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The ger bowed his head quickly, voice trembling.
"Th-thank you, sir. I didn’t an to cause trouble. It’s just... she’s all we have for eggs now. My little one’s been sick, and I can’t afford to lose her."
Han Yan’s expression softened.
"Then take her ho. Keep the fence nded."
The ger hesitated, still clutching the hen.
"S-sir... may I know your na?"
"Han Yan," he replied simply.
The ger nodded, a small, nervous smile forming.
"Han Yan... thank you. I’m Liu De."
Before Han Yan could respond, hurried footsteps ca from behind.
"De’er!"
A tall man appeared at the edge of the road, his breathing uneven from running. He wore a plain hunting coat patched at the sleeves, a knife sheathed at his belt. His hair was tied loosely, and though his face was sun-darkened, his eyes held a quiet kindness beneath the worry.
"I went ho and you weren’t there with Wei Fan," he said quietly, voice edged with concern. "I thought sothing had happened."
Liu De flinched a little, then shook his head quickly.
"I’m sorry. I only ca out to look for her." He lifted the hen slightly in his arms. "The fence broke once again, and she got out. I didn’t want her to be taken or hurt, so I ca to find her. I didn’t an to make you worry."
The man sighed softly, brushing a thumb over Liu De’s shoulder.
"You should’ve waited until I ca back. I was worried." His voice was low, relief easing the tension in his shoulders. "As long as you’re safe," he murmured, his tone warm and steady.
He placed a hand gently on Liu De’s shoulder before turning to Han Yan.
"Thank you for your kindness, sir. I’m Wei Jun a hunter. I rember seeing you before in the mountains. You’ve helped us more than you know, so if you ever need any help, just ask ."
Han Yan t his gaze, nodding slightly.
"No need for thanks. Just keep your hen safe and take care of each other as well."
A faint smile touched Wei Jun’s lips, understanding passing silently between them. He placed a steady hand on Liu De’s back.
"Co on, let’s go ho. Wei Fan is waiting for us."
He guided Liu De back toward the path, his hand still resting lightly on him. The hen clucked softly in Liu De’s arms as they walked away, their figures soon swallowed by the rustling grass.
Han Yan watched them for a mont, then adjusted the bundle on his shoulder.
Behind him, the murmur of the crowd faded, leaving only the wind’s quiet whisper through the open field.
He turned down the road toward his new ho, certain Lin Xin and Dong Hai were already waiting for him.
Halfway there, it suddenly struck him that everything so far had happened on the very sa day he’d transmigrated into this novel or was it world? he corrected himself with a faint chuckle.
"All this before noon... not bad," he muttered to himself.
The wind rustled through the grass as he walked on, the hen’s distant clucks echoing faintly behind him.
He finally reached ho. The night sky stretched wide above, stars twinkling like tiny lanterns. Just as he reached for the old gate, it swung open from inside.
Lin Xin’s eyes went wide, a mix of worry and relief painting his face.
"Where were you?! Why so late?! Did Madam Wei cause you any trouble?! Are you hurt?!"
He took a shaky breath, then softened, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"I... I was worried," Lin Xin admitted, his voice quieter now. "But you’re here, safe... that’s what matters."
Han Yan smiled, still struggling to believe that he was married. Not only was his partner another man, but he hadn’t even expected to feel this way about anyone.
And yet, here he was focused on helping Lin Xin because that was what truly mattered.
A warm feeling blood in his chest, one he couldn’t quite explain.
"Have you eaten yet? Were you waiting for ?" he asked softly, not even realizing how tender his voice sounded.
Lin Xin looked up, his green eyes sparkling with warmth. The soft glow of the lanterns danced across the curls of his blonde hair, which fell around his forehead as he tilted his head slightly, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
Han Yan felt his chest tighten at the sight.
"Yes, I have," Lin Xin said. "We got a lot done today and even caught so good things. Oh, and lucky for you, the food’s already ready."
At the sound of their voices, Dong Hai ca running over, his eyes lighting up as he joined them.
Han Yan smiled faintly as he set the bundle of clothes down near the doorway, then straightened his robe.
"I was planning on cooking sothing earlier," he said, voice low but warm, "but I ended up coming back later than I thought."
He reached into his robe and carefully brought out a small bundle wrapped neatly in broad green leaves the ones he’d picked in the forest. Unfolding it, he revealed several large wild mushrooms, their pale caps still cool with dew.
"Picked these up on the way," he added casually, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Thought they might go well with dinner."
Dong Hai’s eyes widened with excitent.
"We also saw so wild mushrooms and made fish and mushroom soup!" he said, as if he could already taste it.
He paused for a mont, as if reporting sothing important.
"The fish was fresh, and the wild mushrooms looked just like the ones you brought only a little smaller. It slled really good while it was cooking."
Han Yan’s eyes brightened slightly, genuine interest flickering across his face.
"Really?" he asked, the corners of his lips lifting. "Then I can’t wait to try Xin’er’s cooking."
Lin Xin blinked, caught off guard by the sudden warmth in his tone. A faint flush crept up his cheeks.
"W-why do you look so excited?" he stamred, his fingers fidgeting slightly at his side as he glanced away with a nervous smile. "Y-you’ve eaten my cooking plenty of tis back in the Han household."
Han Yan paused, realizing how openly he’d spoken. He rubbed the back of his neck, a small sheepish laugh escaping him.
"Ah... I just ant, it’s been a long day. I haven’t had anything since morning, so I was really looking forward to a warm al."
Lin Xin blinked, his brows knitting slightly as he looked up at him.
"That’s not true," he said softly, uncertain. "You... ate before we left the Han household, rember?"
Han Yan froze for a mont, then cursed inwardly at his short-term mory loss.
"Right... that," he said quickly, forcing a faint smile and waving a hand as if to dismiss it. "I didn’t eat much back then just a few bites, really. My stomach’s been growling since afternoon."
He thought wryly, Brilliant. Can’t even rember one breakfast truly comndable. What a fine way to blow your cover, Han Yan.
Lin Xin studied him for a mont, surprise flickering in his eyes like a wavering fla. Then, in a softer voice, he murmured,
"You... feel different sohow. Ever since you woke up."
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