Jai Mei's Unforeseen Journey to Ancient China

Fifty Six: Offering Four Olive Branches

The journey back home was hastened by the biting cold of the wind, urging them to seek the warmth of their dwelling as quickly as possible.

Once inside, they each fell into a seamless routine, shedding their winter layers for the comfort of their housewear.

Shu Wang, efficient as always, was the first to complete his transition and moved to prepare teas and snacks for the group, a warm gesture to chase away the chill.

Hao Zhang, with practiced ease, tended to the fireplace, coaxing the flames higher to spread warmth throughout the home.

Meanwhile, Liu Feng took on the task of cleaning up the snow debris that had been tracked inside, ensuring their living space remained tidy and comfortable.

Chun Wei devoted his attention to the dogs, ensuring they were dry, warm, and comfortable after their journey in the cold.

His gentle care for the animals underscored the sense of responsibility they all shared for their home and each other.

Jai Mei, not wanting to be idle, busied herself with gathering blankets and lip balms, essentials to combat the cold's lingering effects.

She also took care to place the basket of medical supplies in the medicine room, ensuring everything was organized and within easy reach should it be needed.

As they reconvened in the front room, Jai Mei distributed the lip balm, a small but thoughtful gesture to combat the harshness of the weather, along with blankets to ward off the cold.

Each took their share, a blanket and a lip balm, before settling into their respective spots in the cozy room.

Shu Wang, seizing the opportunity for a closer connection, suggested to Jai Mei, "I can just share a blanket with you Wife," as they made themselves comfortable on the couch.

The arrangement led to a subtle shift in the room's atmosphere. Hao Zhang and Chun Wei chose spots parallel to each other, while Liu Feng positioned himself next to Hao Zhang, each wrapped in their own blanket yet sharing a collective warmth.

The moment carried a hint of awkwardness as Shu Wang carefully placed the extra blanket on a side table and adjusted the shared blanket to better envelop both him and Jai Mei.

This small act of closeness, though slightly uncomfortable for its intimacy in the group setting, also symbolized a willingness to bridge gaps and foster a deeper sense of unity among them.

Jai Mei, sensing the need to address the elephant in the room, ventured cautiously, "Umm, how was yesterday? Also, I'm sorry about not telling you all where I was at.

I didn't plan to go to Liang Bo's house. I don't even remember falling asleep. He was coming to deliver medical supplies as I was going to the hut on the edge of the forest and—"

Her explanation was abruptly cut short by the collective voices of her husbands, their concern immediately evident. The very idea that she would consider such a potentially perilous option as retreating to a hut on the forest's edge sparked a unanimous alarm.

"Wife—Jai Yuna!"

Their interruption, filled with worry and disbelief, underscored the depth of their care for her, as well as the latent fears they harbored about her safety.

Shu Wang: "Wife, going to a hut on the edge of the forest?! That's incredibly dangerous, especially with the weather being so unpredictable. You should have told us where you were going; I would be worried sick, not knowing where you were. Please, promise us you won't take such risks again."

Hao Zhang: "You were planning to stay in a hut, alone, at this time of year?! That's reckless, Jai Yuna. The forest can be treacherous, and anything could have happened. We need to know these things to keep you safe."