Chapter 18

Even though the roaming tribe did not make it to the summer gathering this time, it was still a great success overall.

After the gathering ended, the Green Tribe followed the Weaving Tribe to gather their goods and then quickened their pace to head back. Fortunately, they did not encounter any more fierce beasts along the way and returned smoothly.

After tallying and distributing the profits from the gathering, the whole tribe eagerly began the fabric dyeing and clothing-making process. In the square, twelve clay and wooden vats filled with prepared dyes were lined up.

Originally, Ji Mo Ling had intended to trade the dye for her own personal use, but when Meng Lin learned she wanted to share it with everyone, she made the decision to cover the cost from the tribe's public resources.

The dye bases they received from the Weaving Tribe came in only five colors, but Ji Mo Ling, possessing knowledge from a different world, understood basic color theory. After experimenting a bit, she produced over a dozen shades, dazzling the eyes of the Green Tribe members.

After explaining the dyeing process, Ji Mo Ling found the women, both young and old, eager to try. Each of them held their fabric, standing by their preferred color vat, just waiting for the tribe leader to give the word.

Ji Mo Ling herself held two bundles of linen tied up with string, waiting at the blue dye vat. When the others curiously asked, she explained that she would test the dyeing process first to see the results before teaching everyone. She suggested that they reserve some fabric for later use once they saw the outcome.

The tribe leader was also very interested in the fabric dyeing process. Seeing that everything was well-organized, he announced the start of the activity, which was met with a chorus of cheers.

Although Ji Mo Ling had a general idea of how tie-dyeing worked, she had never tried it herself. To her surprise, she now had the opportunity to give it a go, feeling a bit excited.

Rui stood by her side, holding another, slightly larger bundle of tied-up linen, patiently waiting.

Once the dye had thoroughly soaked into the fabric, Ji Mo Ling pulled the bundle out and set it aside to dry. Then, she and Rui moved to the pink dye vat to process a third bundle of linen.

After finishing all her bundles, Ji Mo Ling decided to take a break and watch the others at work. However, every vat and barrel was surrounded by people. Seeing this, she gave up the idea of joining in and decided to rest.

Rui, noticing the situation, suggested they go fishing in the river and make fish soup for lunch.

Ji Mo Ling nodded in agreement, and the two walked away hand in hand.

The next day, the dyed fabrics had dried, and the tribe was lively as everyone retrieved their cloth, eagerly discussing swapping colors. When Ji Mo Ling arrived, most of the others had already finished packing up. Seeing her approach, they greeted her warmly and urged her to show them the results of her dyeing.

Ji Mo Ling nodded, saying she'd reveal it soon, and quickly began untying the strings.

Once untied, she shook out the fabric, and a chorus of gasps followed.

The three bundles were not pieces of cloth but finished garments: a bright red dress, a set of blue tunic and shorts, all featuring similar patterns. Clearly, Ji Mo Ling had prepared these for herself and Rui.

"Wow! The clothes are so pretty! I want to dye mine like that too!" Meng Xiang was the first to cling to Ji Mo Ling's arm, her eyes sparkling like stars.

Wang Xin, however, felt a little regretful: "Oh no! I was so excited yesterday that I forgot to save any fabric!"

"Don't worry!" Ji Mo Ling reassured her. "You can use the clothes you already have at home for dyeing. It's a great way to make old clothes look new again. You can even dye patterns onto lighter-colored fabrics."

Everyone nodded in agreement, saying it was a good idea.

Ji Mo Ling then demonstrated several tie-dye techniques and encouraged everyone to experiment, explaining that different tying methods would result in various patterns.

Those who had learned quickly were eager to give it a try, some working alone while others teamed up to discuss their techniques.

Seeing that there wasn't much left for her to do, Ji Mo Ling carried her clothes to wash them, hoping to dry them in the sunlight so she and Rui could try them on together later.

That day, Rui was on hunting duty and had left early in the morning. It wasn't until the sun began to set that the team returned.

After collecting his share of the hunt, Rui eagerly rushed to Ji Mo Ling's house. On one hand, he missed her deeply after just one day apart; on the other, he was excited to receive his gift.

The thought of wearing matching clothes with his fiancée made his heart race!

Pushing open the door, Rui called out, "I'm back!"

He scanned the room, but Ji Mo Ling was nowhere in sight, making him feel slightly anxious. "Ling, are you home?"

"Yes!" her reassuring voice came from inside the house.

Feeling relieved that she was there, Rui relaxed, placed the game he brought in the kitchen, washed up, and prepared to go inside.

Just as he reached the courtyard, Ji Mo Ling came out.

She was dressed in the bright red floral dress, her hair braided in a single plait draped over her right shoulder, with colorful feathers tied at the end. She looked as beautiful and radiant as a goddess of flowers.

Seeing Rui frozen in place, staring at her with wide eyes, Ji Mo Ling couldn't help but laugh. This was her first time wearing something other than animal skins or leather armor, and even she had been stunned by her reflection in the water earlier. No wonder Rui was dumbfounded.

Facing his goddess-like smile, Rui felt as though his eyes were dazzled, but he couldn't look away. His throat bobbed as he swallowed the sudden surge of emotions.

"Do I look good?" Ji Mo Ling twirled around, her skirt blooming like a flower as it spun.

"Yes, you look… amazing!" Rui felt a wave of heat rush to his head, leaving him dizzy.

"Pfft! Looking good won't fill your stomach. You must be hungry, right? I've already prepared dinner. Let's eat first. After that, you can change into your new clothes, and we'll go for a walk." Ji Mo Ling grabbed Rui's hand and pulled him towards the house.

"Okay." At that moment, Rui's mind was completely filled with thoughts of her, leaving no room for anything else. He simply followed her lead.

It wasn't until the two of them went for a walk around the tribe and encountered other people complimenting their outfits that Rui snapped out of his daze.

Many tribesmen gathered around, some openly and some more discreetly admiring Ji Mo Ling, their gazes full of appreciation. Some even directed envy and jealousy toward Rui.

Rui immediately became alert. His foggy thoughts disappeared, and he instinctively wrapped his arm around Ji Mo Ling's shoulder, glaring at everyone around them, itching to take her away from the crowd.

Seeing him acting all jealous, Ji Mo Ling found it both amusing and endearing. Still, she went along with him, making up an excuse to leave, and the two headed home.

Once the door was closed, Ji Mo Ling found herself pulled into Rui's warm embrace. Knowing how possessive he could be, she didn't resist. Instead, she hugged him back, gently patting his broad back.

Rui held her tight, inhaling her familiar scent with a hint of herbal fragrance. It soothed his sour, agitated mood. Feeling her comforting presence, he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. Hmph, Ji Mo Ling truly only loved him!

With this thought, he loosened his hold a little, nuzzling her cheek affectionately.

Sensing his softened mood, Ji Mo Ling chuckled to herself. This guy could be so petty and jealous, but he was also very easy to please. She tilted her head and kissed his cheek softly.

Immediately, Rui felt as though he had been fed a spoonful of honey, his heart swelling with sweetness. "Here too!" he demanded playfully, pouting his lips for more kisses.

Ji Mo Ling smiled and obliged, kissing him again.

Rui's eyes lit up, practically glowing green with excitement. Without another word, he scooped her up and rushed into the bedroom. He wanted kisses! Lots and lots of kisses!