I Only Choked on Noodles, Why Am I Here?! [BL]

Chapter 39 – The Market Journey

-----

The smell of warm food slowly seeped through the small house, stirring the sleepers from their rest.

Lin Xin was the first to stir. He slowly poked his head out from beneath the quilt, blonde curls slightly tousled from sleep. He blinked against the soft morning light.

A small yawn escaped him as he stretched lazily, his expression relaxed and unguarded, a faint shimmer of moisture gathered at the corners of his eyes, catching the morning light and making his gaze look quietly vivid, before he finally pushed himself up to get dressed.

Not long after, the door to the next room opened and Dong Hai followed, already awake.

Soon, the two of them stepped into the courtyard and greeted Han Yan with bright smiles, the morning sunlight resting gently across their faces.

"Good morning," Han Yan said calmly. "Go wash your hands quickly. Let’s eat."

Dong Hai did not need to be told twice. He sprang up at once and hurried away, nearly stumbling in his eagerness while Lin Xin followed behind at a more relaxed pace. Not long after, they sat down together at the small table, eating rice with meat porridge.

The meal was warm and filling before anyone realized it, every dish on the table had been emptied.

Lin Xin stood up quickly, gathering the bowls and plates into his arms.

"You cooked" he said earnestly. "Let me do the dishes this time."

Han Yan let out a soft chuckle, clearly amused. "Fine" he replied. "You can do the dishes."

As Lin Xin departed, Han Yan rose and began arranging the items he intended to take to the town market. He carefully sorted the goods, setting aside some fresh fruit.

Meanwhile, Dong Hai crouched nearby, idly poking at the grumpy bald cat lounging on the ground. The cat hissed in irritated protest but made no effort to move, remaining sprawled out as if it were a withered flower that had long since given up on life. Dong Hai laughed, completely unbothered by the cat’s predicament.

Lin Xin finished washing the dishes and quickly dried his hands on a clean cloth. He took a quiet breath before walking back toward Han Yan. For a moment, he lingered a short distance away, as if gathering courage. Then he stepped closer and bent down slightly, his movements careful, his voice soft when he finally spoke.

"Can I follow you?"

His voice was small, almost hesitant, eyes shimmering with quiet hope.

Han Yan paused and looked at him for a long moment. Then he raised his hand, gently brushing a small leaf out of Lin Xin’s blond hair. His voice was calm when he answered patiently.

"The ride will be very rough and stressful Xin’er" he said calmly. "When I get my own carriage, you can follow me as much as you like. Alright?"

Lin Xin averted his gaze, pale cheeks touched with a faint blush from Han Yan’s earlier gesture. Though he tried to appear indifferent a small petulant pout remained like a pampered cat refusing to acknowledge its own softness.

"Fine" he muttered. "I’ll be waiting."

Han Yan smiled, about to say something more, when a sudden knock echoed from the old house gate.

Dong Hai immediately jumped to his feet and ran off to open it, throwing Han Yan a quick look over his shoulder as he went. The gate creaked open and two familiar figures stepped inside.

Wei Jun and Liu De stepped through the courtyard gates, their silhouettes bathed in the tender glow of the rising sun. Upon Wei Jun’s back hung an old bamboo basket, its faded strips tightly interwoven, edges darkened by the passage of many seasons, swaying gently with each steady step he took at Liu De’s side.

Han Yan quickly brushed the dust from his hands as he rose to his feet, turning toward the courtyard gate. The moment his gaze fell upon the two figures bathed in the morning light, a flicker of surprise crossed his features his eyes lingering not only on Wei Jun and Liu De, but also on the old bamboo basket resting upon Wei Jun’s back.

Recovering swiftly, a look of pleasant warmth spread across his face as he stepped forward to greet them. "You both came so early in the morning," he said with gentle astonishment in his voice. "Please, please come sit down."

He turned slightly and called out gently, "Xin’er, can you get them some water?"

Lin Xin nodded quickly and went to fetch it. Moments later, he returned with the cups and poured the boiled water before sitting quietly beside Han Yan.

Han Yan smiled apologetic. "Sorry, Brother Wei, I don’t have much to entertain you with." He clasped his hands together in a small gesture of apology, as if the simple offering of water were all he could provide.

Wei Jun shook his head at once. "There is no need for such words. We are like brothers there is no need to be so formal with me." He took the cup and sipped before placing it down with a small nod of appreciation.

Han Yan’s expression softened, the trace of earlier surprise dissolving into quiet gratitude. "I am truly grateful to hear that" he said gently.

After a brief pause, his gaze settled upon Wei Jun, who had already taken his seat. The old bamboo basket now rested at his side, leaning against the wooden bench.

Han Yan’s eyes lingered upon it thoughtfully before lifting once more to Wei Jun’s face, a subtle note of curiosity stirring within his calm and composed expression.

"And what brings you and your wife here so early this morning?" he asked. Then, with a faint, knowing smile, he added "And that basket... it seems quite full. Could it be that you are heading to the town market?"

Liu De shifted slightly but remained quiet, letting Wei Jun speak.

Wei Jun cleared his throat and spoke. "I just wanted to check on you. Remember I told you about seeing strange animal footprints near the village mountain range? I mentioned it to the village chief as well. He decided that some of the stronger villagers should go and investigate again." He took a slow sip of water before continuing.

"Fortunately, it seems the creature has moved on. There were no new signs, and the old footprints are fading."

Han Yan listened attentively and then smiled. "That is good news, Brother Wei. I’m glad it seems the danger has passed."

Wei Jun smiled faintly. "Yes, it appears we worried for nothing. I also heard you obtained a good catch many people have been speaking of it."

Han Yan straightened slightly, his expression brightening. "And you heard correctly I managed to get a good catch. I was very fortunate."

He reached for a small bundle and handed it to Wei Jun with a gentle motion. "Here, I also brought some herbs for your son. They should help."

Wei Jun accepted the gift, his expression softening with surprise and gratitude. "Thank you, Han Yan. You did not have to do that."

Liu De, sitting beside him, nodded in agreement. "Y-yes... thank you. It is very kind of you." His voice was quieter than usual, as if the words did not come easily, but the gratitude in his expression was clear.

Han Yan waved a hand modestly. "It is nothing. We are now good friends, so there is no need for thanks."

Besides, it is good to share what we have."

Wei Jun coughed lightly before speaking. "I am truly grateful." His tone carried genuine appreciation, though he seemed slightly modest as he said it.

Han Yan quickly shook his head. "There is no need for such words. If you had not helped me with your bow and arrows, I would not have been able to catch any good game. And the bamboo basket you gave me sorry, but I will still be using it today since I am going to the town market."

Wei Jun nodded. "I understand. That is also why I came so early to see you. I know I mentioned that you could get your own bow and arrow later, but I managed to acquire one earlier than expected."

Han Yan smiled with visible relief. "That is really good news. I was beginning to worry I would have to trouble you again."

Wei Jun’s expression brightened, a quiet resolve settling in his eyes.

"There is no need to worry," he said reassuringly. "You may gather your things we shall make the journey together. The earlier we set out, the smoother the road will be."

After a brief pause, as though recalling Han Yan’s earlier inquiry, he continued, his tone steady and unassuming. "As for your question indeed, I intend to travel to the town market today. The basket carries but a few modest goods, dried herbs gathered from the mountain slopes, a pair of pheasants I was fortunate enough to catch, and a jar of wild honey."

He rested a hand lightly against the worn rim of the bamboo basket beside him. "They are humble offerings yet I hope they may fetch a fair price."

-----