Chapter 161: Arrogant Awakening

By the time the roasted meat was ready to eat, the scorching sun had already begun to slant westward.

The three of them sat around on the sandy ground, sharing the roasted meat. Sha Yi barely tasted anything, while the other two devoured it with delight.

It was likely their first time tasting marinated meat, and the rich saltiness in the roasted meat seemed like an unparalleled delicacy to them, accustomed as they were to bland food. They nearly fought over it in their frenzy.

Not wanting to engage with the two madmen any further, Sha Yi stood up, took a large leaf resembling bamboo, poured the salt crystals extracted from the stainless steel basin onto it, and placed it beside Jialuo. She instructed, “These are salt crystals, used to treat Tuge’s eyes. The flavor you tasted in the roasted meat comes from them. You can add a little to the roasted meat and broth every day. As for Tuge, he might need to drink some dissolved in water separately, but be careful with the amount—don’t use too much at once. Don’t expect to fix his blurry vision in one go.”

It might have been the first time they heard her speak so gently. Jialuo was stunned for a long moment before snapping out of it, mumbling in protest, “Why can’t we fix it all at once? This is way too troublesome!”

“Tuge’s eye problem didn’t develop overnight, and besides, he’s older, so his recovery might be slower than most.” Unfazed by his rudeness, Sha Yi emphasized, “This is what you’ve been trying to supplement with animal blood. What I’ve given you is the purest form. Drinking a bellyful of animal blood wouldn’t compare to a tiny bit of these salt crystals. Besides, not everyone can stomach the taste of animal blood. If necessary, you should also consume a little yourself so you don’t have to keep catching animals for their blood.”

Jialuo froze again, staring at her blankly for a long time without saying a word. It wasn’t until Tuge shamelessly snatched the half-eaten roasted meat from his hands that he finally erupted in anger, grabbing it back while fuming, “How can this be for the eyes? You’re saying this is for the eyes? If it can treat eyes, what’s the harm in taking more? Just like eating—when there’s food, who doesn’t eat their fill in one go? Why bother with tiny amounts every day? I say, just take it all at once!”

“If you want to try, I won’t stop you, but don’t drag Tuge into it.” Carefully selecting the tenderest piece of meat, Sha Yi took out a fruit knife and began slicing it into thin strips, placing them into the stainless steel basin. “Just like when you eat, you only consume enough for one meal, not so much that you’ll never eat again. Also, let me clarify—salt crystals can also be called salt. Don’t confuse them with eyes; they’re completely different things.”

“What exactly are you trying to say? Can you be clearer?” The man chewing loudly on his roasted meat looked annoyed. “Chattering away while we’re trying to eat—clearly you don’t want to share.”

Sha Yi was growing impatient but forced herself to repeat patiently, “The crystals I just gave you—take a tiny amount every day, dissolve them in water for Tuge to drink. You can also add a little to roasted meat and broth, but don’t overdo it. Otherwise, it won’t help his eyes.”

As soon as she finished, the man waved her off. “Got it, got it! I’ll go dissolve some later!”

With that, he resumed his ravenous eating.

Sha Yi decided to ignore him and focused on her task.

She planned to turn the roasted meat into broth. Though she wasn’t sure what edible plants were available in the area, while retrieving the marinated meat, she had discovered some dried edible plants. These could be mixed with the meat and boiled together.

Once all the meat had been sliced off the chunks, she put her plan into action. She fetched half a basin of water from the shallow pool, chopped the edible plants, added them to the water, and placed the entire basin over the fire to cook.

Looking at the thin, watery broth, Sha Yi felt a pang of frustration. She had always wanted to extract fat from animals to make oil, but except for that one time in the old cave settlement where she fried shrimp, she had never found the time or opportunity. It was truly vexing.

Now, with Xi Yi severely injured, she felt powerless—especially with two bottomless pits for stomachs tagging along.

Since the meat had already been roasted and marinated, the broth didn’t take long to cook. In the end, under the eager gazes of the two men, she carried the basin away.

Seeing her actions, Jialuo immediately cursed, but she paid no mind and headed straight into the cave.

By now, the light inside the cave had dimmed considerably compared to noon. Still, thanks to the dual exits, she could see from afar the figure lying on the square boulder stirring.

Sha Yi was so excited she nearly dropped the stainless steel basin, but she managed to steady herself in time.

