Chapter 18 The Guy's Mysterious Actions
The desert night was bitterly cold, and the campfire crackled and burned on the sand, casting flickering shadows. Wu Xie, wrapped in a blanket, huddled beside the fire, rubbing his hands together as he moved closer to Zhang Qiling.
"Brother, do you really think we can find the Queen Mother of the West's Palace in this godforsaken place? I feel like it's even more eerie than the Heavenly Palace on the Clouds." Wu Xie said, breathing on his palm. "At least the Heavenly Palace on the Clouds had a bronze door last time, but here it's just sand and rocks."
Zhang Qiling was wiping his Black Gold Ancient Blade with his head down. Hearing this, he didn't even lift his eyelids, only giving a faint "hmm". But his eyes never left Hei Xiazi sitting opposite him—the man was dangling an unlit cigarette and idly poking at the campfire.
"Hey, buddy, say something!" Wu Xie pouted in dissatisfaction. "Every time I ask you something, it's just 'uh-huh,' or you just pretend you didn't hear me. If it weren't for the fact that we've been to a few tombs together..."
Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Qiling suddenly stood up, took a carton of warm milk, and walked towards Xie Yuchen, who was sitting alone not far away. Wu Xie recognized him as the head of the Xie family; he had seen him a few times at the auction before, and only knew that everyone called him "Master Hua'er".
"Drink this." Zhang Qiling handed the milk to Xie Yuchen, his tone as indifferent as ever.
Xie Yuchen was clearly stunned. He had only met Zhang Qiling a few times at Nine Gates gatherings, and they hadn't even exchanged more than a few words. This sudden concern caught him off guard: "Mr. Zhang, this is...?"
"If you're injured, drinking milk is good." Zhang Qiling's answer was so concise it was almost suffocating.
Wu Xie stared in disbelief, then turned to Hei Xiazi and said, "Old Hei, what's this guy up to? Last time in the underwater tomb, I had a fever, and he gave me cold water!"
Hei Xiazi pushed up his sunglasses, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "You don't understand, our mute Zhang is very good at taking care of people." As he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on Zhang Qiling's figure.
Xie Yuchen held the carton of warm milk, unsure whether to accept it or not. He secretly glanced at Zhang Qiling and found the other looking at him with an indescribable expression—not one of concern, but rather as if he were completing some task.
"I appreciate Mr. Zhang's kindness," Xie Yuchen said, carefully choosing his words, "but actually..."
"Drink it while it's hot." Zhang Qiling interrupted him, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority. (Zhang Qiling's inner thoughts: Hei Xiazi said he would take care of him like a junior. A junior is injured; milk is good for him. Alcohol is harmful, so he can't drink it. Hei Xiazi will be happy that I'm doing this.)
At this moment, Hei Xiazi suddenly stood up, walked to Zhang Qiling's side, and naturally reached out to straighten his collar, which had been ruffled by the wind: "Dumb, your way of showing concern is too abrupt. Look how scared you've made Hua'er Ye."
Zhang Qiling let Hei Xiazi do as he pleased, his gaze softening slightly, and he replied in a low voice, "You taught me."
Wu Xie watched this scene and suddenly felt that something was wrong. The atmosphere between these two... was even stickier than the temperature in the desert at night? He remembered that in the Heavenly Palace on the Cloud Top, Zhang Qiling was indifferent to everyone, but he would respond to Hei Xiazi's words.
"No, bro," Wu Xie couldn't help but interject, "So you're treating me differently? You're so attentive to Master Hua, but you treat me like dirt?"
Hei Xiazi laughed heartily upon hearing this, and put his arm around Zhang Qiling's shoulder: "Little kid, you don't understand, do you? Our mute Zhang is very selective about who he picks."
Although Zhang Qiling didn't speak, he didn't push away Hei Xiazi's hand either. Instead, he slightly tilted his head, seemingly listening to what Hei Xiazi was about to say. Zhang Qiling glanced at Hei Xiazi, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes (Was something wrong?), but seeing Hei Xiazi's happy smile, the doubt in his eyes dissipated. (Inner monologue: Hei Xiazi's happiness means he did the right thing.)
Watching the interaction between the three, Xie Yuchen finally inserted a straw and took a few sips of milk. The warm liquid was indeed comforting, but the scene before him was even more incomprehensible than a mirage in the desert. (Zhang Qiling's inner monologue: The method worked. The younger generation needs to be taken care of. Hei Xiazi's teachings were correct.)
He noticed that Zhang Qiling's gaze towards Hei Xiazi was completely different from how he looked at others—his gaze carried an almost instinctive focus, as if Hei Xiazi's every move was within his sight.
As night deepened, everyone gradually returned to their tents to rest. Wu Xie was still incessantly asking about the Queen Mother of the West's Palace, but Zhang Qiling had already turned and headed towards the tent he shared with Hei Xiazi. Hei Xiazi waved to Wu Xie, "Little friend, it's time to sleep. Don't bother my mute."
Watching the two figures walk away side by side, Wu Xie suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "You taciturn fellow! So you've forgotten your friends for the sake of a pretty face!"
Inside the tent, Hei Xiazi joked as he laid out his sleeping bag, "Not bad, Dumb Zhang, you're even bringing warmth to others now."
Zhang Qiling didn't reply, but simply reached out and grasped Hei Xiazi's wrist, his fingertips gently tracing his old scar. In the darkness, their breathing gradually overlapped.
Meanwhile, Xie Yuchen lay in the next tent, staring at the tent ceiling, still recalling the warm milk from earlier and the unspoken understanding between the two people.
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