Consequences

But the truth was, he couldn't. Every time he looked at her, he saw an unexpected side, unsettling him more than he'd admit.

Xu Hanyu sat quietly for hours, glancing at Chan Chan as she focused on healing. The cold gnawed at them, the night deepening.

Chan Chan opened her eyes, deep in thought. I'm not fully healed. The bleeding was too deep. I'll continue tomorrow… I need rest before leaving.

Xu Hanyu looked at her and asked. "Are you healed now?"

"No…" she replied.

The cold was unbearable. Xu Hanyu glanced at the sky and at the large nest. "It's getting late. We should get some rest."

With that, exchanged an awkward look, the tension palpable. Xu Hanyu cleared his throat, trying to ease the moment. "Ah, no worries. I can sleep sitting up. You can sleep in the nest."

But Chan Chan hesitated, there was an obvious guilt in her eyes. "Um… just sleep here."

Xu Hanyu was surprised.

"But… don't move too close to me."

"..."

"..."

"Are you sure you're alright about it?" 

With that, Chan Chan nodded without looking into his eyes and lied down facing outward.

At the same time, Xu Hanyu who was also hesitating, finally said, "alright.." and he slowly settled beside her, facing the outward as well. 

Both of them could feel the distance between them shrinking, yet the unspoken tension lingered in the cool, quiet air.

It's alright no one will happen. Just sleep. Xu Hanyu thought as he closed his eyes.

But even in the stillness of the night, his thoughts refused to settle. 

Xu Hanyu was about to close his eyes when Chan Chan's voice broke the silence. "What happened to your arm?"

His eyes snapped open, unsure whether to ignore her or answer. Is she talking about the cursed birthmark on my left arm…? 

He hesitated, then sighed, "You really wanna know?"

She didn't reply, but her quiet attention made him continue. "It's a curse."

"Curse?" 

"Yeah…" 

"Does it hurt?"

"No, but I suffer," he whispered, feeling the weight of his words.

"Suffer…" she repeated, her voice barely audible.

"I suffer in a crippled body," he said, almost to himself.

Hearing that, she didn't ask any further. The silence lingered, distant yet somehow connecting them. Neither spoke again, both left with a feeling they couldn't quite grasp.

…

The Elders woke early, as was their habit, but the morning air carried an unusual tension. Word spread quickly—Lord Xu had returned, earlier than expected.

A young clan member sprinted toward the Elders' quarters, breathless.

"Elders! Lord Xu has returned!"

The three Elders exchanged sharp glances before swiftly making their way to the entrance.

When they arrived, they found Lord Xu striding toward them, his expression grim, his pace brisk with urgency.

"Where is Xu Hanyu?"

His voice was like a blade—sharp, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

Elder Xu Bai spoke first, tone laced with frustration and palpable distaste.

"We were busy preparing the banquet. You can't expect us to micromanage every little detail, especially when your son makes these reckless decisions on his own."

His voice dropped slightly, tinged with obvious displeasure.

Lord Xu's brow furrowed, irritation flashing across his face.

Elder Xu Ting quickly added, "We searched for him last night as well, but we couldn't find him."

A tense silence followed.

Lord Xu exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. Then, in a low but commanding tone, he ordered: "Call Xu Lian to my study room. Immediately."

His words left no room for argument. He turned on his heel, already moving toward the hall.

"And send out more men," he continued. "I want Xu Hanyu found—now."

The Elders nodded and hurried to carry out his orders.

Just as they turned, Elder Xu Ting hesitated, his expression darkening slightly.

"Lord Xu—one more thing."

Lord Xu halted mid-step, his gaze shifting to Xu Ting, sharp eyes narrowing.

"What is it?" Elder Xu Ting exchanged glances with the other Elders just before speaking. 

"Our clan's armory has a problem."

Lord Xu's expression darkened.

"What kind of problem?"

Xu Ting exhaled. "Our supply routes have been cut off. The trade caravans that bring our Tempered Gloomstones and Purple Genevi Ore from the western mines can't pass through anymore—because of a territorial dispute in the East. And that's the only route we're authorized to use for transport."

After hearing about it, Lord Xu thought that the Huo Clan and Fu Clan control the alternate routes. Now that Fu Lao has already reached out, offering to negotiate a business deal. Isn't this too coincidental?

A flicker of distress passed through Lord Xu's eyes.

