306 Preparation
Zhao Zhan called Yang Lizheng over to accompany Wagler, then he carried the plate and walked to Yue Jiaojiao’s side.
When Madam Qin saw him coming, she moved to the right to give way.
“Zhao Zhan!”
The light from the bonfire reflected on his lover’s face, making her look rosy.
Yue Jiaojiao’s hair fluttered in the spring night breeze, and her eyes were sparkling. When she saw Zhao Zhan walking over, she patted the spot beside her. “Sit with me.”
Zhao Zhan first looked at her lower body.
His lover sat on the thick cushion that Madam Qin had specially sewn for her, so she wouldn’t be hit by the uneven ground.
“Is the roasted meat good?” Zhao Zhan held the plate. “There’s mutton and wild boar. Have a taste of both.”
Yue Jiaojiao sat in a remote corner.
She was here to join in the fun today, so she didn’t sit around the others.
“Li Miao, Dashan is cutting wild boar meat for you over there. He’ll be here soon.”
Li Miao couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of the loving couple. She waved her hand and said, “You guys go ahead and eat. Don’t mind me. Jiaojiao has already given me quite a lot.”
Zhao Zhan handed her Madam Qin’s share.
Then, he focused all his attention on Yue Jiaojiao. “Eat first. If it’s cold, don’t eat it. I’ll go get you a fresh batch.”
As he spoke, he took a basket from behind him.
“I had someone go to the house to get some milk tea.”
Zhao Zhan divided the milk tea in the basket one by one, then brought the bowl that belonged to Yue Jiaojiao in front of him. “There’s more goat’s milk in there today. You won’t be able to sleep if there’s too much tea. Are you cold? I’ve also brought the blanket.”
As he busied himself, Yue Jiaojiao took a sip of the milk tea. The sweetness was just right.
The meat on the plate was cut to the size she was used to.
Yue Jiaojiao tilted her head and looked at the man in front of her.
His face was filled with determination.
Compared to the past, the current Zhao Zhan seemed to be more decisive and imposing.
“Jiaojiao…”
Zhao Zhan moved closer to his lover.
“Did you set a date with Wagler to go to the northern desert?” Yue Jiaojiao feigned a relaxed expression as she took a bite of the roasted meat. She held the bowl and asked softly, “When are you leaving?”
Ever since she came here, she had been stuck to the hit with Zhao Zhan. The longest time he had been away was when he had gone to Yang city for her.
This time, he was going to Bei City, and it was also for her.
“I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”
Their voices could only be heard by each other. Zhao Zhan reached out with one hand and wrapped it around Yue Jiaojiao’s slender waist. “Once Bei City’s matter is settled, I’ll rush back immediately.”
Yue Jiaojiao sighed and placed the plate aside. “You can take four of the six at home. They all know how to fight. If anything happens on the road, they’ll be able to take care of each other.” Yue Jiaojiao carefully recalled her observations of the six workers during this period of time. “Xiaotian and Xiaofei have been by your side the longest, and they’re the most reliable among the rest. When the time comes, leave the two of them in Bei City to handle the business. So, when did you tell Wagler to leave?”
“Four days later.”
Zhao Zhan didn’t dare to think further. He would probably only be back during the busy season.
He didn’t know how he was going to make it through these few months alone. He also didn’t know if Madam Qin would be able to take good care of Yue Jiaojiao without him by her side.
“That’s soon.” Yue Jiaojiao pursed her lips, not feeling like talking.
Her interest was suddenly sapped, and she put the bowl aside with a sullen expression.
“Jiaojiao? Are you sleepy?” Li Miao noticed that she was in low spirits and could not help but ask with concern, “Why don’t we go back? I’m also tired from all this noise.”
Yue Jiaojiao nodded her head.
“Madam Qin and I will send you home first.”
Zhao Zhan stood up as well.
“I’ll be fine.” Yue Jiaojiao pressed down on his arm, “Wagler is still there. You can’t just leave him there, right? ”
“My lady is right.” Madam Qin put away the mat on the ground and carried the basket that Zhao Zhan had brought over. “You can go and do your work first. I’ll take care of her. Besides, our house is just nearby, so don’t worry about it.”
Li Miao looked at this and then patted Yang Dashan’s hand. “Dashan, I’d like to go as well.”
Li Miao pointed at the yard. “Jiaojiao, I’ll go in first. My stomach is too heavy to hold. I need the rest.”
Yue Jiaojiao nodded her head.
“I’ll send you back,” Zhao Zhan said in a firm tone. “Although it’s only a few steps away, you never know what will happen. What if there’s someone hiding in the house? Look at Wagler.” Zhao Zhan pointed at the place where he had just been sitting. “He’s surrounded by a few village chiefs and is very happy. I shouldn’t disturb his mood.”
Yue Jiaojiao glanced at him but did not expose his little scheme.
The village chiefs and Wagler didn’t understand each other, and they didn’t know what the other was saying.
It was a lie to say that they were having a pleasant chat.
“He has a point.” Madam Qin never had any objections when it came to Zhao Zhan, so she immediately agreed with him. “Doctor Sun and I are old. If we really meet a bad person, we might not be able to protect you.”
Zhao Zhan had been watching Yue Jiaojiao’s expression. Seeing that she didn’t reject him, he smiled foolishly and protected her all the way to the bedroom.
The bedroom was their private place, and Madam Qin wouldn’t go in when both of them were there.
“You’ve already sent me home. You should go and attend to Wagler now.”
Zhao Zhan stayed in the room and didn’t want to move.
“Wagler is a merchant. As long as I’m sincere in buying and selling my merchandise to him, it’ll be fine. As for the business, Lizheng and Maozhong can handle it. When it’s almost over, I’ll send him off.”
He had a strong argument.
Yue Jiaojiao nodded her head noncommittally. “If you say so, can you light the oil lamp?”
Upon hearing the lady’s instructions, Zhao Zhan immediately went to light the oil lamp and brought it to a position that was neither too far nor too close to Yue Jiaojiao.
She didn’t like the smell of oil lamps, so Zhao Zhan knew the perfect distance she needed.
“Bring the oil lamp closer,” Yue Jiaojiao said in a gentle voice. Her eyes were wet as she looked at Zhao Zhan. “Put it in front of me.”
Zhao Zhan obediently took the oil lamp closer.
“How many clothes are you going to bring with you to Bei City?” Yue Jiaojiao stood up and walked to the clothes rack. She tilted her head and looked at the box next to it. “Let me help you pack your luggage.”
She had never actually packed anything before.
Every time he went to Huai County, Zhao Zhan would be the one preparing everything.
Zhao Zhan’s eyes started to water. He walked over and held his lover in his arms.
He blew the wind near the oil lamp to put out the flame.
The room was pitch black.
Yue Jiaojiao’s ear was pressed against Zhao Zhan’s chest, and her heart was beating like a drum. She subconsciously wrapped her arms around Zhao Zhan’s waist and silently sobbed.