After exchanging names, Sang Sang felt that their relationship had grown a step closer, and her mood brightened considerably.
Still unaccustomed to addressing him directly by name, she skipped the formalities and asked, “Where are we going?”
Shen Yan replied succinctly, “To town, to buy things.”
He was going to buy clothes for Sang Sang.
Originally, Shen Yan had planned to go alone. With his fast pace, he could make the round trip in half a day. But bringing along a burden like her would likely double the time.
Yet the image of her wearing that coarse, floral-patterned dress flashed through his mind—what if the clothes he bought still didn’t fit? Wouldn’t that be a waste?
So, Shen Yan had no choice but to bring her along.
Their village was called Xitiancun, and the town was Anhezhen. From Xitiancun to Anhezhen, it would take Shen Yan half an hour on foot at his usual pace.
Now, with Sang Sang in tow, Shen Yan estimated it would take at least an hour and a half, so he made sure to leave early.
But soon, Shen Yan realized he had overestimated Sang Sang’s abilities.
After just half an hour of walking, her pace began to slow.
Sang Sang was panting heavily, feeling as though she was already moving as fast as she could, but to Shen Yan, it was as slow as a snail.
Beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, and her eyes seemed to mist over with a hazy sheen.
Gasping for breath, she insisted, “I… I can still keep going!”
Shen Yan frowned at her. “At this speed, we won’t make it before dark!”
Sang Sang hung her head in shame.
He spoke with a hint of disdain, “Women are such trouble!”
Sang Sang’s head drooped even lower.
Suddenly, a broad, sturdy back appeared in her line of sight as Shen Yan crouched down in front of her.
Sang Sang blinked, momentarily confused.
Shen Yan turned his head and urged in a low voice, “What are you waiting for? Get on!”
Only then did Sang Sang understand—he intended to carry her on his back.
“But…”
How could she let her benefactor carry her?
Moreover, deep down, she still harbored a trace of maidenly shyness and hesitation.
Shen Yan narrowed his eyes slightly. “Don’t waste time. Get on.”
Sang Sang bit her lip lightly, remembering that after she had fainted yesterday, it was her benefactor who had carried her back. In the end, she obediently climbed onto his back.
—She didn’t know that yesterday, she had actually been slung over his shoulder like a sack.
His back was broad and firm, and Sang Sang couldn’t help but recall the sight of his wheat-toned, robust physique from the day before. The thought made her blush even more, her spine stiffening.
The weather was hot, and both of them wore thin clothing. Even as she tried to keep her body rigid, their skin inevitably brushed against each other with every step. The scorching heat seemed to sear straight into the depths of their hearts.
Sang Sang dared not lean forward or grip his arms, holding herself as stiff as a wooden plank.
Shen Yan walked with swift, steady strides, and before long, Sang Sang could barely hold on, her body jolting up and down with his movements.
Shen Yan wasn’t faring much better. He felt something soft and yielding bumping rhythmically against his back with each step, each touch plucking at the strings of his heart and stirring a restless agitation within him.
He suddenly stopped, the movement so abrupt that Sang Sang couldn’t help but lurch forward, causing Shen Yan’s body to stiffen slightly once more.
Sang Sang, however, misinterpreted this. She hurriedly said, “Is it because I’m too heavy? Then, then put me down quickly. I can walk on my own…”
Shen Yan snapped, “Shut up!”
He took a deep breath, his tone low and heavy. “Am I going to eat you?”
Sang Sang felt the powerful aura around him, as imposing as a mountain. Her voice grew as faint as a mosquito’s hum. “O-of course n-not…”
“Then why do you look like you want to stay eight zhang away from me?”
“I, I…”
Shen Yan roughly hoisted her up a bit higher, then said gruffly, “Arms, wrap them around my neck. Lie still, hold on tight, and don’t wobble around!”
Sang Sang replied meekly, “Oh…”
Sang Sang obediently wrapped her arms around Shen Yan’s neck, pressing herself completely against his back. At first, her body remained stiff and rigid, but gradually, she began to relax.
No longer needing to keep her body tense as before, her back felt less sore and achy.
Once she fully let go of the tension, a sense of comfort welled up inside her.
Just as she relaxed, Shen Yan’s back grew increasingly stiff.
Pressed closely together, the soft sensation against his back was magnified endlessly, impossible to ignore.
He began to feel waves of regret.
Had he known it would be like this, he shouldn’t have carried her on his back earlier. Now he was truly suffering the consequences!
He could only quicken his pace, hurrying forward. When they reached the town, he realized that even with someone on his back, he had walked faster than usual.
Sang Sang was set down and couldn’t help but secretly breathe a sigh of relief.
He strode purposefully in a certain direction, and Sang Sang hurried to keep up.
Shen Yan had a clear goal in mind, heading straight for the largest clothing shop in town, Zhaoshi Chengyipu.
Sang Sang had initially thought he wanted to buy clothes for himself, but to her surprise, as soon as they entered the shop, he said directly to her, “Pick one for yourself.”
Sang Sang pointed at herself. “Me? I’m picking for myself?”
Shen Yan glanced at her. “Otherwise? If I wanted to buy something, wouldn’t I pick it myself?”
Despite his impatient tone, Sang Sang didn’t find him intimidating. Instead, a warm feeling once again stirred in her heart.
So, he had specifically brought her to town to buy clothes for her.
Her benefactor was truly an exceptionally kind and good person.
Sang Sang picked out a sapphire-blue dress. Its style and fabric were modest and unremarkable, likely not too expensive.
Shen Yan only glanced at it before saying, “No, pick another one.”
The dress was clearly too small, especially with its fitted design around the chest. It wouldn’t suit her.
Sang Sang…
Hadn’t he said she could pick for herself?
But she dared not voice her frustration. Shifting her gaze, she chose the plain green dress next to it.
Unexpectedly, Shen Yan looked at it with disdain and said, “What kind of taste is that? It’s hideous. Pick another one.”
Sang Sang…
Her eyes began to wander over the clothes. With each piece she looked at, she cautiously stole glances at Shen Yan’s expression. After a long while, she still couldn’t make a suitable choice.
Growing somewhat impatient, Shen Yan raised his hand and pointed seemingly at random. “That one.”
Sang Sang followed the direction he pointed and saw a cherry-red dress. The vibrant cherry red was bright and eye-catching, with delicate white flowers embroidered along the hem. The combination of the two complemented each other perfectly, striking just the right balance.
Such a bright and vivid color was not something everyone could carry off. If one couldn’t pull it off, it would only appear gaudy and tacky.
But as soon as Shen Yan saw this dress, he felt that she would look absolutely stunning in it.
Sang Sang’s eyes also couldn’t help but light up slightly.
However, she soon showed hesitation. The craftsmanship and fabric of this dress appeared to be quite exquisite, and the price was surely not cheap.
The shop assistant stepped forward, his gaze discreetly sweeping over them before he greeted them with a beaming smile.
“Are you two customers interested in this dress? You truly have excellent taste! This dress is made of silk, and its embroidery technique is exquisite and unique. The price is also quite reasonable—just two taels of silver. Would you like to try it on, madam?”