Chapter 7: Surviving the Desert (7)

“No.” Chi Nie’s answer was always so succinct.

Yun Zui guessed that Chi Nie was unlikely to be a tomb raider, for his demeanor was that of someone powerful. Yet Yun Zui’s body was too frail, and she had never trusted others. Now that Chi Nie extended goodwill, she felt she must remain vigilant no matter what.

“Take me out of here. I’ll do something for you,” Yun Zui said, resigned to her fate.

She disliked owing anyone anything, never admitted defeat, and never sought help from others, but in front of Chi Nie, she surrendered.

Her body was so weak that even walking through the night required every ounce of her willpower.

Chi Nie glanced at Yun Zui with his phoenix eyes; her words brought a flicker of surprise to his gaze.

To do something for him—he had never needed anyone’s help.

“Alright.” Yet Chi Nie agreed readily, for Yun Zui might carry one fragment of Su Ran Tong’s soul. He might eventually take Yun Zui’s life; this wasn’t truly saving her, but letting her live a bit longer.

After helping Yun Zui up, Chi Nie carried her on his back. Yun Zui felt she was near death; she had no strength left, her thoughts muddled, and she was sick.

Eventually, Yun Zui could no longer resist and slipped into unconsciousness.

Even in her faintness, Yun Zui felt Chi Nie’s strong back beneath her; it was comfortable, and she sensed that he never let go of her.

She retained some awareness at first, but her eyes wouldn’t open no matter how hard she tried, until at some unknown moment, she fell into a deep sleep.

When Yun Zui regained consciousness, she felt a pleasant sensation on her lips. Opening her eyes just a crack, she saw Chi Nie squeezing water from a cactus for her to drink.

Chi Nie’s own lips were dry and cracked; he was clearly parched, yet he reserved the precious cactus water for her.

But Yun Zui lacked even the strength to speak, and soon drifted back into sleep.

The next time she awoke, Yun Zui opened her eyes to find Chi Nie very close to her. She could see his long, thick lashes, his proud nose, and those wickedly charming eyes. Pressed against her lips were Chi Nie’s own!

Yun Zui came to full alertness in an instant, her eyes wide. She reached out to push him away, but his chest was as solid as a wall, unmoving.

Noticing Yun Zui had awakened, Chi Nie finally moved away from her lips.

Yun Zui wanted to curse him, but the moisture in her mouth told her Chi Nie was actually feeding her water.

With that realization, her anger faded.

In her modern life, Yun Zui was a proud woman who kept men at bay. If any man dared to kiss her without permission, she would make sure he paid dearly.

“Where are we?” Yun Zui looked around and saw a stretch of verdant grass, as though they had left the desert.

“Unlucky,” Chi Nie replied, as tersely as ever; Yun Zui realized her question was wasted.

But as she turned her gaze, she suddenly noticed a wolf sitting before them. Yun Zui became instantly alert, but Chi Nie said, “It led the way.”

He even reached out to stroke the wolf’s fur.

Yun Zui was completely stunned—how could a wolf not attack people?

Sensing Yun Zui’s confusion, Chi Nie explained, “There’s an ivory necklace around its neck; it must have belonged to someone.”

Only then did Yun Zui notice the necklace on the wolf. As she looked at the animal, it wagged its tail and approached, nuzzling her affectionately.

Yun Zui was nearly dumbstruck—was this a wolf? It acted more like a gentle dog.

She tentatively reached out to touch its fur, and the wolf immediately licked her palm.

Yun Zui was astonished.

Chi Nie’s voice sounded again, “It seems very familiar with you.”

To him, the wolf kept its distance, but with Yun Zui, it was warmly enthusiastic.

Yun Zui was bewildered—how could that be?

Familiar? Impossible. She had only just arrived in this ancient world!