Having been living in the harsh outdoor conditions of the mountains for several days with these people, Qiao Xiaren was beginning to succumb. She was about to bid farewell to Si Zhilan when suddenly she felt her legs give way.
Xiaren heard a faint sound of footsteps coming from behind her. They didn't sound like a woman's--boots stepping on the ground, the subtle footprint sent a chill down one's spine.
Her pupils constricted slightly as she turned to see a tall figure. It was a young man, standing against the light. Despite the sweltering heat, he showed no signs of perspiration in his formal attire, appearing calm and aloof.
Could this be, Si Limo?
"Xiaren, what's wrong with you?"
Si Zhilan was taken aback. How could someone who was bursting with energy just moments ago suddenly turn so weak? As she reached out to steady Xiaren, a clean, slender hand appeared from the side. The hand was particularly well-maintained, void of the typical dark and tanned texture commonly seen in army men, rather it was more towards the fair side.
This hand held onto Xiaren who was so weak she couldn't even see clearly, let alone make out the man's face. However, his imposing aura sent an unexplainable chill down the spine, akin to the cold of an unsheathed ancient sword, perfectly masking his lethal and harsh demeanor.
"Brother, this is...?"
All Xiaren heard was Si Zhilan seemingly trying to explain something to Si Limo. Feeling a bit muddled, she fainted in the arms of this man.
"How can this girl faint just like that?"
It was lunchtime. The attendant who had brought Xiaren here earlier was about to beckon her to come for lunch, only to find her lying in a state of exhaustion in Si Limo's arms.
"Young Master Si?" He opened his mouth slightly in disbelief at the scene unfolding before him. Si Limo gave him a sharp, cold glance, picked up the girl in his arms, and headed towards the new recruit training camp.
The gaping man was left even more stunned, and even Si Zhilan was rooted in place. She couldn't believe that her brother would actively hold a woman for the first time.
"Big Brother, where are you going?"
Feeling better, Si Zhilan's steps had grown lighter. She trotted after him. Si Limo turned back to glance at Si Zhilan, his eyes trailing down towards her stomach, "You feeling better?"
"Yes, it was this girl who cured me. It's truly magical." Si Zhilan still hadn't completely recovered from the joy of her sudden recovery. This girl named Qiao Xiaren was truly capable.
"I'll take her to another tent to rest properly. After all, she fainted from saving you. We, the Si Family, owe her a debt of gratitude."
Si Limo's voice was filled with a certain solemnity, more like a promise. He was a man who valued loyalty and righteousness at his core. Qiao Xiaren had saved his sister, he would repay the favor.
Si Zhilan caught her breath.