand.
Actually, Xiang Wan has internal strength, so carrying a few bundles on her back wouldn't be a problem at all. The issue is, she doesn't want to reveal that she's very strong. Isn't it said that the capable are often burdened with more work? What if all the responsibilities fall on her shoulders in the future? How will her brothers' strength and sturdiness be showcased then?
Being a supporting character requires awareness of one's role, and Xiang Wan did this quite conscientiously. However, the third brother was too clueless. Given the powerful support of his master, wouldn't it have been easier for him to interact with the others if he had been a little more submissive?
The third brother hasn't quite grasped things yet, so Xiang Wan needs to create some opportunities for him. It's absolutely not that she wants to be lazy; honestly, this is sacrificing herself to make this couple happy!
Even if the system doesn't have an eye corner, it will create one and pretend to twitch to express its utter contempt for the host's behavior!
"Oh dear, I can't go on anymore. Third Brother, let's take a break. Let Brother Shi Cong stop and rest too. We've been walking for so long, we're a little hungry."
Xiang Wan dumped the package on the ground and plopped down on it.
Everything in the package was hard and stiff, perfect for sitting on as a stool.
Bai San paused, and Shi Cong behind him couldn't stop in time. His arm brushed against the bundle on Bai San's back, and he immediately turned around quickly to the side.
Even with his quick movements, Bai San was still knocked off balance by the impact. After regaining his footing, he glared angrily at Xiang Wan.
Ever since discovering that his youngest brother had schemed against him, he's been completely distraught. Whenever his youngest brother comes up with an idea, he can't help but wonder, "Is this another trap? What kind of crazy scheme is he planning now?"
As darkness fell, we had only covered half the journey back. Even orcs dared not roam outside at night; most wild beasts hunted at midnight, you know.
"It's getting dark soon. If we don't get back soon, Dad won't let us off the hook," Bai San said through gritted teeth.
Xiang Wan glanced sideways. She had only said she wanted to rest for a while; she didn't seem to have offended him, did she?
"I really can't walk anymore. I'm hungry and tired. I need to eat so I can get going."
Xiang Wanwu took out a lump of cooked meat from the package, cut off a slice with a stone knife, and was about to put it in her mouth when she remembered that Shi Cong didn't seem to have eaten any either.
"Third Brother, if you don't eat, Shi Cong is still hungry."
That's all the help I can give you as your brother. You'd better keep pushing!
Bai San glared at Xiang Wan, noticing that Shi Cong hadn't eaten anything since they met. He had intended to give him something to eat earlier, but took it back halfway. Letting him go hungry again was indeed a bit inappropriate.
The person who deftly pulled out the frozen meat slices completely forgot that bringing Shi Cong along was a decision he and the youngest brother had made together, but now he was taking it all on his own.
Hmm, they've already figured things out so quickly. Looks like the third brother isn't completely clueless after all.
Xiang Wan's eyes narrowed to slits, and even the bland meat slices in her mouth seemed to taste sweet.
Shi Cong remained noncommittal, put down his bundle, and sat upright in place, mimicking Xiang Wan's posture, watching Bai Sanshou slicing meat with a knife.
Seeing such a heartwarming scene, Xiang Wan suddenly felt a great sense of regret. It would have been so nice to have a camera. What a pity.
Bai San worked quickly and soon finished slicing several palm-sized pieces of meat, still covered in frost.
Shi Cong didn't stand on ceremony. He took two pieces, and without even moving his mouth, he chewed them and swallowed them. It was impossible to tell from his expression whether he liked them or not.
It was the third brother who worked so hard to cut it down; it can't be wasted.
Xiang Wan coughed lightly, "Um, Shi Cong, is it good?"
"What do you think?" Shi Cong said calmly.
Your emotional intelligence is really low. Is it so hard to say something nice?
After relieving my hunger, I suddenly caught a faint smell of blood.
The three of them stood up at the same time, back to back, and looked around warily.
This is a river mouth, with a slope on one side and rocks taller than a person on the other, stretching far into the distance along the river.
With a wide field of vision in front and behind, anything could be spotted immediately. Therefore, the smell of blood must be behind the rocks or at the back of the slope.
The three of them stood still for a long time without moving, only hearing the sound of the wind whistling past their ears.
"Help!"
A faint sound came from not far away, and the three of them immediately determined the location: behind the rocks.
Bai San grabbed Xiang Wan's wrist and gestured with his eyes for her to stay where she was while he and Shi Cong went over to check.
With stone knives and short spears in hand, the two men nimbly climbed the snow-covered rocks and cautiously peered out.
With the aid of her inner strength, Xiang Wan heard sounds coming from the other side of the rocks. Faint groans and the low growls of wild beasts. Listening closely, it seemed there was only one beast, but its footsteps were very steady, and the crunching sound in the snow was very slight, as if it was deliberately slowing down.
With only one beast, a quick victory is best to avoid attracting other animals with the smell of blood.
Xiang Wan quietly climbed up the rock and lay down next to Bai San and the others.
Seeing the people next to him, Bai San's face darkened. Why did they have to cause trouble? Their skinny arms and legs weren't even enough to fill that leopard's teeth.
Shi Cong didn't react much, staring intently at the leopard.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
