Two Hours

Fu Mei Li cursed her weak body. She looked at Jin Haoran whose breathing was normal as if he was simply taking a leisurely walk. Haoran could usually climb the mountain quicker but had to slow down to match her pace, so he wasn't tired at all.

Mei Li plopped herself down on the nearest rock, intending to rest. Her legs really couldn't take it anymore.

They were now by a small brook with fresh spring water meandering through the thickets.

Haoran looked at his tired wife and felt pity towards her. He put down the bamboo basket he was carrying and took out the food and water. He handed the wrapped pancakes and the bamboo tube filled with water to Mei Li.

Mei Li received everything gratefully and started chewing on the pancakes. She must recover her energy to continue the search.

After her thirst and hunger were sated, she turned to her second husband. "Big brother Haoran, are there any more clumps of Handkerchief trees on this mountain?"

Haoran nodded.

"Then we should go there after lunch. We should visit at least one more copse today."

Haoran looked at her hesitantly and did not approve immediately. There was indeed another group of Handkerchief trees that he knew of and there were more of those trees in that area. However, that was located higher and deeper into the mountain, which means more danger.

Mei Li accurately guessed why he was hesitating. "I promise I'll be very careful and follow your lead. Come on, big brother, we should not give up so easily." She tried her best to convince him.

Haoran finally sighed and nodded. "Two hours," was his only reply. Mei Li understood that they would only spend two more hours searching. After that, this man would take her down the mountain and there wasn't anything she could do about it.

Mei Li did not object. She wasn't foolish enough to stay very late in the mountains. If she really couldn't find any Lingzhi today, then she would just search again tomorrow.

So, after lunch, Haoran led Mei Li higher up the mountain. The ground became rougher and Mei Li's tired legs wobbled in protest. But she gritted her teeth and kept going.

She resolved to exercise more in the future and strengthen her body. She used to traverse difficult terrains and dig excavation sites with no problems before. She used to be more fit and flexible. Sadly, the body she was in now just got out of three years of being constantly starved. She really must raise it well.

When Mei Li was about to collapse from the tiredness, Haoran stopped walking. Mei Li was bent down with her hands on her knees, taking the opportunity to catch her breath.

A few minutes later, Mei Li finally looked up and she was immediately excited again at what she saw. There were more Handkerchief trees here, plenty more! Even better, the trees here were way bigger and older-looking than those they saw previously.

Mei Li was motivated once more. It seemed like she was injected with chicken blood. She was practically hopping with excitement to get on with the search.

With tacit understanding, Haoran moved forward first and Mei Li followed along. The air was even colder up here. She estimated that they were now more than a thousand meters above sea level.

The two did not waste much time. They approached the biggest tree in the immediate area. Unfortunately, no Lingzhi mushroom was growing on the base of that tree. Maybe because of her exhaustion, Mei Li started feeling discouraged.

Before her self-defeating thoughts could go further, however, she forcefully psyched herself up. Must not give up!

Haoran noticed his wife's fluctuating emotions. He too wanted to find that mushroom right away, not for the silver taels but to make Mei Li happy. He could see how tired she was but she didn't give up. Haoran definitely appreciated his wife's strong will and wanted to help her at all costs.

"Wait here." Mei Li heard Haoran say.

Then, as if it was the easiest thing to do, Haoran started climbing the tall Handkerchief tree they just inspected. He scampered up the tree trunk and the branches in smooth motions that Mei Li was dumbfounded. How did he do that?!

When Haoran reached high enough, he looked around carefully. Then, he climbed back down and landed in front of Mei Li with a soft jump. Some leaves and white flowers fell down from the disturbed tree, showering the two people beneath it. Time seemed to slow down.

Haoran's moves were so competent and sexy just now that Mei Li's eyes were glued to Haoran's face. Was that the fabled lightness skills? Were Haoran's martial arts skills that good? Mei Li didn't bother hiding her look of worship!

Haoran's lips slightly curved up at the adoring gaze his wife was giving him. He felt very proud for some reason.

Mei Li was mesmerized once again. Why did this guy's smile look so good?! Her heart beat faster and she couldn't help it.

"Over there." Haoran's deep voice broke Mei Li's trance.

She cleared her throat in embarrassment. "Lead the way, big brother."

They walked further along into this group of Handkerchief trees. The two hours that Haoran set were almost up and Mei Li prayed to the universe that a Lingzhi mushroom would show itself soon.

Not long after, a huge Handkerchief tree came into sight. This one was definitely old! It was probably more than 20 meters tall and its trunk's diameter was more than 10 meters. What made Mei Li ecstatic was the fact that this tree was looking precarious and leaning to the right.

Upon closer look, she noticed the dark and brittle bark and there were dead logs near the tree's base.

When Haoran confirmed that there was no danger in the area, Mei Li ran to the tree and started walking around its trunk.

Haoran watched the little woman slowly walking around the tree in a half-crouch. When she was behind the tree, Mei Li suddenly screamed!