1314: A Thousand Peonies Bloom
Wagering

Shuwan who was carried by Zhang also arrived at where Jiao and Yu Hao were waiting. 

“You are finally back. Hows it? Is the date fun?” jiao said innocently.

A date? Shuwan smiled wryly. “What did you just say Jiao? And who do you mean dating?”

“You can't fool me. I know it. Doesn't this scene indicate that your relationship is getting closer?” ledek Jiao's.

“Well, our date was really fun. Just pray that we can get to a more serious stage when we arrive in Cloud Country later,” Zhang chimed in.

Shuwan's eyes are perfectly rounded. He was very surprised to hear Zhang say what he said to his two friends earlier. Stupidhead! What is this boy trying to do? You can say nonsense like this. I hope that Jiao and Yu Hao will not be affected by her words.

Shuwan's expected response turned out to be different. Jiao and Yu Hao looked overjoyed at Zhang's words.

“Are you serious, Zhang? That nice. Finally you will formalize your relationship for good,” Yu Hao said while laughing grimly.

“True says Yu Hao. It would be great to be a witness of your marriage,” Jiao said.

Shuwan's face looked dark. He was upset by the support of his friends to Zhang. “Ehem, actually this is not what you guys imagined. Such a thing would never happen.”

Instantly Jiao's face, and Yu Hao became confused after hearing Shuwan's blatant rejection.

“It will happen. And it's gonna happen. Let's see who can win this fight, Shuwan, or me.” Zhang ignites a betting drum with Shuwan. “What I want, will definitely keep happening. I, will definitely make you fall in love as soon as possible" he added.

Shuwan wanted to give up arguing with Zhang, but he really did not understand anymore how to explain it to Zhang. You don't understand Liem. You don't understand that I can't fall in love. Finally, with a heavy heart and speech, Shuwan accepted the challenge. Even though he himself already knew what the end would be like. “Good. I accept your challenge. And I'll make sure you lose this bet. When it happens, do not regret, what else to cry.”

“I will never regret, nor cry over my decision even if it will end in sadness,” Zhang replied confidently.

“Alright, Yu Hao and I will be witnesses of your bet. Anyone would not be able to escape. Well, then, what if we continue the journey? I'm tired of being here.”

“Yes. Then we continue. I saw there was a small village not far from here. We can find food and some medicine there,” Zhang said.

They continued their journey on horseback. Yu Hao was with Jiao, while Shuwan remained with Zhang.

Shuwan and Zhang were silent at each other. No talk enlivened their journey. Shuwan begins his conversation with Zhang.

“Why, why did you say that silly thing to Jiao and Yu Hao?” shuwan asked with a slightly raised tone. Of course, he was annoyed by Zhang's actions which he thought were rash.

“I don't think of it as silly, Shuwan. I am not a person who likes to play with feelings, especially toying with the sacred bond of marriage. Me, just committed to getting married and falling in love once in a lifetime.”

“Heh, you are rich, handsome, and educated, why only choose to marry and fall in love once? Can't you get more women?”

“It is precisely because I am educated that I also learn the essence of love itself. I just can't imagine how a wife feels being combined. If it were me, I would be jealous. How could that love be shared so easily?”

“But isn't it good to multiply relationships? Moreover, your family is a merchant.”

“Maybe it's good to expand relationships, but no one knows if everything is really sincere or just a charade to get sympathy.”

“You have great respect for women huh?”

Zhang smiled in satisfaction, “Of course. One, one lifetime, and forever. It does not need much, if one alone is able to represent the beauty that exists in this world.”

“What if circumstances force you to marry multiple women?”

“Better I die, than break the principle. Why marry someone who does not love you? Wouldn't it just end up hurting each other? Each of us also has the right to choose to be happy with his own choices.”

“But you keep forcing me to marry me without asking if I agree?”

“This is another condition. I don't know why I feel so sure that the relationship between us isn't this simple. Maybe we have had a bond in the past. That's why I can't just let you go.”

You're right, Liem. We have had a relationship in the past. But it ended tragically. It was Inner Shuwan who allowed his bond with Liem in the past. “ Your talk is too high. I don't think my brain thinks about your words.”

Zhang approached Shuwan's ear. “When we're together, you can learn a lot with me. Includes theories about love. I will be very happy to teach you,” Zhang said half-whispering in Shuwan's ear.

The deg! Shuwan's cheeks blushed. I can't fall asleep. I need to finish this mission as soon as possible and return to my world. L'm... I was tired of constantly traveling with the same test.

I don't think they've been walking for almost the whole day. Seen in the view of a remote village surrounded by hills. Shuwan and the others entered the village.

“This small village doesn't seem to be much of a resident,” Jiao said.

“As we saw, it is likely that not many people live here. It could be, those who settle in a remote place like this are the victims of war from a defeated region,” Zhang explained.

“Didn't the war victims become dependents for the victorious territory?” asked Yu Hao curiously.

“It should be so. But sometimes not everyone is doing their duty. Some are treated like their own people, some are treated like slaves. Those who became slaves and could not stand it, decided to isolate themselves. Well, of course with the various risks they have to bear when deciding to leave,” Zhang explained to others, regarding his thoughts.

“I think you only understand romance theory. It turns out you also understand about people's lives,” Shuwan said.

“I've said it, haven't I? If I was a learned man who learned many things?” Zhang again brought his lips closer to Shuwan's ears, “And I will teach you more when you become my wife,” he whispered.

Shuwan frowned. “I don't need it. I can learn by myself. After all, who wants to be taught by a pervert like you?” said it.

