Chapter 721: Chapter 704: Extra 2: Everyone’s Favorite, Tang Zhaozhao (Part 5)

This is an adult wild boar. Although there’s not much meat on it, if they catch it this time, they can at least survive for a month.

The two of them exchanged a glance, and both saw determination in each other’s eyes.

Then the two led the wild boar into the woods.

In the woods, they had places to hide, and the wild boar’s attacks, which were straightforward and reckless, were hindered.

Additionally, their agile bodies were more advantageous for maneuvering.

Once in the woods, the wild boar continued to pursue them relentlessly. Tao Hai told Tang Zhaozhao to climb a tree while he ran below, luring the wild boar to chase him.

Seeing a tree ahead, Tao Hai didn’t avoid it; instead, he sped up even more.

The wild boar also accelerated, and when it got close, Tao Hai suddenly leapt, jumping onto the tree.

The wild boar couldn’t stop in time and crashed into the tree, its tusks embedding into the trunk, letting out an ear-piercing howl.

Tang Zhaozhao and Tao Hai simultaneously descended from the tree, attacking the boar’s neck.

They both carried daggers with them, and they were the sharpest in the Great Tang. Although the boar’s skin was tough, after a few strikes, it was completely dead.

The boar was too big for one person to carry. The two stopped, chopped down some trees, made a wheelbarrow, and together pushed it back to their cave.

This outing was a resounding success, and they were both very happy.

The boar was handled by Tao Hai, who used a dagger to disassemble and clean it, then hung it in the cave.

The boar’s smell was quite pungent and unpleasant, even when hung in the cave.

Meanwhile, Tang Zhaozhao busied herself extracting salt.

She knew how, though the process was a bit complicated.

Once she finished the extraction, Tao Hai was done with the boar.

Tang Zhaozhao placed the salt in a small jar, then gathered some snow to melt water.

Boiling water with the stone pot took a long time.

Then they started peeling chestnuts.

Seeing the chestnuts covered with spiky shells, Tang Zhaozhao couldn’t help but sigh.

"With so many chestnuts, wasn’t it hard for you to peel them before?"

Tao Hai laughed and shook his head, "Not at all, I think it’s okay since I’m peeling them for you anyway."

The look in his eyes was so focused, without his usual teasing, and Tang Zhaozhao’s ears slowly turned red.

"Quick... start peeling."

Tao Hai took out a pair of homemade grass-woven gloves, which looked thick and quite intricately made.

"Wear these gloves to crack the chestnut shells. Once you break the shells, I’ll peel them, and it’ll be easier."

Tang Zhaozhao nodded but noticed that Tao Hai’s hands were bare.

"Why...aren’t you wearing them?"

Tao Hai smiled, "These gloves are hard to make. It’s fine, my skin is tough."

With Tao Hai’s reassurance, Tang Zhaozhao believed him.

After all, she indeed knew that some people practiced Iron Sand Palm; maybe Tao Hai was one of them?

At first, Tao Hai peeled the chestnuts quickly and well, but as the pile grew, Tang Zhaozhao noticed his fingers were a bloody mess.

In that moment, Tang Zhaozhao’s heart was painfully pricked.

Even with his playful nature, Tao Hai endured such pain.

Suddenly, the thought of eating chestnuts became unappealing.

"Shall we switch roles?"

Tao Hai chuckled, "No worries, just a bit more to peel. If we wait till tomorrow, the shells will dry out and be even harder to peel."

Tang Zhaozhao said, "Then let’s switch; I’ll peel, and you crack."

Tao Hai replied, "Only a fifth left; it will be done soon."

"Once we’re done, the chestnuts and boar meat in the pot will be ready to eat."

Seeing Tao Hai’s insistence, Tang Zhaozhao said nothing more but increased her pace in cracking the chestnuts. After finishing, she joined in the peeling.

Even wearing a glove, peeling wasn’t easy, and with so many chestnuts, her hands started to ache.

Let alone Tao Hai, who wasn’t wearing gloves.

She removed her glove.

"I won’t crack anymore; you wear it."

Tao Hai lifted his head, as if he wanted to touch her hair with his bloody hand, but afraid of dirtying it, he stopped midair.

He retracted his hand and smiled.

"Zhaozhao cares for me. I’m so happy."

His smile carried its usual charm, and Tang Zhaozhao glared angrily at him.

She must be crazy to care for Tao Hai.

She took off the glove and threw it in front of Tao Hai.

"I’m done peeling."

Tao Hai chuckled, "Then go rest, maybe soak in the hot spring."

Tang Zhaozhao ignored Tao Hai, yet she subconsciously followed his suggestion.

Once in the hot spring, she brooded in anger.

Why did she listen to Tao Hai? He was the most unbearable person.

After warming up in the hot spring, she looked at Tao Hai again, and saw that though wearing gloves sped up his peeling, the grass gloves were stained with blood.

She frowned, opened her mouth but forced herself to close it, and looked away.

She checked the chestnuts and boar meat, which were cooked, though still carried a strong, unpleasant odor.

But given their situation, there wasn’t much to ask for, simply staying alive was fortunate.

After the meal, Tao Hai washed the dishes while Tang Zhaozhao cleared the cave, sweeping out the chestnut shells.

Once Tao Hai finished with the dishes, he joined Tang Zhaozhao in tidying up.

The cave returned to its usual clean state.

Tao Hai yawned.

"I’ll take a bath, and then sleep."

Tang Zhaozhao gritted her teeth, "Remember not to soak your hands."

Tao Hai gave a gentle laugh, ever so charming.

"Okay."

After his bath, Tao Hai laid out the bedding and looked at Tang Zhaozhao.

"Zhaozhao, time to sleep."

Tang Zhaozhao shook her head, "I’m not sleeping."

Thinking about Tao Hai’s severely injured hands, she felt her tone might have been too harsh.

She thought for a moment and added.

"I... want to check your wounds."

Hearing that Tang Zhaozhao wanted to tend to his wounds, Tao Hai’s eyes lit up, and he immediately approached her, raising his hands.

His tone carried a hint of grievance.

"It really hurts."

Tang Zhaozhao scolded, "If it hurts so much, why didn’t you wear gloves? You gave them to me, even though I’m not really touching the chestnut shells."

Tao Hai shook his head, "But you have delicate skin. If you handle those shells, the damage could be worse than this."

His gaze was deep, and in his eyes, only Tang Zhaozhao’s reflection existed.

"If that happened, I’d feel distressed."

His voice was so melodious, making Tang Zhaozhao feel as if she was melting.

Noticing Tao Hai inching closer, Tang Zhaozhao pushed him slightly.

"Go sit over there."

Tao Hai obediently complied and patted the seat next to him.

"Sit here, Zhaozhao."

Once Tang Zhaozhao sat next to him, she focused on examining Tao Hai’s injuries.

His nails were cracked, and his fingertips were completely damaged. Seeing these injuries, Tang Zhaozhao’s heart twisted again.

These wounds were severe.

All because he cared for her, insisting on peeling the chestnuts himself and giving her the gloves. Had he not, his injuries wouldn’t be this bad.

While applying ointment, Tang Zhaozhao was particularly gentle and slow.

Tao Hai chuckled softly.

"Zhaozhao, are you smitten with me?"

Tang Zhaozhao glared at Tao Hai; she must be insane.

Then she applied the ointment with regular pressure, causing Tao Hai to hiss in pain, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Tang Zhaozhao sighed, realizing she was helpless against Tao Hai.

So she softened her touch once more.

And the corners of Tao Hai’s mouth curled up imperceptibly.