Wu Li, an explorer of the Pioneer Association.
He seemed to have eyes only for Fu Ling, momentarily overlooking Ling An beside her.
Dragging his battered body forward, he grabbed Fu Ling's hand and exclaimed, "Fu Ling, I found it!"
His eyes brimmed with excitement, as though he had discovered some extraordinary treasure.
But there was no joy in Fu Ling's eyes as she looked at Wu Li. She silently studied his face and body, then said softly, "Wu Li, you're hurt again."
Then Ling An knew they were lovers.
"It's fine. As long as I can keep your illness under control, none of this matters!" Wu Li shook his head, utterly unconcerned about his injuries.
Only then did he finally notice Ling An beside them.
"Patroller Ling An? What are you doing here?" Wu Li asked in surprise.
"Since I'd found you, I had to give my client the good news. I didn't expect you to come running out on your own." Ling An shook his head, sensing the bittersweet tang of love.
"Heh." Wu Li scratched his head and told Fu Ling, "It's cold out here. Go back to your room and rest. Try not to move around too much."
Without waiting for Fu Ling to refuse, he immediately escorted her into her room.
Only he and Ling An remained in the inn's courtyard, looking quietly at each other.
"Patroller Ling An, I know I broke the rules, and I've heard of your formidable reputation. Since you managed to find this place, I'd like to talk to you." Wu Li put away the tenderness he had shown Fu Ling and grew solemn.
Ling An nodded and said evenly, "Go ahead."
Wu Li leaned against the railing. Only now did a trace of weariness surface in his eyes. "Fu