Chapter 11: I Promise Not to Cause Any Trouble for You

“Brother Li, I truly want to go. Didn’t you just say my wound is almost healed? Please let me come along—I promise I won’t cause you any trouble.”

Zhang Xiaolan knew Li Rui was easygoing, so she spoke to him with a hint of coquettishness, her gaze soft and pitiful.

“Master, if we take Miss Zhang, how can we hunt? The mountain is dangerous too!”

Haizi still refused to bring Zhang Xiaolan along. If she came, she would surely interfere with the hunt, and he’d have to look after her, so he kept voicing his objections.

“I promise I won’t be any trouble. Please, just take me! Let me witness Brother Li’s heroic prowess while hunting. Truly, I’ve never seen what hunting is like. Brother Li, won’t you grant me this small wish?”

Hearing Haizi’s protest, Zhang Xiaolan quickly clasped her hands at her chest, pretending to be pitiful as she made her promise, all the while praising Li Rui’s skill. Haizi rolled his eyes several times in his heart.

“Ha! Master, just take Miss out for once. She’s been cooped up indoors so long she’s about to go mad. A breath of fresh mountain air would do her good.”

Xiao Lian stepped in at the right moment to speak for Zhang Xiaolan. She knew how restless Xiaolan had been these days, always gloomy when idle. She wanted her to have a chance to relax, and with Li Rui’s protection, nothing would go wrong.

“Thank you, Xiao Lian!”

Zhang Xiaolan was moved by Xiao Lian’s support. In her excitement, she hugged her and planted a kiss on her cheek. Xiao Lian was surprised, her face blushing shyly, but she quite enjoyed such intimacy. In ancient times, people expressed emotions much more reservedly.

Haizi stared with his mouth agape. Even Li Rui, who had seen much of the world, felt awkward. Fortunately, it was a girl kissing another girl. If they knew modern customs—where greetings were exchanged with hugs and kisses—they’d surely think it indecent!

“Ahem! Very well. We’ll just stroll around the mountain bay. Whether we catch anything depends on luck.”

Li Rui finally yielded to their pleading, agreeing to take them. He only promised a walk through the woods, not a real hunt—taking a delicate young lady along was certainly inconvenient, but as long as they were just sightseeing, it would do no harm.

“Alright! I don’t mind, as long as I get to go out,” Zhang Xiaolan said, hugging Xiao Lian in excitement.

“Haizi, you’ll stay behind today. Wait until tomorrow.”

Seeing her so delighted, Li Rui smiled helplessly and turned to speak to Haizi.

“Master, I’ve been looking forward to this for days!” Haizi was already unhappy that his master wanted to take Zhang Xiaolan, but now he was told he couldn’t go at all, and he was even more unwilling.

“Then just look forward to it a few more days,” Li Rui teased him.

“Ha! Serves you right. Go do your work in the yard!” Xiao Lian, gleeful at Haizi’s complaints, clapped her hands and took the chance to mock him.

“Go on, mind your own business! You butt in everywhere,” Haizi retorted, unable to resist sparring with her.

“Brother Li, let’s hurry!” Zhang Xiaolan paid no mind to their squabble, pulling Li Rui by the hand in her excitement.

But Li Rui, a rugged man, was utterly flustered by Zhang Xiaolan’s bold gesture. His face flushed crimson. In his heart, he had always upheld the traditional Confucian belief that men and women should keep their distance, but now, he could not refuse the warmth of Zhang Xiaolan’s enthusiasm.