These nights have been cold, and every time the two of them squeeze together to sleep, they’re both thankful to be in a cave with a hot spring; otherwise, with this freezing cold, they wouldn’t have survived this winter.

At first, Tang Zhaozhao felt some resistance psychologically, but later, she simply accepted it as fate.

Tao Hai, however, accepted sharing the bed quite contentedly.

The weather kept getting colder, even going outside felt unbearable, with hands and feet freezing painfully.

Luckily, the two managed to catch a wild boar, and they had plenty of chestnuts to sustain them for some time.

They stayed in this cave for about a month, and the wild boar was eaten up; although it tasted terrible, it still helped them get through a winter with plenty to eat.

The chestnuts they gathered before also turned out to be just right for the two of them.

Tonight, the snow is melting, so it’s colder outside than usual.

Tang Zhaozhao keeps snuggling into Tao Hai’s arms, and Tao Hai gently and considerately holds her, making her feel warm without crossing any boundaries.

Tang Zhaozhao can smell the fresh scent on Tao Hai’s body, mixed with the fragrance of soapberries and a hint of incense.

When they woke up the next day, the snow outside had melted, and they could continue their journey.

They had two-fifths of the wild boar meat left; they went to gather some chestnuts to take along, and also took that stone pot.

All these were pushed on a wheelbarrow.

In winter, the energy consumption to keep warm was tremendous, so the wild boar meat was an essential food, and its consumption was staggering.

Along the way, they kept searching for food, though it was hard to find; luckily, they had reserves so they wouldn’t starve.

They traveled for about two months, and all the wild boar meat was gone, and the chestnuts were completely consumed.

When they’d completely finished their food supplies, they emerged from the depths of the forest and arrived at a village.

The village old man was a very kind elder, but seeing them looking like savages, he hid inside the village in fright.

Tao Hai said, "Don’t be scared, old man, we were just robbed by passing bandits; we’re not uncivilized savages."

Only then did the old man come out from the village, smiling and nodding.

"That’s good, there’s only this village here, would you like to stay overnight?"

Tang Zhaozhao didn’t expect such a good thing and brightened up, almost nodding.

But Tao Hai grabbed her hand and squeezed her palm.

His actions were so natural, but Tang Zhaozhao’s face turned red.

She glared at Tao Hai.

"What are you doing?"

Tao Hai didn’t answer Tang Zhaozhao, just smiled and shook his head at the old man.

"No need to stay overnight, old man. I just want to ask which road leads down the mountain."

The old man smiled and said, "You take this road, then take the left path to go down the mountain."

Tao Hai cupped his hands to the old man, "Thank you, old man."

Then Tao Hai pulled Tang Zhaozhao along, walking about a kilometer until they reached the crossroad; Tang Zhaozhao was about to take the left path but was held back by Tao Hai.

He smiled and shook his head.

"How have you experienced so much yet still haven’t grown any wiser?"

Tang Zhaozhao glared at Tao Hai, "Who says I haven’t grown wiser? That old man looks so kind, he gave us directions, and this mountain path indeed seems to be the way down the mountain."

Tao Hai chuckled, "I asked him just to rule out options. See these steep mountains? Do you see the human bones not far from here? There are still teeth marks on them."

Seeing Tang Zhaozhao fall silent, Tao Hai took her hand, chatting as they walked.

"Did you notice how that old man’s village only had him come out alone? Where did everyone else go? That village may look peaceful, but to me, it might be a bandit’s den."

Tang Zhaozhao still said nothing. Tao Hai laughed, "I know you wanted to say that person looked very kind."

"But I want to tell you, the evil of malicious people is limited. Those truly treacherous and malicious people are all fake gentlemen with a hypocritical appearance."

Tang Zhaozhao fell silent, then nodded.

"I understand, I still trust others too easily."

Tao Hai smiled, "You’ve barely seen the world, it’s unavoidable. The malicious people you imagine are those shouting and waving weapons, but there are all kinds of malicious people out there."