Chapter 202: Embrace

This was the first time Sang Luo had ventured deep into the mountains alone with Shen Lie. Their destination was an area less frequented by others.

Both were clear about their mission; they weren't here to hunt, but instead focused on identifying animal tracks to avoid other wildlife while searching solely for goats. When he didn't have to consider anyone else, Shen Lie's attention was primarily on Sang Luo. Even though there were edible plants in the mountains during winter, especially in such an isolated area, Shen Lie only gathered enough for their journey.

This was a different experience from his previous hunts where his main focus was finding food. Now, it was more about connecting with nature, much like how she felt when she first saw Yun Gu.

As they reached mid-afternoon, approaching feeding time, they found a suitable spot to stop. Shen Lie hunted a pheasant and roasted it, adding some sweet potatoes to the fire. He then poured water from a bamboo tube to clean some dates he picked along the way before handing them to Sang Luo.

Sang Luo received the dates with a smile in her eyes.

With someone like Shen Lie by her side, life could be quite pleasant if they didn't have to worry about intruders disrupting their tranquility in the inner region.

In the evening, they spotted a deer from afar, but no signs of goats. Shen Lie began looking for a place to spend the night. They found a small cave, and with his expertise in constructing shelters and Sang Luo's assistance, they managed to build a door and burn the cave floor before sunset. They added thick layers of reeds, spread two wolf pelts for bedding, stacked stones nearby for a campfire, creating a cozy and warm space.

Shen Lie used the branches he cut for the door as cover and obstacles, ensuring their hiding place was well-concealed. After tidying up, he allowed Sang Luo to rest while he prepared to lay down some reeds at the entrance.

San Luo observed him and suddenly asked, "Aren't you afraid of the draft there?"

She moved to the side and patted the space next to her. "I'll share half my spot with you. I'll use the other wolf skin, and since you're closer to the fire, you won't be cold, right?"

Shen Lie was taken aback.

Could he still say that he was cold? He hurriedly shook his head. "Not at all."

The cave was tiny, and only a few steps separated them from the bed covered in wolf skins. The wolf skin wasn't very wide, more than enough for San Luo to sleep alone. If two people were to share it, it would be very cramped. Shen Lie laid out the rush grass along the edge of the bed to make the space slightly bigger. His heart pounded as he sat closer to the edge.

San Luo stared at him for a while, clearly seeing his Adam's apple move up and down. He sat straight, even controlling his breathing.

For some reason, she felt like teasing him. Leaning slightly towards him, she asked, "Shen Lie, are you nervous?"

Shen Lie subconsciously leaned back just a little before stopping. Being so close, his Adam's apple's movement was even more noticeable.

San Luo, twenty-eight years old or perhaps twenty-nine at heart, couldn't tear her gaze away.

His eyebrows, nose, lips, and jawline were illuminated by the flickering firelight, highlighting his sharp features even more. And, they were...irresistible.

How many times had this desire arisen?

They were so close that Sang Luo couldn't tell if her breath had slowed or deepened. She only knew that in that instant, she seemed to be ensnared by longing.

Staring at Shen Lie, their gazes intertwined subtly, and for a moment, she found it impossible to look away. As the depth of his affection and ardor in his eyes grew more apparent, Shen Lie's breathing intensified. He ventured closer, testing the waters. It was then that Sang Luo became aware of what was happening and retreated backward.

Seventeen years old, and she wouldn't turn seventeen for another month.

She cleared her throat, feigning casualness. "Get some rest."

Then, she hurriedly lay down, wrapping the wolf skin around herself.

The moment she turned away from Shen Lie, she realized what she had almost done. Just now, she had nearly succumbed to the temptation of tasting those beautifully shaped lips.

Her heartbeat echoed loudly in her ears.

Shen Lie felt a void within him as he saw the space in front of him empty. His breaths were heavy as he turned his head to look at Sang Luo. From his angle, he could only see half of her face; her eyes were already closed, and he could glimpse her curled eyelashes.

Aluo seemed to have... Shen Lie swallowed, wondering if it was just his imagination.

A void, a loss, and a blossoming joy intertwined, two contrasting emotions colliding within his heart.

He lay down cautiously, initially on his back, his mind still consumed by the fleeting moment their eyes had met. All his thoughts were focused on Sang Luo, lying beside him. How could he resist? Gradually, he tilted his face to look at her, and before long, his entire body followed suit.

"A Luo," he whispered tentatively.

Sang Luo's eyelashes quivered. Pretending to sleep was too childish. She decided to open her eyes and turned slightly to respond.

"You just now..." Being inexperienced and naive, she could only muster the courage to ask the beginning of a question.

The corners of Sang Luo's lips curved up again. Following her heart's desire, she turned to lie on her side, facing Shen Lie. Her eyes shimmered with a playful smile as she raised her hand, her fingertips hovering near his lips. Eventually, she allowed herself to gently touch them, applying a subtle pressure.

Mmm, I'm tempted by your masculinity.

Though the words remained unspoken, Shen Lie somehow deciphered her intention, and his breathing grew heavier.

That recurring scene from his dreams was recreated, only this time, reality had swapped roles with fantasy. His chest rose and fell, his hand lifting slightly. Before he could make any further move, Sang Luo leaned closer to him, aligning her cheek with the side of Shen Lie's shoulder, echoing his gesture.

"Shen Lie, wait for the right time."

Some things, once you taste the beginning, are hard to resist.

Her voice was soft, yet unbelievably tender, weaving through his heart with a gentle persistence that made his pulse race. As her cheek brushed against the side of his neck, Shen Lie felt as if he held the entire world in his embrace.

His half-raised hand descended slowly, cautiously resting on Sang Luo's body. Seeing no resistance, he gently enfolded her in his arms, a sigh of contentment almost escaping his lips.

Finding an unforeseen courage, he slightly tilted his head, nearly brushing against her forehead. He whispered softly, "A Luo, you like me too, don't you?"

One more inch and their lips would meet.

Sang Luo smiled softly and wrapped her arms around him. A faint warmth seemed to linger by his neck as she said, "Goodnight."