The Woodcutter's Son (1)

In the morning, Li Wei deliberately avoided San'er. When San'er looked at her with curiosity, she intentionally looked the other way. As Li Wei distanced herself, San'er eventually got the hint and no longer tried to find out more about the young miss' mystery prince. A couple days later, the situation was soon forgotten and the awkwardness between them dissipated.

From Na'an, it took them two months' time of traveling with minimal stops to reach even the outskirts of Hai'an. Li Wei deeply enjoyed all the landscapes they passed through. In the books that she brought, Li Wei sketched the beautiful sceneries along the way.

The journey was smooth so far, Hui was an excellent lead. As Li Fahrin's best hand man, he had traveled on countless trips for decades. It was these adventures that brought excitement and happiness to him. Also, he enjoyed the company of Li Wei and San'er, both whom he found to be funny and easygoing.

Hai'an City was the capital city but there were hundreds of smaller cities and villages farther out. The layout of Hai'an was similar to that of a circular maze, with the capital in the center and villages and cities around it. The land of Hai'an was mountainous in large areas, but villagers found a way to live and thrive. They built bamboo houses, farmed, and raised domestic animals on these terrains.

At this moment, the sun was about to set when their carriage stopped at the front of the first inn they've encountered since leaving Na'an. Technically they were in Hai'an, but Hai'an City was still about another two weeks of travel away. The inn was a modest two levels building made of wood. It stood brightly lit amongst the bamboo forest and the darkening sky.

Hui called out, "Young miss, would you like to rest here for the night? This can be a good opportunity to freshen ourselves and stock up on our food supplies. It will be many days before we reach Hai'an City."

From inside the carriage, Li Wei eagerly agreed and then she quickly ran out and jumped off. San'er was about to say something about being careful, but Li Wei cut her off and yelled, "San'er, race you to the door!"

"Li Wei, wait! Don't run!" San'er responded so fast that she forgot to formally address the young miss. Li Wei only laughed before rushing towards the doors of the inn.

As she ran up the stairs, she turned to give San'er a playful smile, but when she turned back to the front, she accidently bumped into someone who was coming out.

The strong impact brought a hit on her forehead and she stumbled backwards a couple steps. She almost fell down when a pair of hands quickly grabbed her. She stood at an awkward angle with her feet on the stairs and her body held by the stranger.

The person she bumped into was a boy around her age or perhaps, just a bit older. His curly and messy hair reached his shoulders and were let loose. His skin was tan as a result of daily outdoor work. A pair of obsidian black eyes stared back. "Are you alright? You seem to be kind of out of it."

Li Wei stared at the boy in confusion. Why was his voice strangely familiar? It was low but soft and warm like honey.

"Maybe she's gone crazy," he muttered to himself. Was the impact that strong? After all, she was the one who bumped into him. He even saved her from a painful fall, but why was she giving such a blank stare? The impact wouldn't have damaged her so badly that he would have to take responsibility, right?

"I'm okay," Li Wei finally croaked out. Her thoughts were crazy, but she was fine. "I'm not crazy yet, just a little surprised."

"That's great. Well then, take care." The boy hurriedly gathered the pieces of woods that fell down from his arms when he let go of them to catch her.

Li Wei saw the pieces of neatly chopped woods scattered onto the stone stairs and she bent down to help him pick them up. As she handed the ones in her hand to him, a piece of jade from his waist caught her eyes.

When she looked closer, she saw that the piece of jade was a rectangle. It was a raw piece of jade that hadn't been carved yet. It reminded her of something and all of a sudden, wanted to have it. "Wait, that piece of jade, are you willing to sell it?"

For the first time, the boy actually took a look at the girl in front of him. She looked younger than him, probably a couple years apart. She was very pretty. Perhaps, even beautiful, but he didn't care for her beauty. There were beautiful people everywhere in the world.

Based on the expensive dress she wore, it was obvious she a wealthy family's young miss. Maybe she didn't mean to ask her question in a negative way, anyhow he had no hesitation in his decision. He pulled the jade closer to his waist as he coldly answered, "No."

Li Wei would normally stop asking if someone said no, but she really wanted the jade. She knew she wouldn't be able to find it anywhere. Thus, she boldly added, "What if I'm willing to offer any price you give?"

The boy sighed in annoyance and plastered a fake smile that lasted only for a millisecond before going back to a blank expression. He was normally not a cold person, but the girl was really getting on his nerves. Why would the daughter of a wealthy family want a raw piece of common jade anyway? Anyone could easily find a piece of jade like his at the marketplace. "I'm not selling it. I really have to go, I can't afford any more time to have this conversation with you."

She saw the annoyed face of the boy and felt bad. "I'm sorry, I just really want the jade. It's okay if you're not willing to sell it."

He seemed to be in deep thoughts for a moment before he finally asked, "You'll really do anything to have it?"

She nodded, a smile on her face as she assumed he had changed his mind.

The boy dropped the woods in his arms onto the floor and walked towards her until he was only one foot away. Then, his dark unmoving eyes looked at her as he spoke his next words carefully.

"Then, will you marry me if I say that's the only way I'll give it to you?"