“Xin'er? Hehe, what a lovely name!”
Hearing Xin'er’s words, the man murmured her name a few times before speaking up.
“My name is Big Tiger. You can just call me Big Tiger.”
“Hehe, then I’ll call you Brother Big Tiger from now on!”
Since this man was clearly older than her, Xin'er decided to address him that way.
Then, as if remembering something, she asked, “By the way, Brother Big Tiger, what place is this? Is it far from the capital?”
Upon hearing Xin'er’s sudden question, Big Tiger was momentarily taken aback but quickly replied honestly.
“This is a very remote mountainous area, quite far from the capital. By the way, Xin'er, are you trying to go to the capital?”
“Oh, no, not at all.”
Xin'er shook her head and then lowered it in thought.
In this vast world, it seemed there was no place for her to belong.
After leaving the capital, she realized she had no idea where to go next.
Now that she had arrived here, perhaps it was fate!
In this secluded mountain area, Xuan would never expect to find her here.
Maybe she should just stay here!
Upon reaching this thought, Xin'er made a decision in her heart.
However, since she had been saved by this man and they were not related, she naturally could not stay here and disturb him.
Thus, Xin'er spoke up.
"By the way, Big Tiger, is there any house for sale nearby? I would like to settle down here."
"What!? Xin'er wants to live here!? That's wonderful!"
Hearing Xin'er's words, a look of ecstatic joy immediately appeared on Big Tiger's face.
However, the next moment, perhaps realizing that his expression was too exaggerated, Big Tiger's face turned awkward, and a flush quickly spread across his dark complexion.
He reached back to scratch his head and chuckled awkwardly.
"Haha, I-I’m just happy, really happy, heh heh..."
Seeing Big Tiger's simple and joyful demeanor, Xin'er felt that he wasn't a bad person. She smiled lightly in response.
Then she heard Big Tiger say,
"Xin'er, around here are mostly ordinary families; everyone farms for a living, and no one is selling their houses. However, you can stay at my place! It's just me and my mother living there. The house isn’t big, but there’s an empty room. I can tidy it up for you to move in. What do you think?!"
By the end of his speech, Big Tiger spoke cautiously yet with a hint of expectation.
His gaze towards Xin'er was filled with budding affection.
Unfortunately for him, Xin'er could not see through it. At that moment, upon hearing Big Tiger's words, she felt a bit hesitant.
After all, it wasn't appropriate for her to stay here with Big Tiger, whom she barely knew!
Seeing Xin'er hesitate, Big Tiger felt a pang of anxiety and couldn't help but ask, "Xin'er, do you find my place too shabby? I suppose it's understandable; you look like a young lady from a Noble Family, so it must be hard for you to get used to such a place. I must have overthought this..."
As he spoke, a hint of melancholy crossed Big Tiger's face.
After all, just looking at the way the woman was dressed—her fabric was exquisite—made it clear that she was not like them, who wore coarse linen clothes, some even patched up.
Thus, Big Tiger assumed that Xin'er was definitely one of those daughters from a Noble Family. He didn't know why she ended up in this place, but surely she would find it difficult to adjust to such humble surroundings!
Just as Big Tiger was lost in thought, Xin'er shook her head and quickly replied to him.
"Big Tiger, please don't say that. That's not what I meant. Besides, I'm not really a Noble Family lady; I'm just worried that I might disturb you."
Hearing Xin'er's words, Big Tiger's previously gloomy expression brightened again. He immediately responded, "You won't disturb me at all! Not in the slightest. It's usually just my mother and me relying on each other. I hunt in the mountains and gather firewood while my mother weaves and embroiders at home. If you're here, you could keep my mother company!"
"Oh, I see. Well then, if I'm going to stay here, I don't want to be a burden. You have to charge me rent; otherwise, I can't stay."
Having been saved by this man and now living under his roof would surely add to his burdens. Xin'er didn't want to take advantage of him, so she said this.
Upon hearing her words, Big Tiger feared that Xin'er might decide not to stay after all. So he quickly agreed.
Without hesitation, he turned around and went to prepare a room for Xin'er since she would be staying in his own room!
Watching Big Tiger leave to get her room ready, Xin'er slowly withdrew her gaze and put on her shoes before stepping outside to survey the environment where she would be living from now on.
As soon as she stepped outside, what greeted her was the gently flowing Yellow River ahead.
On the river, several small boats bobbed along, with fishermen casting their nets in search of a catch.
Across the river stood the continuous stretch of high mountains.
Birds flew in and out of the mountains, occasionally filling the air with their calls. This scene was truly peaceful and beautiful.
The Big Tiger house was situated right in front of the river, and not far behind their home were many other houses.
