Living on a Mountain with my Husband

Chapter 127: Premonition

Zimo and LongWei soon finished all their errands. They bought a few things from the grocery store, the butcher for some pig bones and meat, and finally the general store. Zimo had said he wanted to by some dice so the could play a bigger variety of games at home. Along with some paint, paper, and cleanly cut and shaped wood.

After that they went back to the calligrapher and picked up the couplet. Zimo was happy with how it turned out, and LongWei was also pleased with the final result.

Finally, exhausted and worn out from all the detours and the immense stress Zimo was under while facing his fear of fire. They left town and quickly rode on an ox cart. As they travelled the sun began to set behind them.

...

They arrived later than initially planned at the Li couple's home. To their surprise when they arrived none of the candles were lit despite the sun already falling behind the mountains in the distance. This left the house looking dark as though no one was home.

Old man Li and Mrs Li smiled when LongWei looked at them perplexed. They didn't say anything simply directing their gaze towards Zimo. That alone was enough for LongWei to understand.

He didn't expect the Li couple to be so considerate. When he spoke to old man Li, he only asked them to leave the bedroom they would use without heating. The Li couple went further and left the living area cold as well.

"How was your shopping?" Mrs Li asked, with a smile.

Zimo also noticed the coldness in the room and lack of heating and light. He wanted to tell them not to worry about him. They were old and the cold would be harsh for them. It was also their house.

He wanted to, but at the same time he couldn't muster the courage. After a day of walking around and facing open pits on the streets and the smell of burning wood in the air he was grateful for the relief.

LongWei was also grateful. Zimo had been grasping his hand so tight all day it had left marks. Now in the Li house, Zimo's grip relaxed. It wasn't completely loose, but enough to notice.

"We managed to finish everything intended. We should be able to return home tomorrow without any problem or delay." LongWei said as he carried their things over to the room.

"That's good. We were a little worried because you were gone so late." Mrs Li said nagging slightly like a mother might.

"Sorry." Zimo said from the side.

"Don't worry, I'm just grumbling. Have you eaten?" Mrs Li asked.

Zimo shook his head to say no, while LongWei spoke clearly.

"We haven't eaten yet, but Zimo's stomach is a little sensitive right now."

"My, that's terrible. It's important to eat. How do you expect to have the strength to climb the mountain tomorrow if you don't eat?" Mrs Li complained.

"I've made dinner it's just in the kitchen. Sit down and I'll set the table. XiaoMo, I have some chicken soup. It's very nutritious and will warm your belly. Will you try eaten some?" Mrs Li continued, not letting LongWei or Zimo say anything.

Zimo still felt a little nauseous and certainly didn't have any appetite. Despite that he didn't want to hurt Mrs Li feelings or be rude. Therefore he sat down with the intent to eat something.

LongWei was glad to see Zimo trying. The only thing Zimo had all day was the ginger and jujube tea he got at the restaurant.
The table was quickly set and everyone started helping themselves to the food. Along with the chicken soup. Mrs Li also prepared a stir fry using the Sichuan spices Zimo had given them. Old man Li had developed a liking for the hot spice. There was also some rice.