The Xu Clan's weapons and armor depended on these rare metals. Without them, their forces would be severely weakened—especially at a time when rival clans were becoming increasingly hostile.

He exhaled, pressing two fingers against his temple.

"…I'll think about what to do about that," he finally said.

Then, after a short pause, his voice hardened.

"Finding Xu Hanyu is the priority."

The Elders bowed in acknowledgment.

But even as he turned away, the weight of the decision loomed over him.

…

In the study room of Lord Xu, Xu Lian knelt, her head bowed. She knew she had to explain, but the truth was too dangerous.

"Father," she whispered. "It's my fault… I took Xu Hanyu out..."

Lord Xu sighed, frustrated. "Lian'er, you know I restricted your brother from leaving the residence. Why did you disobey?"

"I wanted him to see the world, Father. He's been confined for so long. But… I lost him."

Lord Xu's frown deepened. "Tell me how you lost him."

Xu Lian hesitated before quickly lying, "I took him to the market. The crowd was too much, and when I turned, he was gone. I searched everywhere, but couldn't find him."

Lord Xu's mind raced. If he was lost in the market, he should have been found quickly. If not, there's more to this. But for now, he chose to believe her.

She lowered her head while thinking. Father, I know I shouldn't have taken that risk. But I also don't want this situation to escalate because of our involvement. 

"Go find Xu Hanyu, don't come back until you find him. That's your punishment."

Xu Lian nodded, voice soft. "Understood, Father…"

Despite his frustration, Lord Xu's expression softened. He didn't want to be overly harsh, but discipline was necessary. This punishment, although not that strict, was meant to instill a sense of responsibility in his daughter.

After leaving the study room, Lord Xu looked up to the sky while in deep thought. 

Han'er, just where are you right now? 

…

Chan Chan opened her eyes and panicked upon realizing she was entwined with Xu Hanyu. Her heart raced as she froze, feeling utterly embarrassed. What… What is happening? she thought, her mind a blur.

An arm.

Wrapped around her.

Her breath hitched.

He's holding me?

A surge of heat rushed to her face. She pushed against his chest, but his grip was firm, as if—even unconsciously—he refused to let go.

How impudent!

But then, she looked at him. His face was so close—his beauty was undeniable, even with the ugly mark on him in his arms. How could someone like you be burdened with something so ugly?

Without thinking, her fingers reached toward his face, drawn by a strange compulsion. Just as her fingertips brushed his skin—

Xu Hanyu's eyes snapped open.

For a split second, silence hung between them.

Their gazes locked.

His eyes like the universe, still dazed with sleep, widened slightly as he became aware of their position—bodies pressed together, arms unconsciously holding onto each other. His warmth seeped into her skin, and an odd jolt shot through her chest.

Chan Chan's lips parted, her mind blank.

Then—

Wham!

Xu Hanyu let out a strangled cry. His body jerked violently as pain exploded through him. His arms instantly released her as he doubled over, clutching his manhood.

"Aaah—!" His breath hitched, his face contorting in sheer agony.

Chan Chan scrambled upright, staring in horror. Her hands flew to her mouth.

What did I just do…?

Xu Hanyu groaned, his breath ragged. "What the hell—?" he wheezed, his voice unusually strained. He blinked rapidly before looking at her, disbelief flashing across his face.

"Why did you kick me?!"

Chan Chan jolted, flustered, her face burning. "How dare you touch me!?" she snapped, her voice sharp as she scooted back. "Are you trying to take advantage of me?!"

His brow twitched. "Take advantage of you?!" His voice rose in outrage. "What are you even talking about?! We—" His sentence cut off as another wave of pain surged through him, making him wince.

He sucked in a breath before throwing her a sharp look. "Didn't you also hold onto me?" His tone was accusatory, though still slightly pained. "And you even kicked me in the—!" He clenched his jaw, unable to finish.

Chan Chan stiffened. "Ha! Me?!" She scoffed, folding her arms, but there was a split-second hesitation in her voice.

Xu Hanyu, still hunched over, groaned. "Yes. Didn't you?"

She was about to open her mouth—but then quickly shut it.

"…Never mind," she muttered, looking away, arms crossed tightly. "Move. I need to recover."

Xu Hanyu groaned, still rubbing his sore spot. "That fast?"

"Yes. So leave!"

"Alright, alright—" he sighed, dragging himself up. He staggered slightly before taking a few steps away and slumping onto a nearby rock, still massaging his temples.