Chapter 4: Ling Yunge Raised a Hand

Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Ling Yunge Raised a Hand

Chewing on a dry cornbread muffin, Ling Qianfan found it completely tasteless. He turned his head and shot a longing, stealthy glance at Ling Qianjun. After hesitating again and again, he finally dared to ask, "Qianjun, can you save some for me? I want to taste what this Demon’s food is like too."

Ling Qianjun pointed to the contents of the bag. "These are all saved for you. We’ll switch places in a bit."

Seeing the water and the large amount of food still left in the bag, Ling Qianfan was so moved he wanted to give his brother a bear hug. Choking back tears, he said, "Thanks, Qianjun."

Ling Yunge’s cheeks bulged as she chewed. After swallowing her bite of pastry, she smiled at Ling Qianfan. "Don’t worry, Qianfan, of course we wouldn’t leave you out. Try this roll later—it’s that fruity flavor you love."

"Okay!" Ling Qianfan nodded vigorously, then turned his head back to keep a close eye on the people ahead of them.

Once Ling Qianjun quickly finished eating, he switched places with Ling Qianfan. He sat up front to keep watch while his brother retreated to the back to eat and drink.

Ling Yunge and Xu Panqing eagerly recommended the three types of food Ling Qianjun had brought back. Ling Qianfan shoved them into his mouth one after another, finding them so delicious that his nose started running as he devoured them with sloppy enthusiasm.

"Qianfan, you... hurry up and wipe your nose, or it’ll drip right onto the food." Unable to watch any longer, Ling Yunge handed him her handkerchief.

Watching her third son wolf down the food, Xu Panqing felt a pang of heartache.

After finishing his meal, Ling Qianfan wanted to mimic the incredibly badass way Ling Qianjun had karate-chopped the bottle cap off earlier. Xu Panqing and Ling Yunge watched him with anticipation, and he was brimming with confidence.

Holding his breath in absolute concentration, Ling Qianfan gripped the water bottle in one hand and tensed the other, channeling all his strength into it. With a swift swoosh of wind, he delivered a fierce hand-blade chop!

A second later, he groaned. "Ah, my hand, it hurts..." Gritting his teeth, Ling Qianfan only dared to cry out in a whisper, but his face had gone completely pale, his features scrunched up in agony.

The force of his strike had sent the entire water bottle flying away in a neat arc. Fortunately, Ling Yunge caught it with quick reflexes. Otherwise, the sound of the plastic bottle hitting the ground would have undoubtedly caught the attention of the people nearby.

Hearing the commotion, Ling Qianjun looked back. He wordlessly took the bottle from her, raised his hand, and delivered a clean chop. The cap popped right off. The entire motion was as smooth as flowing water, sharp and decisive.

Having done so, he set the bottle down and turned back to face the front, looking for all the world like an enigmatic martial arts master.

Ling Qianfan was left completely dumbfounded. His admiration for his brother swelled like a raging river, absolutely unstoppable.

Then, Ling Qianjun quietly laid out his plan. "Once it gets completely dark, Qianfan and I will pay another visit to the Demon. We’ll be gone a little longer this time. I want to see what else that grocery store sells besides food and water."

At that moment, Ling Yunge raised a hand. Clutching the hem of her skirt shyly, she stammered, "Qianjun, could you ask the Demon if they sell any cloth?"

"Cloth?" Ling Qianjun turned his dark, ink-like eyes toward his sister. As far as he was concerned, having clothes to wear was enough; changing into brand new garments right now would attract far too much attention.

Sensing his displeasure, she quickly explained, "Actually, not cloth... it’s... it’s menstrual pads. Mother and I will both need them soon..."

Having forced the words out, Ling Yunge buried her face in Xu Panqing’s arm. Bringing this up in front of her two brothers was horribly embarrassing, but she had no choice. They had to travel soon—was she supposed to walk with blood running down her legs? Just the thought of it was terrifying.

Ling Qianjun coughed as realization dawned on him, a slight flush creeping up his neck. "I understand."

Ling Qianfan just stared up at the sky, his earlobes so red they were practically steaming.