It was already the third day and the tension in the village was palpable. Lu Dan's voice could be heard instructing the villages on what to do. The sound of footsteps and echoes of cries continued from morning to night relentlessly.
During that time, Mu Wei and the others have been going up the mountain foraging for edible stuff. The wild grasses were dried in the other room while the meat was smoked and salted for preservation. Su Xiao and Bai has been busy for the past few days preparing to travel tomorrow. They kids had also been helping to their ability so the whole village was working.
Mu Wei and the others had just entered with the hare and wild vegetables they had gotten. He washed his hands and went to meet Su Xiao who was salting the remaining rabbit meat in the kitchen. Su Xiao turned to him and greeted "Welcome. Dinner will be ready soon!"
Mu Wei smiled and walked closer to help her. As they skillfully did their work they conversed harmoniously. Mu remembered something and informed her, "According to the information I got, the dam is on brink of collapse anytime soon. We have to begin moving tomorrow to avoid more casualties"
Su Xiao listened intently and the nodded,"Alright, I will prepare everything by this night"
"It has been hard on you. Go get some rest to prepare for tomorrow"
"Okay!"
With that he exited the kitchen to go bathe. It was already evening and they needed to go visit Lu Dan about the final preparations. After freshening up, he called Shi Dong and the other brothers to go with him. Su Xiao heard them leave and began preparing lunch. They had been working very hard so she felt like treating themselves to a nutritious meal.
She planned to make Beef and broccoli and Egg Fu Young with some rice. Firstly, she sliced the beef and then marinated it in soy sauce, garlic and ginger. Next, she stir fried the beef in the wok till it was browned and then added the broccoli and stir fried till it was tender. She poured some rice into another pot and let it cook. Then a pheasant which has been plucked cleanly in another pot and added more firewood to cook faster.
Then she began making the Egg Fu Young. She took out some eggs from her space and added to the remaining one then whisked after adding some sesame oil. She then added the diced scallions and the already cooked pheasant meat into it and poured into the greased skillet and cooked till it was set. She then took out the steamed rice and put in some broth and cornstarch to make a gravy.
The aroma of sizzling beef and broccoli wafted through the air tantalizing taste buds and building anticipation for the food yet served. Once the dish was done, Bai Ling immediately started dishing out the children eagerly waiting at the table. As she served the last dish which was the steamed rice, Mu Wei and the rest entered drenched. The hurried to their rooms to change as the aroma kept teasing their nostrils.
In time they were done and seated at the table. It had become a rule for everyone to dine together making it more lively and the food more delicious. As the Egg Fu Young patties was served, it emitted a golden aroma, crispy on the outside and soft in the inside served along steamed rice. As they tasted the beef and broccoli, they were amazed by the symphony of textures and flavors. The beef was tender, broccoli crunchy, and the savory sauce combined creating an enthralling harmony.
They'll felt captivated and couldn't help stuffing their mouth. The children focused more on the Egg Fu Young patties which was fluffy, filled with tender pheasant meat and the savory gravy. Every bite made them crave for more and in no time they were stuffed. They eyes were narrowed in slits due to satisfied smiles as they chatted casually. They atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter as they all relaxed.
Mu Wei cleared his throat to attract their attention and everyone adjusted. He began discussing the current plan to them about their escape route. Everyone perked up and listened attentively. " We have talked with the ballifs and he has agreed with our plan to go through the Shi forest"
There was a momentarily pause before he continued " We will move from tomorrow to arrive quickly, so everyone needs to gather every valuable things they have and gather early the next morning at the village entrance to move along with the other exiles"
Although surprised, they nodded in agreement. Mu Wei was satisfied with their reaction before dismissing everyone to get some rest. They dispersed to their various rooms leaving Su Xiao and Mu Wei in the room alone. Just as she was lost in thoughts, Mu Wei stood up and walked up to her then leaned in front of her startling her out of her thoughts.
She placed a hand on his chest to push him but he didn't budge. He was staring intently at her and her mind went blank. He raised his thumbs and caressed her lips and she felt electricity go down her body. Mu Wei stared at the woman looking blankly at him and felt amused. She looked so adorable like a deer in headlights tempting him to lean and kiss her. He removed his hands and took a deep breathe, it was not the time yet.
He backed away from here and left the room after throwing one word at her, "Go get some rest".
Su Xiao was first stunned before angry. How dare he come and tease her then tell her to go sleep. She gritted her teeth at the direction he left through muttering in her mind,
'Scumbag'
'Flirt'
After venting her anger, she went to freshen up and go to sleep. She fetched the water and headed to the bathroom. She immediately flashed into her space and soaked in the hot spring feeling her tensed muscles relax and closed her eyes in relief. After soaking for twenty minutes, she dressed up and applied her skincare before coming out.
Everyone had fallen asleep in the house and only the sounds from the other exiles could be heard as they moved about. She locked the doors and entered into the room where the kids were sleeping. She climbed on the bed and covered them properly before dozing off. As her breathing regulated, Mu Wei opened his eyes showing no trace of sleepiness and walked up to the bed. He shifted the kids a bit and snuggled up to her, hugging her from behind.
Su Xiao feeling something warm hugged it tightly nuzzling her face in his arms. Mu Wei hugged her tighter as he buried his face in her hair inhaling her fragrance. With that, he fell asleep peacefully. The birds chirped and the raining became a lullaby for their peaceful sleep.