Huo Yuhao's eyelashes trembled slightly as he slowly opened his eyes.
What came into view was a stunningly beautiful yet unfamiliar face—golden hair cascading down her back, skin as white as snow, and a pair of pale purple eyes gazing at him with a hint of concern.
Her attire was no longer Xue Qinghe's simple and elegant robe, but a light white and gold dress, with an exquisite silver belt around her waist, making her radiant in the morning light.
"This young lady..." Huo Yuhao began, feigning confusion, his voice carrying just the right amount of weakness and bewilderment, "I don't think I saw you when we landed just now? Were you... taking a bath here? Did you save me?"
He deliberately gave her a plausible excuse, and even slightly turned his head away, displaying a gentlemanly demeanor of "not looking at what is improper".
Qian Renxue was taken aback, then nodded in agreement. "Ah, yes, yes, are you alright?" Her tone was slightly flustered, clearly not used to such a hastily made-up lie, but she quickly regained her composure.
Huo Yuhao propped himself up, looked around, and a look of anxiety appeared on his face. "Thank you for saving me, young lady, but... have you seen someone named Xue Qinghe? My friend and I were hunting for Soul Ring here when we encountered a beast tide led by the Titan Giant Ape and got separated."
He spoke with such sincerity, as if he were genuinely worried about his close friend's safety.
Looking at his worried expression, Qian Renxue felt a surge of warmth in her heart. "He's still worried about ' Xue Qinghe's' safety..." she thought to herself, "It seems he hasn't recognized me."
She lowered her eyes slightly, avoiding Huo Yuhao's gaze, and said softly, "I'm sorry, I didn't see your friends. I only found you when we fell."
Upon hearing this, Huo Yuhao frowned and muttered to himself, "Could he have fallen somewhere else...?" He then struggled to his feet and solemnly clasped his hands in a fist salute to Qian Renxue, saying, "In any case, thank you for saving my life, young lady. I must go find my friend now. Farewell. You should leave quickly, young lady, or it will be troublesome if the beast tide and the Titan Giant Ape catch up."
He turned to leave, his steps slightly unsteady, yet still resolute.
"Wait!" Qian Renxue suddenly called out to him.
Huo Yuhao paused, turned to look at her, and his eyes held just the right amount of confusion.
Qian Renxue pursed her lips, seemingly considering her words, before finally saying, "It's too dangerous for you to be alone. I... I can go with you to find your friend. In this Star Dou Great Forest, two people are always safer than one."
Her tone seemed calm, but her fingertips unconsciously tightened their grip on the hem of her clothes.
Huo Yuhao glanced at the girl beside him, softened his tone, and said gently, "Alright, it is indeed dangerous for a young lady like you to be alone in the Star Dou Great Forest."
These words were spoken sincerely, yet they also contained a deeper meaning—the speaker was worried about Xue Qinghe's safety, and also concerned about the situation of the "unfamiliar woman" in front of him.
Qian Renxue's heart stirred slightly. Having grown up in the Spirit Hall since childhood, she was used to the deceit and treachery, but rarely encountered such pure kindness. The concern in the boy's eyes did not seem fake, and she unconsciously relaxed her tense shoulders.
(He was... sincere.)
Huo Yuhao took in her reaction, a barely perceptible glint of cold light flashing in his eyes.
(Not enough...) he thought to himself, (If the Titan Giant Ape catches up, it could add fuel to the fire...)
The two walked side by side, the forest silent except for the sound of their footsteps and the occasional chirping of birds. Suddenly—
"Gurgle--"
A soft sound broke the silence. Qian Renxue froze, her jade-like cheeks instantly turning crimson. She instinctively pressed her abdomen, wishing she could disappear into the ground.
Huo Yuhao paused, turned to look at her, a helpless smile playing on his lips, "Miss, are you hungry?"
Qian Renxue lowered her eyes, a few strands of golden hair slipping down her cheek, and nodded gently. Her demeanor was completely devoid of any of her former arrogance; she looked more like a little girl who had done something wrong.
