The Survival of the Wild Tribe

62

Luo Zhen awoke feeling dizzy and swollen, his stomach protesting loudly after being starved. He struggled to open his heavy eyelids, his vision initially blurry before gradually focusing on the surroundings. The windows and doors were tightly shut, blocking out the cold wind, while a warm fire crackled in the firepit. Lu Zhan, seated by his bedside, appeared exhausted, his dark circles prominent even in the dim light.

"Zhan," Luo Zhen croaked, his voice hoarse as if rubbed raw by sandpaper, before coughing.

Though his voice was faint, it roused the slumbering Lu Zhan, whose eyes brightened at the sight of Luo Zhen awakening. "You're awake," he observed.

"Yeah," Luo Zhen replied weakly, memories flooding back as hunger gnawed at his stomach, prompting embarrassment.

Observing Luo Zhen's struggle, Lu Zhan fetched a bowl of stewed meat, offering it with care. "Have something to eat," he urged gently, ensuring the broth wasn't too hot before handing it over.

Luo Zhen's eyes gleamed at the sight of the hearty meal, though he lacked the strength to hold the bowl himself. Noting his condition, Lu Zhan assisted him, feeding spoonfuls of soup and meat.

Relishing the warm nourishment, Luo Zhen ate eagerly, though a choked cough interrupted his meal. Lu Zhan steadied him, advising, "Take it slow, there's plenty."

"Never felt so hungry before," Luo Zhen admitted between coughs, tears welling in his eyes, surprising both himself and Lu Zhan.

Accustomed to Luo Zhen's resilience, Lu Zhan's heart softened at the sight of vulnerability, reassuring, "You won't starve with me around," as he continued to feed him.

As the meal progressed, Luo Zhen's strength slowly returned, prompting him to inquire about his prolonged slumber. "How long have I been asleep?"

"Nearly three days," Lu Zhan responded, wiping greasy hands with a makeshift cleanser.

Concerned about the cause of his fainting spell, Luo Zhen queried about the radish, though Lu Zhan couldn't confirm its existence. With a disappointed sigh, Luo Zhen shifted the conversation to their surroundings, asking about nearby tribes.

Lu Zhan's solemn expression hinted at potential danger, as he disclosed their cautious approach to foreign encounters. Despite patrols by Heifu and Horn Bamboo, no trace of other tribes was found, except for signs of a recent skirmish with a large beast near the mountain's outskirts.

Worried about the injured stag, Luo Zhen inquired about its whereabouts, learning it was under Axue's care. Lu Zhan's frustration at the situation was evident, reflecting on their failed attempts to tend to the creature's wounds.

After their conversation, Lu Zhan insisted on Luo Zhen resting, tucking him in before attending to household chores. As the day progressed, Luo Zhen's hunger returned, prompting Lu Zhan to prepare another meal.

The following morning, Lu Zhan awoke to the aroma of food, finding Luo Zhen busy in the kitchen. With a hearty breakfast prepared, Lu Zhan encouraged Luo Zhen to eat his fill, urging him not to deprive himself further.

Determined to contribute, Luo Zhen proposed fishing at the river, though Lu Zhan insisted on handling the task alone to ensure Luo Zhen's well-being. Reluctantly, Luo Zhen agreed, realizing his own limitations in the face of danger.