Xi Yi saw her too.

With just one glance, his movements to push himself up became much more vigorous.

Fearing his violent motions might tear the carefully treated wounds, Sha Yi hurried over. But before she could speak, he reached out and grabbed her hand, his beautiful brown eyes filled with longing and joy.

Holding her hand, he even tried to speak, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he was seized by violent coughing—as if he’d choked or injured his lungs.

Within moments, Xi Yi was coughing uncontrollably.

Panicked, Sha Yi set down the broth and couldn’t help shouting toward the cave entrance. When she couldn’t hold back any longer, she hugged him and burst into tears.

Tuge rushed in from outside and began frantically examining the half-prone man on the bed. Finally, he sighed in relief and said solemnly, “Choking on water—after sleeping so long, of course he’d cough when waking up. Don’t get too worked up!”

“Are you sure he’s okay? Don’t lie to me!” Sha Yi sniffled, her voice soft and doubtful.

“Trust me—I’ve never lied to you!” Tuge replied amiably, squinting as he leaned closer to inspect the two of them. “His complexion isn’t great. Feed him something.”

“Less talking.” Tuge made a shushing gesture and said no more, turning to slowly walk back toward the cave entrance. Only then did Sha Yi notice Jialuo had followed him in at some point.

At that moment, Jialuo was still clutching a piece of roasted meat, but his expression was utterly bewildered. He stared at her dumbfounded, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

Sha Yi’s face darkened instantly. She pointed at the cave entrance and snapped, “Get out! Who said you could come in?”

Perhaps unable to believe she could switch from soft and gentle to fierce and fiery in an instant, Jialuo looked horrified. His eyes widened reflexively, and he remained frozen for several seconds before finally reacting. With a complicated expression, he turned and left without a word.

Sha Yi had no energy to deal with him. She turned back to pick up the basin she’d set aside earlier, using a small twig to pick up a piece of meat to feed Xi Yi. But then she noticed his expression had changed.

Just moments ago, he had been overjoyed. Now, he looked almost aggrieved and nervous. Confused, she brought the meat to his lips, but he refused to open his mouth.

Sha Yi was completely baffled. As she hesitated, he reached out and carefully took her hand, struggling to speak: “Was that man the one who kidnapped you before? Why are you with him?”

His voice was thick with grievance.

The question instantly clarified the source of his distress for Sha Yi.

It seemed his old insecurity had flared up again. She suspected his jealous tendencies would never change. Every time he saw another man near her or witnessed her helping one, he’d grow possessive, his mind spinning wild scenarios, terrified she might leave him.

Being stabbed by a bone spear and falling unconscious wasn’t his fault, but jumping straight to questioning her about nonexistent romantic entanglements the moment he woke up? That was entirely on him. Here she was, crying over his injuries, and he had the nerve to worry about such nonsense.

The thought left her torn between laughter and tears.

But he grew more anxious, gripping her hand tightly, his face full of worry. “Sha Yi, answer me!”

“Is this really more important than your injuries?” Sha Yi pouted, deliberately evading. “He’s the one who stabbed you. Shouldn’t you be thinking about revenge or how to recover faster?”

He paused, then shook his head, his tone growing even more urgent. “That doesn’t matter. Just tell me why you’re with him. That’s all I want to know…”

The repeated question gave Sha Yi the distinct impression Xi Yi was interrogating her as if catching her in an affair. Amused but not wanting to upset him further—given his serious injuries and the miracle of his survival—she decided not to drag it out. After briefly explaining the situation, she began feeding him.

Annoyingly, Xi Yi still seemed reluctant about the presence of another man near her. Even after her explanation, he remained sullen.

However, no amount of sullenness could outweigh two days without food. He was clearly starving, finishing every last drop of broth and scrap of meat in the basin. By the end, he even looked like he wanted more.

Sha Yi was certain he was still hungry.

Originally, she had only taken one piece of roasted meat to make broth, assuming he was still unconscious and just needed some liquid nourishment. But not only had he woken up—his appetite was astonishing.

Given his usual eating habits, this small portion wouldn’t even fill the gaps between his teeth. She’d have to fetch more meat from the fire, or his recovery would take forever.

With that in mind, she helped him lie back on the boulder and stood to leave. But the moment she turned, he wrapped his arms around her legs with surprising strength—so much so that she almost forgot he was injured.

