Chapter 81

After Zhang Fan and his companions had sat in the carriage for a full three days and endured the bumpy ride for another full three days, they could no longer bear it. Coincidentally, it was lunchtime, so the four got off the carriage to rest and eat.

Since they were out in the wilderness and on the road, the four had been eating the dry rations they had prepared before departure these past few days. Naturally, this noon was no exception. After getting off the carriage, they sat on the ground, took out their biscuits, and began to eat lunch.

While eating, Fei Er had been holding back for several days, and now he finally couldn't resist wanting to complain.

"Fan Fan, this carriage is fast and saves effort, but it's so bumpy sitting in it! Oh dear! Look at my butt—it's about to be rubbed raw! It's really pitiful!"

Zhang Fan and his companions heard this and couldn't help but want to laugh. Especially Zhang Fan—while Fei Er, Ba Ke Er, and Mo De might not know that a certain part of the human body is secretly called a certain flower, he did. Upon hearing Fei Er's description, he tried to hold back, but ended up laughing out loud; the more he laughed, the louder it got, until he was practically laughing hysterically, even tearing up.

Fei Er looked at Zhang Fan's exaggerated laughter, then at Ba Ke Er and Mo De, who were straining not to laugh. Only then did he realize that his offhand remarks had actually drawn ridicule. The more he thought about it, the angrier he got, until he could no longer bear it—hmph! Well then, you Fan Fan, you actually have the mind to laugh at me? Hmph! It looks like it's time to teach Fan Fan a lesson. With that, Fei Er tossed aside his biscuit, lunged at Zhang Fan, and began relentlessly using his Invincible Itch Skill.

Zhang Fan was already laughing uncontrollably, and now, being tickled by the annoyed and angry Fei Er, he felt extremely painful and unpleasant; he quickly reached out to beg for mercy.

Fei Er saw that Zhang Fan had begged for mercy, so he stopped holding a grudge. He pulled his hand back, returned to his seat, and continued eating. Of course, as he walked back, he also gave Zhang Fan a stern warning. Only when he sat down again did he realize that his waist and legs had become sore and weak at some point.

Seeing Fei Er's sluggish movements, Zhang Fan knew he was unwell. Just as he was about to go help him, he noticed that Mo De had also realized it, and promptly put his arms around Fei Er, holding him close while asking after his health and showing off their affection.

Looking at Fei Er and his partner across from him, he couldn't help but shiver slightly at the sudden goosebumps that appeared on his body. Unfortunately, this tiny movement was exactly noticed by Ba Ke Er, who had been watching him closely.

"Fan Fan, what's wrong? Are you feeling cold? Let me warm you up." Having said that, he leaned over and put his arms around Zhang Fan.

Only then did Zhang Fan notice Ba Ke Er's movement, and suddenly he felt quite embarrassed.

"Ba Ke Er, I'm fine, I don't feel cold at all. On the contrary, I feel hot. Please move over to sit." He said this while feeling a bit embarrassed and shifted slightly to the side.

Seeing Zhang Fan like that, Ba Ke Er knew: "Haha! Dear Fan Fan is shy again! I haven't seen that in a long time!" Thinking that, Ba Ke Er couldn't help but move closer to Zhang Fan, put his arms around him again, and began to say:

"But, Fan Fan, I suddenly feel cold, and also exhausted, sleepy, and wanting to sleep. Look, I've been driving the carriage for several days, and I didn't sleep well last night on watch—just let me lean on you for a moment, to rest."

Although Zhang Fan knew Ba Ke Er wasn't really cold, he knew he was genuinely tired. The more he thought about it, the more he felt he had been willful, and the guilt grew.

"Ba Ke Er, it's all my fault—if I hadn't insisted on taking the carriage, we wouldn't have separated from the clanspeople. And I've made you this tired." Zhang Fan spoke softer and softer, eventually lowering his head and saying nothing.

Seeing Zhang Fan's mood suddenly plummet, Ba Ke Er realized his act had gone too far. "What should I do? I actually made Fan Fan sad! I'm such a jerk!"

"Fan Fan, don't be sad, I'm fine. I'm not tired at all, nor sleepy." Ba Ke Er said, jumping up immediately and spinning a few times: "Look, Fan Fan, I really am fine! Don't be sad!"

Zhang Fan saw that Ba Ke Er seemed fine, so his guilt lessened. After eating, the four didn't continue forward; instead, they set up camp right there, planning to stay and rest for the night.

When night fell, they casually ate dinner and then rested.