Qiao Xiaren was uncomfortable. She squirmed, intending to get down, but was roughly slapped on the buttocks by the man. A low voice came, "Stay still."
Si Limo's seemingly casual move made Xiaren's face flush with a delicate red hue, a surge of anger welling up in her eyes.
She somewhat despised such overly intimate actions, especially from a man, and not even one she was particularly familiar with. If she weren't so frail at the moment, she would have toppled this man to the ground.
Si Limo naturally realized the stiffness in the small body in his arms. His thick eyebrows slightly raised, and his handsome face showed no significant emotion.
They finally reached the camp. Having rested along the way, Qiao Xiaren had regained some stamina. Without saying a word, she leapt from Si Limo's arms and wrestled free.
Most of their patrol team was still awake. Those who had already fallen asleep were awakened by the sound of the whistle at the door. The rhythmic wake-up call had already sounded; a few team leaders were even holding stopwatches to keep time.
Without saying a word, they tumbled out of bed and then clambered into their field dress.
Within five minutes, all the members of the group stepped in with their synchronized tread. The resounding slogans echoed neatly in mid-air.
Seven people lined up, standing tall and straight awaiting the orders of the officer.
Zhao Jiashi's sharp gaze swept over the rows of people. Satisfaction slowly surfaced in his eyes, but his expression remained solemn.
"The reason I have you all here this late, is because Limo and Xiaren hunted more than a dozen wild boars in the mountains, and the kitchen has already boiled several pots of soup. You all have stayed with Shanshui Town and suffered for so many years. Tonight, enjoy a good feast."
"We do not consider working for Limo a hardship," someone responded stoutly. Si Limo stood up with an easy grace, signaling them to sit.
Xiaren sat in front of the pot, adding some ingredients to make the wild boar meat more delicious. Si Limo's pair of deep, dark eyes scanned around before naturally taking a seat next to Xiaren.
Few would dare to glance over, even though Limo was seated quite a distance away. The soldiers felt a weight of presence over them; the newbies didn't dare look his way.
Iron-blooded, heartless, and indifferent were the labels consistently attached to Limo himself. Even on this lively moment, they didn't dare make noise. They barely spoke in low whispers.
His sitting posture was casual, yet he remained straight and upright like a pine tree. He casually pushed some firewood onto the fire.
A few days ago, the villagers downhill had sent over some peanut oil. Xiaren chopped off a piece of meat, skewered it on a sharpened stick, touched some oil, chili, and spices, and began to roast it over the fire. The sizzling sound and the rich aroma started to waft around.
Everyone's salivary glands were tiptoeing on the edge, looking at the piece of meat which appeared yummier than the one being boiled in the pot.
"What delicious meat, Xiaren. Is it for me?"
Si Limo's charmingly deep voice rang out. Qiao Xiaren, raising her head, met the man's deep, black eyes. His cold eyes and stern face were intimidating.
Qiao Xiaren's roasting action paused. This meat was supposed to be for herself, right?
As she raised her head slightly, everyone quickly turned their attention to her. Xiaren felt awkward refusing in public and grumbled inwardly.
She had to sacrifice her precious meat unwillingly and resentfully, handing the well-roasted meat to Si Limo.
"Limo has worked hard, he deserves this meat."
Si Limo recognized Xiaren's gritting teeth tone of voice and saw her longing look, a flicker of amusement crossed his deep, dark eyes.