1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Starting Tired?

Not noticeably, Shuwan and the others had already walked very far. How all the sweetness of the journey he had felt with his three friends. Sometimes it is not only the physical that feels so bad, but also the heart that starts to get tired.

“Hump... When are we getting here? It feels like our journey is getting heavier,” complained Jiao while folding both hands to her nape.

“Hah...,” Yu Hao let out a long sigh as if releasing a burden so heavy he shouldered. “If there are no meaningful obstacles, about 2 more months we arrive,” concluded Yu Hao.

“A-what? 2 More months? It turns out, it's still very far huh?” jiao said with a slightly disappointed face. “It feels like my body is getting crumpled. Uh... If we could go to a hot spring, surely these stiff muscles would become calmer.”

Shuwan and Zhang who were behind Yu Hao and Jiao were only focused on listening to the grievances of the two friends.

“St... Keep your voice down,” said Yu Hao half-whispering. “If you are tired, then what about Zhang and Shuwan who have started this journey before you?” said Yu Hao.

“Friends...” Zhang entered the conversation with a bowed face. His steps stopped when he called his friends. “Sorry.. Because of me, you are in trouble and feel all kinds of torments. If you want to stop the journey until here is also okay. I can continue on my own. Anyway, I don't want to keep you guys tormented because of me,” he said with a sad face.

Shuwan, Jiao, and Yu Hao exchanged glances after hearing Zhang's seemingly guilt-ridden words to his three friends.

Yu Hao then walked over to Zhang, and patted his left shoulder. “Zhang, everything that happened is not your fault. This is all normal when we travel long distances. What happened has indeed become a suratan of destiny,” said Yu Hao wisely.

“Yu Hao right. Well, I do feel tired because of this long journey. Not only because of the distance traveled, but also the pressure that we are constantly facing. However, do not continue to blame yourself. We follow you because of our desire to find a better life. So, it has become our own risk because of taking this decision. Right ‘kan, Yu Hao?”

“Yah.. 2 more months right? We can definitely get through this. Since we are together, this journey has become colorful,” Shuwan looks at Zhang as he puts a smile on his face.

“You..” Zhang was unable to get his words out anymore. Eyes glazed. He immediately wiped the tears that were about to fall on his cheek.

“I didn't think you were so whiny,” led Shuwan.

Zhang who heard it instantly changed, becoming embarrassed. “What did you say?” his chirps seemed to not accept Shuwan's words.

“That's right ‘kan? Well, it's okay. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Do not hesitate if you want to cry,” said Shuwan trying to revive the atmosphere there.

“You...” Zhang's face flushed in embarrassment.

Yu Hao and Jiao just laughed looking at Zhang and Shuwan who were having a fight.

“Didn't they both look cute if they were like this?” whispered Jiao to Yu Hao.

“True. At least we have entertainment during the trip,” replied Yu Hao.

“Hey, Yu Hao, what did you just say?” zhang said with a half-sullen face.

“Haha... It's nothing,” Yu Hao tried to order his words just now.

“Hump!” Zhang folded his hands to his chest with his mouth soaked as he was still feeling annoyed.

“Already, let's continue the journey,” take Shuwan.

The four friends continued their journey. No one knows what awaits them ahead.

It was almost dark, but they found nothing but endless fields of weeds.

“Haish... Why is there nothing here? There are no trees either? How will we take shelter?” jiao Complain.

“Eum... Youre right. I am also getting tired,” said Yu Hao chimed in on Jiao's complaint. “Zhang, we will break where?” yu Hao asked Zhang.

Zhang placed his hand on his chin while thinking hard. He looked around, and rightly, there was nothing there but the vast expanse of the field.

They entered into the field of Isthmus. A little far from the main road. Sit in a circle facing the campfire that warms their bodies on a cold night.

“Uhm... It's cold tonight. Is it because for more than a week we were spoiled at the Fengying residence back then?” jiao said as she hugged her own body tightly, trying to provide warmth for herself.

“Maybe. Hem... Don't we have any groceries?” ask Yu Hao. “It just so happens that I am very hungry,”.

“Ah... I took some of Xie Bei's groceries. Maybe this can slightly prop up our stomach until tomorrow morning,” Shuwan said while removing a bag of food from the bag he carried.

“Oh, yes. Now we are in the field. Stay vigilant. We don't know what danger threatens us behind it. Whether it was a thief, or a beast,” Yu Hao tried to warn his friends.

“Yu Hao right. We're far from the settlement. No one can protect us but ourselves. Then we can change our guard. I will stand guard with Shuwan, and Yu Hao will stand guard with Jiao,” Zhang explained.

“Hei.. Why should I keep watch with you?” chirps Shuwan with a face like he doesn't like it.

“Didn't we have a special relationship?” Zhang chimed.

“Se-special? Since when do I have a special relationship with you?” Shuwan did not accept.

“Since that night. On the lake shore. You fell into my arms. That means our relationship is very close, right?” Zhang tried to tease Shuwan and tried to bring to life the flames of the commotion that had just been extinguished.

“A-what? Hey, it was you who suddenly came and tried to make a profit from me,” Shuwan started to grow furious because of Zhang.

“That night? By the lake? What really happened between them?” yu Hao whispered to Jiao out of curiosity.

“Haha... It was something sweet and pretty adorable. You're not with us yet, so it's only natural that you don't know. I always try to be able to match the two of them,” Jiao smiled watching Shuwan and Zhang whose relationship began to warm up despite having to fuss first.

“So apparently. Hem.. Then I will be your successful team, Jiao,” Yu Hao gave support.

“Good! It will definitely be exciting,” Jiao and Yu Hao chuckled slightly across Shuwan and Zhang who were having a fight.

Back to Shuwan and Zhang's quarrel.

“Ohoo... Don't deny it anymore. I don't mind if I have to take care of you for the rest of my life,” Zhang said with a fluffy smile on his face.

“Tskk... Who asked to take care of me? I don't need that,” Shuwan said as he turned his face to the stretch of weeds on his right.

Suddenly, Zhang's face became sad. He bowed languidly. I don't know what changed his mood at the time.

“Shuwan...” says Zhang with a clean slit. “Are you going to properly leave once we get to Cloud Country?”

Yu Hao and Jiao gasped at it. Even though they knew that Shuwan had already said it. They stared at Iba Shuwan.

“Iya Shuwan, am I really going to leave us?” Jiao.

Shuwan bowed sadly, “True. Like it or not, I have to go. I owe you guys a reason. Only when we get there will I explain everything,” he explained.

“Should it be like that?” Zhang looked deeply at Shuwan. His heart seemed unwilling that Shuwan would leave.

“Iya. I hope, don't keep the feelings too deep for me. I don't want to leave too deep a wound on you,” Shuwan said as he looked at the star-studded universe. “More... To you Zhang,” Shuwan finished his words, dropping his gaze on Zhang.

Zhang, who had been staring at Shuwan, gaped at Shuwan's explanation. Can it continue like this? Let time stop for a moment. Because it's... I still want to look at him and stay with him.