Side Story 5: A New Journey

Side Story 5: A New Journey

Dust billowed along the official road.

To evade the Black Armor Guards and to enjoy the Jiangnan cuisine she longed for as soon as possible, Pei Niannian devised an extremely cunning escape route—abandoning her horse and sailing away.

Tongzhou Wharf, on the banks of the Grand Canal.

"Hurry, hurry! The ship is about to leave!"

Pei Niannian, carrying a small bundle, rushed ahead like a cheerful little sparrow.

Her fiery red dress stood out against the drab crowd, while behind her followed two boys with completely different styles.

Pei An was still dressed in black, holding a wooden sword, and expressionlessly carrying two ridiculously large packages (filled with snacks) for his sister.

He walked steadily, his eyes scanning his surroundings warily. Even while carrying heavy loads, he still exuded an aloof and unapproachable air.

Bringing up the rear was the distinguished "burden"—Xiao Bai.

"Cough cough... Sister Nian Nian, slow down... I, I'm a little seasick..."

Xiao Bai held his forehead with one hand and covered his chest with the other, his handsome face filled with weakness and paleness.

His steps were unsteady, as if he would be blown over by the river wind at any moment.

In fact, with his martial arts skills, he could easily cross a river on reeds, let alone get seasick.

But he knew very well that if he wanted to stay by Pei Niannian's side, he had to show weakness.

Only the weak are protected by female warriors.

Sure enough, upon hearing his call, Pei Niannian, who had already jumped onto the bow of the boat, immediately stopped.

She turned around and looked at Xiao Bai's frail and delicate appearance, and her heart softened instantly.

"Oh dear, I forgot you weren't feeling well."

Pei Niannian hopped back in a few steps, grabbed Xiao Bai's arm, and patted her own shoulder with a heroic air:

"Don't be afraid! I'm here!"

"Come on, hold on tight! If you feel really dizzy, lean on me!"

A triumphant smile flashed in Xiao Bai's eyes. He leaned heavily on the girl's slender yet strong shoulders, looking weakly at her.

"Thank you so much, Sister Niannian... I really don't know what I would have done without you..."

As he spoke, he deliberately glanced provocatively at Pei An, who was walking ahead, out of the corner of his eye.

Pei An: "..."

He stopped in his tracks, and his ears twitched slightly.

[Thump, thump, thump.]

Xiao Bai's heartbeat was steady and strong, each beat like the beating of a war drum.

His physique is stronger than an ox's.

“Pretending.” Pei An coldly uttered a single word.

He turned around and looked at the man who was clinging to his sister like a boneless creature, his wooden sword creaking in his hand.

"sister."

Pei An spoke expressionlessly:

"When he boarded the ship just now, he used his internal force to knock away a thief who was trying to steal a wallet. He was faster than me."

"Really?" Pei Niannian looked at Xiao Bai suspiciously.

"I'm innocent!"

Xiao Bai immediately put on an expression as if he had suffered a great injustice, his eyes slightly red:

“Little An, I know you don’t like me and think I’m a burden. But… but you can’t slander me like this.”

"I'm so weak, how could I possibly shake off a thief? That... that thief slipped and fell, didn't he?"

He coughed twice more, swayed, and seemed about to faint at any moment.

"Alright, alright, An'an, stop talking!"

Pei Niannian immediately and unconditionally sided with the disadvantaged group:

"Xiao Bai is already in this state, and you're still bullying him! Don't you have any compassion?"

Pei An took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

This green tea...

The skill level is too high.

My sister's eyes are now completely blind.

"Get on the ship!" Pei Niannian helped Xiao Bai and swaggered into the cabin.

This is a luxury merchant ship bound for Jiangnan.

Of course, Xiao Bai paid for the charter boat.

After all, as a "burden," one must demonstrate some value in other ways—

For example, it can be used as an automatic payment wallet.

The boat rocked and slowly moved away from the shore. As the sails rose, the scenery on both banks began to recede rapidly.

The desolate, barren trees of the north gradually disappeared, and greenery began to emerge on both banks, along with the warm, moist air.

Pei Niannian leaned against the window, looking at the wide river outside, and took a deep breath.

Wow—it tastes like freedom!

She turned around excitedly and announced to the two people inside the cabin:

"Listen up! From this moment on, we have officially entered the Jiangnan region!"

"We have only one goal—"

Pei Niannian raised her fist:

"Eat your way through Jiangnan! Explore all of Jiangnan! Turn this land upside down!"

"Okay." Xiao Bai smiled and peeled an orange for her, his eyes full of affection: "I'll do whatever you say."

"Hmm." Pei An sat in the corner, holding his sword. Although his face was grumpy, he nodded.