Chapter Twenty-Seven: A Cry for Help in the Dark

In a short time, I fashioned a bamboo spear—at least something for Qu Xiang to hold, which could serve as a weapon for now.

Since we didn’t have a proper sharp tip, its lethality was naturally halved. But with Qu Xiang grasping this bamboo pole, it still held some measure of threat.

Qu Xiang watched my actions silently. Though she said nothing, she understood I was preparing, and a flicker of excitement shone in her eyes. When I handed the bamboo spear to her, her small hands grasped it tightly.

“Ajing, with this, I can at least help share the burden,” she said.

“We must avoid fights as much as possible since we’re not skilled at them. But we need to stay prepared, so no one takes advantage of us. Holding this at least gives us some safety. When there’s a chance, I’ll find you a proper weapon,” I said, glancing at Lan Fang, who had sunk into a weary sleep. I prayed silently and tried to comfort Qu Xiang.

“You should rest early too. We haven’t relaxed these past few days, and if this keeps up, we won’t last long.” I placed the bamboo spear inside the hollow of a tree, near where Qu Xiang sat.

“Okay, I understand,” she nodded, gripping the bamboo spear tightly with a determined look. “I’ll rest for a while first. Wake me in the latter half of the night—then I’ll take the watch. That way, we can both rest and avoid exhaustion.”

I nodded. This wasn’t a time for stubbornness. Qu Xiang’s awareness showed she understood the state of the three of us. So, I sat down again some distance from the fire, right outside the tree hollow.

Though I worried about Qu Xiang’s ability to keep watch through the night, nothing untoward happened while I was drifting off, which eased my mind somewhat.

Unexpectedly, Lan Fang awoke, drenched in sweat. Despite the strong odor, she seemed alert. “Ajing, what should we do next?”

Surprised, I looked at her, my foggy mind suddenly clearing. “Sister Fang, are you feeling better?” I reached out to test her forehead; she didn’t resist, letting me touch her skin with the back of my hand. Her temperature was much more normal.

“Good, the medicine really worked,” I said softly, noticing Qu Xiang was sound asleep and clearly exhausted. “First, we need to find a place suitable for living and defense.”

“Isn’t this place okay?” Though still weak, Lan Fang’s eyes had regained some brightness. “The cave entrance isn’t large, it’s elevated, and it can shelter us.”

The spot seemed decent, but if anyone or some wild beast blocked our way, we’d be trapped. Still, I didn’t want to discourage her and spoke calmly: “We also need to solve the water and food problems.”

Lan Fang fell silent, clearly troubled. Though she vaguely understood these issues, hearing them stated so plainly made their gravity sink in.

“Luckily, we have fire, and I have a small knife. If we can find frogs, birds, or small wild animals here, we can roast them. Eating raw food for long won’t sustain us.”

“It’s not that easy,” she said, still drowsy but watching me closely. “Didn’t you hear? Even Wen and the others share their companions as food. We’ve been here for days—have you seen any birds?” Despite her injury, her sharp observation surprised me. “I’m hurt, but I’m not stupid.”

Her words caught me off guard. She slowly sat up, her gaze distant. I hesitated, unsure how to respond. Deceiving her would be deceiving myself.

“Maybe. But don’t worry—if we can’t find those, there are earthworms by the river. You’ve eaten them before, right?” I said, holding back the memory of Qu Xiang feeding her earthworms when she was delirious.

These creatures not only stave off hunger but sometimes aid wound healing. Those who have never known hunger cannot fathom the desperation when survival is uncertain.

“Stop! That’s disgusting!” Lan Fang grimaced, though she had eaten them before. The thought still made her nauseous.

She blushed suddenly, avoiding my gaze after shooting me a glare.

“Alright, alright! I’m joking! Leave the food search to me,” she said with a mock scold.

I hadn’t expected her to speak so much, and despite her slight irritation, her willingness pleased me. “Focus on healing your wounds first. No matter what happens, for now, we’ll have to rely on hard work and cooperation.”

“Don’t say nonsense! Who’s relying on hard work and cooperation?” Lan Fang disliked my dry humor. Her sharp retort came with a stern glare. “Get lost!”

Though her tone was scolding, her voice was soft. In the quiet night, her reprimand felt playful, like teasing lovers, stirring something inside me.

Seeing her both embarrassed and annoyed, I laughed heartily but knew when to stop. I stood up, ready to sleep, though her sudden awakening had sharpened me.

“Shh!”

Just as I took a couple of breaths after standing, I suddenly heard rustling in the woods.

Instantly alert, I thought I might be mistaken, but when I hushed Lan Fang and glanced at Qu Xiang sleeping soundly in the hollow, the noises became clearer in the darkness.

“Who’s there? Who goes there?” A chill ran through me—a bad feeling rising.

Gripping my trekking pole tightly, the knife fixed to its end pointed toward the sound, I stood at the hollow’s entrance, whispering sharply, “Come out! Stop playing tricks!”

Suddenly, a startled scream broke the silence. In the firelight’s flicker, a shadow staggered toward me.

“No! Don’t! Help me, please, save me!”

Just as I was about to strike the dark figure with my pole’s blade, frantic, uneasy voices filled the air.