They appeared to be simple residences, with yards and such.
Next to them were rice fields and vegetable gardens.
It looked like this place was indeed very remote, completely different from the bustling scene beneath the emperor's feet in the capital.
Thinking about living here from now on, Xin'er felt a twinge of melancholy, as if a bottle of mixed emotions had been overturned, each flavor weighing on her heart.
Sighing, Xin'er thought to herself, since you have already left, why dwell on it so much!?
From now on, just live well here!
After all, your identity will implicate those you care about most...
With that thought, a sense of gloom settled over Xin'er.
Just then, a woman entered the yard, holding onto someone’s arm. Upon seeing her, the woman's face lit up with surprise and then joy as she smiled and asked,
"Miss, you’re finally awake! It’s good that you’re awake!"
The woman smiled as she looked at Xin'er, her eyes filled with joy and warmth.
Seeing this woman and noticing the embroidery in her basket, Xin'er thought to herself that this must be the mother that Big Tiger had mentioned earlier, the one he relied on.
With that thought in mind, Xin'er politely spoke up.
"Hello, Aunt! You must be Big Tiger's mother!"
"Oh, what a well-behaved child! Yes, I am Big Tiger's Mother. When Big Tiger brought you home yesterday, I was at home. You hadn’t woken up yet today, so he stayed behind to take care of you while I went to town to buy some embroidery supplies."
After hearing Xin'er's words, Big Tiger's Mother began to chatter away.
At that moment, Big Tiger, who had just finished tidying up the room, rushed out upon hearing the commotion outside. He quickly stood beside his mother and introduced them.
"Xin'er, this is my mother. Mom, this is Xin'er. From now on, Xin'er will be living here."
Initially, upon hearing Big Tiger's words, Xin'er felt a bit anxious that his mother might not be pleased. A hint of unease crossed her delicate little face.
However, upon hearing what Big Tiger said, Big Tiger's Mother was momentarily taken aback but then laughed heartily.
"Oh my, this is wonderful news! I was just wishing for some company! It's great that you’re here, Xin'er. You look like a good girl; you can stay here as long as you like! Even if it’s for a lifetime, haha..."
Big Tiger's Mother's words left Xin'er stunned for a moment. Big Tiger seemed to realize something as well; his face turned slightly red as he quickly interjected.
"Mom, saying that will scare Xin'er!"
"Haha, then I won’t say it! I’ll go cook now! Xin'er, Big Tiger hunted a mountain chicken and a wild rabbit the day before yesterday! We’ll make a nice meal tonight. You should go rest for now!"
With that, Big Tiger's Mother turned and headed into the kitchen.
Xin'er immediately spoke up.
"Aunt, let me help too!"
She said this because, after all, she was living here now and couldn't just take advantage of their hospitality without contributing.
Big Tiger's Mother was taken aback for a moment upon hearing this, but her face quickly lit up with joy. However, after glancing at Xin'er in her beautiful outfit, she quickly replied,
"Hehe, let me handle it today! Xin'er just woke up, and her body must not have fully recovered yet. Besides, it would be such a shame if that lovely outfit got dirty."
At this point, Big Tiger chimed in.
"That's right, Xin'er! Let my mom take care of it!"
"Exactly! Since Xin'er will be staying here from now on, Big Tiger, why don't you take Xin'er for a walk around the area to help her get familiar with her surroundings?"
Upon hearing his mother's suggestion, Big Tiger immediately turned to Xin'er and said,
"Yeah, Xin'er! How about we take a stroll nearby?"
Hesitating for a moment, Xin'er finally nodded and said,
"Okay then! Sorry to trouble you, Big Tiger."
"Hehe, it's no trouble at all, really!"
Seeing Xin'er's polite demeanor made Big Tiger scratch the back of his head and laugh heartily.
Beside Big Tiger's Mother, she kept nudging Big Tiger, making all sorts of gestures at him. Big Tiger's face was flushed with embarrassment.
"Well then, Xin'er, let's go!"
"Okay."
Upon hearing Big Tiger's words, Xin'er walked alongside him as they headed forward.
As Xin'er, with her beautiful eyes, scanned the surroundings, she remained unaware that after they left, Big Tiger's Mother was grinning from ear to ear, watching their figures fade away while murmuring to herself.
"Hehe, this child looks quite good. It seems my Big Tiger has reached the age for marriage..."
Unaware of Big Tiger's Mother's intentions, Xin'er continued to walk slowly beside Big Tiger.
Big Tiger was tall and strong, and with each step he took, he covered more ground than most. However, he made sure to accommodate Xin'er, slowing his pace considerably.
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