"Almost noon?" Lu Feng asked despite having heard Han Lin’s statement clearly.
He doubted his hearing. But then again, it made sense. He’d only managed to sleep just before dawn. It was normal to wake up by this time.
Han Lin nodded in response to his question. "Yes. When I knocked earlier, there was no response and for a moment, I thought you’d left without me but when I asked the innkeeper if you checked out, he said he hasn’t seen you since last night so I was slightly relieved."
Lu Feng frowned slightly. Had he been sleeping so deeply that even Han Lin’s knocking didn’t get to him?
"I came back again and when I placed my ear on the door, I could faintly hear you snoring.
Now, his frown twisted into shock.
"I... was snoring? Me?" Lu Feng couldn’t believe his ears. He had never snored. Not that he knew of. He’d also spent the last three years with Han Lin and she had also never mentioned him snoring.
Han Lin just nodded a couple times reassuring Lu Feng that he’d heard right.
He sighed and moved to the side letting her into his room. "Sorry I woke up late. I was up till almost dawn."
As he spoke, he scratched his head in embarrassment.
"I even made you starve since you wouldn’t eat without me. I apologize." Lu Feng bowed slightly.
She walked in and placed the tray of food on the table for them to eat. "Stop apologising and let’s eat already."
Although she was calling him to come and eat, she was already eating, wasting no time digging into the steaming meal before them.
Lu Feng hurriedly rushed to her and joined her in eating. They both ate in silence neither rushing is slowing down as they ate.
After they finished eating, Han Lin grabbed the tray and as she stood up, she turned to him and asked. "So, why were you up till dawn?"
Lu Feng took a few moments to look into her eyes without uttering a single word. He simply studied her face to see what emotions were filling her at the moment. All he saw was concern.
He sighed and shrugged. "Well, I was thinking about this and that. We’re leaving the city and it is my duty to think about our future as a whole."
For a moment, Han Lin just looked at him after his response. Then slowly, her face broke into a smile.
Her smile continued to widen until she let out a chuckle.
"What is it?" Lu Feng asked, curious as to why she was holding back a laughter.
"It’s just that you spent all night trying to be overly responsible for both of us. You seem to forget that I’m the older one." Han Lin smiled as she approached him and then shook her head with a sigh. "If anyone should worry about our future, it should be me."
Lu Feng simply nodded. Even though she’d been nothing but his maid for the last three years, he’d always seen Han Lin as his older sister.
In fact, he liked it that way. She would always fight for him and he would do his best to do the same for her. That was why he partially believed in the system that has somehow found its way into his life.
With it, he believed he would be able to get strong enough to actually protect her from those lecherous men that might become attracted to her unrivaled beauty. His third uncle for example.
But more fierce ones who would most likely have stepped into the realms of cultivation.
Han Lin smiled after seeing that Lu Feng hadn’t refuted her claim and then turned to leave. As she pulled the door open, taking slow steps outside, Lu Feng heard the sound that was becoming familiar.
Ding!
[New Mission: Investor’s First Investment]
[Mission Objective: Host is required to find, identify, acquire, and invest in his first Crippled Heroine.]
[Time Limit: 48 hours]
[Reward: Mystery Gift, New System Skill Unlocked, System Interface Upgrade]
Lu Feng’s eyes widened for a second, attracted to the rewards even before he read all through the objective of the mission.
The rewards were indeed enticing and after reading through the objective, his resolve simply solidified.
"How hard can it be to identify her within 48 hours?" He shrugged. All he had to do was go round the city looking for crippled heroines. He was almost certain he would get one before the deadline given to him by the system.
He smirked and rose up. His first mission was here and he didn’t plan on delaying or procrastinating. "This Young Master will locate and rescue you." He said, then winced at his statement.
It sounded cringe even to himself. ’Do not try that again.’ Lu Feng gave a mental warning to himself.
He yawned one final time, fatigue still slowly being drained from his body. After a rough stretch, he headed for his private bathroom within his room and cleaned up before preparing to go out in search of his crippled heroine.
"48 hours, huh? Say less." Lu Feng murmured as he walked out of the bathroom. Even though he believed it wouldn’t be so hard, he had no idea where he would begin his search.
He quickly wore a new set of robes and as he opened the door to head out, he found Han Lin standing in front of the door.
"Young Master, where are you headed?" She asked.
"Better still, why are you standing at my doorstep, Han Lin?" Lu Feng asked in return with his brows slightly raised in suspicion.
"Have you forgotten we have to go gather supplies for our journey out of the city? Time is of the essence, Young Master." Han Lin said with a sigh. Her master seemed disturbed today.
’Did he forget or did something happen?’ She asked internally.
Lu Feng nodded. "I didn’t forget about it. Actually, I just decided to delay it. Since we’re not leaving the city today..."
"Hold on! We’re not leaving today? What’s with the change of plans?" Han Lin interrupted him before he could further his statement.
Lu Feng took a moment to come up with an explanation that wouldn’t leave her thinking he was really going crazy.
After a few seconds, he found his answer. "The thing is... I think we need another female member in the group. One that can help as a whole."
"A female slave?" Han Lin questioned with one brow raised.
"Lu Feng shook his head. "Not really a female slave..."
Then he paused and slowly a smile formed on his face.
"Han Lin, you’re a genius!"
She frowned at the sudden pitch in his voice and smile on his face. "What?"
Lu Feng ignored her frown and simply walked past her, heading toward the Inn’s exit. "Just come with me. We’re heading to the place in Silver Jade City where broken people are sold."
Han Lin’s confusion remained but she followed him. "Isn’t that the slave market? You really want to get a female slave, right? Why do you even need one?"
Lu Feng continued walking. "Yes, but I’m not getting a slave. If all goes well, I’ll be getting an investment plan."