"Hold on."
Huo Yuhao turned around and went back nimbly. In no time, he returned carrying several plump fish, a wild boar and two rabbits on his shoulders.
Qian Renxue leaned against a tree, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes as she saw him return. She had assumed this young Soul Master would simply pick some wild fruit to eat, but unexpectedly...
You can cook?
Huo Yuhao skillfully flipped the fish on the grill, the oil dripping onto the charcoal and sizzling. As he sprinkled on the special seasoning, he said with a smile, "I know a little bit about it, it's kind of an old habit."
"When I'm out and about, I always carry these spices and a grill with me." With a flick of his wrist, several spices traced graceful arcs in the air. "Speaking of which, I made a living with this skill back in the day. You're in for a treat today, young lady."
Qian Renxue sat upright on a blue stone, her long golden hair gleaming softly in the morning light. She gave a soft "hmm," her voice still cool, but her gaze unconsciously followed Huo Yuhao's hand as he turned the grilled fish.
Soon, the aroma of grilled fish filled the forest. It was a unique fragrance, a blend of several spices, and even the well-traveled Qian Renxue couldn't help but widen her eyes slightly. Huo Yuhao caught a glimpse of her reaction out of the corner of his eye, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on his lips.
"Here, eat it while it's hot." Huo Yuhao handed over the first grilled fish.
Qian Renxue maintained her elegant posture and did not reach out to take it. Huo Yuhao chuckled inwardly, "Just like Bibi Dong, putting on airs." He walked directly to Qian Renxue's side and, without saying a word, shoved the grilled fish into her hand.
"The flavor will be greatly diminished if it gets cold." He winked, a hint of mischief in his voice.
Qian Renxue hesitated for a moment before finally taking a small bite. Instantly, the tender fish meat, mixed with the flavor of the secret spices, burst in her mouth, and the crispy outside and tender inside made her unconsciously take another bite.
"It's delicious," she said softly, her voice still cool, but the corners of her eyes curved slightly.
Huo Yuhao smiled smugly, "Of course, I am the number one chef in the world." He turned around and continued to stir-fry the remaining ingredients, his movements fluid and graceful.
Qian Renxue scoffed, "The world's number one chef? You're really confident."
"My skills are unique," Huo Yuhao said without turning his head. "Others would love to eat this, but they can't." He suddenly turned around, his gaze fixed intently on Qian Renxue. "Speaking of which, I don't even know your name, young lady."
Qian Renxue then realized her current identity and, after a moment's thought, said, "My name is Xue'er. What's yours?"
" Huo Lai," Huo Yuhao said without batting an eye, giving a fake name. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Xue'er."
As the aroma of roasted meat wafted through the air, the two men's conversation gradually warmed up. While turning the wild boar meat on the grill, Huo Yuhao said regretfully, "It's a pity Brother Xue isn't here; otherwise, he could have tasted my cooking."
Qian Renxue, who was eating grilled fish with her head down, almost choked when she heard this. She thought to herself, "Idiot, I'm right in front of you." But on the surface, she just gave a faint "hmm".
It was already past midnight, the moonlight shone brightly, and a peaceful atmosphere prevailed. The aroma of roasted meat mingled with the fresh air of the forest. At this moment, the dangers of the Star Dou Great Forest seemed to have vanished, leaving only delicious food and a rare tranquility.
After a satisfying meal, Huo Yuhao neatly packed up the grill. "Time to continue our journey," he said, standing up and brushing the bits of grass off his clothes. "The beast tide might catch up at any moment."
Qian Renxue gracefully wiped her lips, nodded, and stood up. The two figures disappeared into the dense forest once more, one after the other. But this time, the distance between them seemed to be closer than before.
P. S.: Did this chapter push the romance between Huo Yuhao and Qian Renxue too fast? Do they need a catalyst? Or should they develop their relationship slowly after they safely leave?
Which one do you think is better?
Please feel free to offer your opinions, as I'm also struggling to decide which of these two storylines is better and more original...