When she turned back in surprise, his expression was pleading. “I don’t need more food. I just want you to stay with me.”

Staring at the man’s pitiful look on the boulder, two words popped into Sha Yi’s mind: clingy and tsundere!

Though she thought it, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse outright. But remembering his injuries, she hardened her resolve.

If Xi Yi’s wounds didn’t heal properly, she’d be living in constant fear. Only once he recovered could she truly relax. There’d be plenty of time for cuddling later!

Decision made, she smiled reassuringly. “I’ll just grab two more pieces of roasted meat from the fire outside and come right back.”

But he refused outright, even turning his head away as she spoke.

Sha Yi sighed but couldn’t bring herself to push him off. After their near-death separation during the storm and river ordeal, not just him—even she carried lingering fear. His behavior was understandable.

But she couldn’t ignore the graver consequences just because of this.

After some thought, she decided to deceive him once more. Quickly, she said, “You’ve eaten, but I’m still hungry. I haven’t eaten in two days either.”

To sell it, she even gestured emphatically.

But she didn’t need to exaggerate further. He immediately released her legs, his face full of remorse. “Then go eat quickly…”

Though stunned by the effectiveness of her excuse, Sha Yi knew she had to leave before he latched onto her again. Without hesitation, she dashed out of the cave.

Behind her, the prone man let out a resigned sigh.

Outside, the two men—one old, one young—were still fighting over food. When she reached the fire, she realized there wasn’t a single scrap of meat left. Fury surged in her chest.

The meat roasted earlier should have been enough for four grown men. How could it all be gone after just one trip into the cave? She’d only eaten a small piece herself and taken one for Xi Yi. Now… nothing?

Were these two pigs?

Did they forget there was an injured man inside?

Fuming, she stormed over to the fire, yanked the half-eaten roasted meat from their hands, and threw it aside.

The aggressive move made the two men instantly aware of her anger. They lowered their heads, pretending innocence.

Too angry to bother further, Sha Yi tossed the saliva-covered meat scraps aside and fetched more from the raft. She threw the new pieces at them. “Either roast more meat properly, or I’ll roast you instead. Choose!”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Jialuo’s sarcastic streak returned. “You can’t even beat me in a fight. Roast me? At most, you could roast Tuge!”

“If you think your feather skirt isn’t burnt enough, I’d be happy to help!” Sha Yi flicked her lighter a few times and moved to reignite one of the dying fires.

The small motion terrified Jialuo. He scrambled backward several steps before realizing she wasn’t aiming for his skirt. Relieved, he grabbed some dry branches, skewered the meat, and began roasting it—though his mouth, as usual, couldn’t stay shut, muttering under his breath.

Jialuo’s bad habits were beyond correction. Sha Yi gave up, tuning him out as she tended to her own fire.

But then Tuge did something utterly ridiculous—he picked up the discarded meat from the ground, blew on it lovingly, and took a bite.

This time, even Jialuo was stunned. His jaw dropped in shock, and he remained speechless for a long moment.

This was too much. The dirt and grit on the ground couldn’t possibly be blown away—Tuge had just eaten it all!

Was this the legendary “eating dirt”?

Speechless, Sha Yi and Jialuo exchanged glances. The rare silence was almost unsettling.

Without another word, the two of them resumed roasting meat.

When the meat was done, Sha Yi unceremoniously took it all, placing it in the stainless steel basin. As she turned, she spotted Xi Yi emerging from the cave entrance.

From a short distance away, he smiled at her, though his face still bore traces of exhaustion and pallor.

He must have mustered all his strength just to stand.

Her heart ached for him, and she worried about his back wounds. She hurried over.

Behind her, Jialuo couldn’t resist a taunt. “So much for being gravely injured after two days unconscious. Look at you, crawling out already. Guess my bone spear didn’t do much—or were you faking it?”

“Shut up. If you’re so doubtful, try stabbing yourself with a bone spear,” Tuge retorted, still busy “eating dirt.”

“Mind your own business—keep eating dirt!” Jialuo yanked the meat from Tuge’s mouth and tossed it aside, then smacked the old man’s head, shoving his face into the sand.

Glancing back at the two idiots on the ground, Sha Yi was too exasperated to bother. She took Xi Yi’s hand. “Let’s go inside. Ignore them.”

Xi Yi nodded eagerly, his expression brightening.