Zhang's face instantly became confused, annoyed, and curious. “M-meshes? Which part of it makes me look perverted?” 

“Of course, your whispering behavior in my ear, and also your act of kissing me forcibly. Both of these things, it is enough to say that you are a pervert,” Shuwan explained.

“Your reason is not strong enough to accuse me of perversion, Shuwan. After all, if I were to be a pervert, wouldn't I be a charismatic pervert?”

“You're too confident.”

“I just did it to you, Shuwan. Because you're the only woman capable of making me flutter.”

“Of course your heart is pounding, otherwise, it means you are dead.”

“Just shut that shitty mouth of yours. I'm sick of hearing your words.”

“Good. For the sake of Shu’erku, I will be silent.”

“Since when did I become yours?”

“Since we were born into this world.”

Shuwan was silent hearing it. He could not believe that Zhang would say such a thing. This kid, it's really hard to deal with. 

Jiao and Yu Hao had just watched the small theater played by Zhang and Shuwan. Without saying much, they watched it to the end.

“They start again,” Yu Hao said to Jiao.

Jiao smiled gently, “People who fight often, will usually have a stronger bond. Well, I can't wait for Zhang to keep his word to marry Shuwan,”.

“Are you sure that Zhang will win this gamble?” Yu Hao tried to make sure.

“Now, but I feel sure. Maybe Shuwan will lose this bet. Allow time to answer it.” 

“Hah, then let's end this theater. My stomach is getting hungry.” Yu Hao ran his horse, approaching the horse that Zhang and Shuwan were riding. “Ehem. How about we stop this fight? My stomach's been starving since last night.”

Zhang looked at Yu Hao, and smiled. “Ah, yes. I'm up to forgetfulness. Then let's go.” immediately

They entered the countryside, and stopped at a food stall. Yu Hao and Jiao ordered food for them to eat.

“Begini occasionally is okay ‘kan?” yu Hao asked to make sure.

“It's okay. We went through a lot when we started this journey. A little good eating is also okay,” added Zhang.

Yu Hao began to question one by one his friends, regarding the food they wanted to order. “Zhang what do you want to order?”

“I want to order Shuan Yang Rou,” Zhang said.

“Weather like this you want to eat soup?” Yu Hao made sure.

Zhang nodded. “Shuan Yang Rou contains spices. I think it's good for my condition like this.”

Yu Hao sighed. “Good. As long as you want it to be okay. Then, how about you Jiao?”

“I want Duck Peking,” Plus.

“Wow, you're a dynastic ruler apparently.”

“Of course. My taste is quite high know.”

“Then what about me? Are you going to consider it?” Yu Hao teased Jiao, until her cheeks blushed.

Jiao turned her gaze away from Yu Hao who was trying to tease her. “We'll see later," Jiao replied briefly.

Yu Hao's eyes were perfectly rounded. It was like getting a green light from Jiao. After feeling enough, he continued the order. “Ehem, then, Shuwan, what do you want to order?”

“I... I want sweet persimmon.”

Zhang who was drinking was choking. “We haven't eaten anything yet and you want to eat sweets persimmon?”

“I can eat whatever I want. Importantly, not starving to death alone is enough,” Shuwan replied with a cold face. “My mood is bad, so I want to eat something sweet to feel better.”

Is his mood bad? Is it because I am over-injuring it? Inner Zhang felt a little guilty.

“Um, okay. Whatever your order, most importantly our stomach is not empty and starving,” Yu Hao said with a radiant face. He then gave the waiter a list of orders there, and sat back down to where he had been.

After about 15 minutes, their order arrived. Everyone looked happy, except Shuwan whose face suddenly became grim. No one understands what makes it so. 

“Shuwan, are you mad at me?” zhang asked attentively.

“Ah, no. That's not. My heart just felt a little restless, so I kept thinking. Don't worry about me. Let's focus on eating, before your food is cold,” Shuwan said trying to shift the conversation. He also bites the persimmon candy in front of him.

What exactly worries you, Shuwan? Zhang's mind was filled with curiosity. He desperately wanted to ask and be sure, but he was also afraid of making Shuwan awkward. 

I also don't understand why I'm upset. Hopefully nothing bad will happen. Shuwan let out his breath in resignation. His mouth chewed on persimmon sweets, but his mind floated wildly to the point of dissolving his thoughts with a blank look.

Zhang only noticed. He finally turned his eyes to the hot pot that was in front of him.  His right hand took the soup from the pot. Then he sipped the soup and started enjoying it. “Ah, this food is indeed the best,” said Zhang praising his favorite dish.

You even like that food. Your reincarnation is always the same? Inner Shuwan after seeing Zhang's palah in enjoying his fire.

Zhang, who noticed Shuwan watching him eat, began teasing him again. “Are you starting to feel like me?” zhang said as he exchanged glances with Shuwan. 

“Omong empty what are you talking about.” Shuwan shifted his eyes. 

“Really? But you watched me eat. That means you're starting to get interested in me, aren't you?” 

“You better focus on eating your soup, or you'll choke on that spicy hot gravy.”

Suddenly Zhang folded his left hand on the table, and propped his chin up. Then he focused on looking at Shuwan with a seductive look.

This fucking kid! What else is he doing? Shuwan looked only at the persimmon sweets he was holding, and ate them without regard to Zhang's behavior.

Meanwhile, Jiao and Yu Hao were just glancing at each other. Sometimes they are wily to see the behavior of the two friends.