Lan Yan pushed aside the curtain, her gaze sweeping over a vast expanse of white, making it impossible to spot the Snow Mountain Fruit.
The driver said, "Miss Lan, this snow mountain is too immense, and we won't find it anytime soon. I think it’s best to find a place to rest. There’s a village just ahead, and I should be heading back."
He had only agreed to come because Lan Yan had been generous with her payment.
Lan Yan knew that the rest of the journey would be hers alone. As she stepped out of the carriage, she took a bag of silver and handed it to the driver. "You’ve worked hard these past few days. Go home quickly."
"Thank you, Miss Lan," the driver said, happily taking the silver and departing. Now he could have a good new year with his family.
Lan Yan continued to drive the carriage toward the village the driver had mentioned.
Jun Yelan also emerged and sat beside Lan Yan, taking the reins from her hand. "Yan'er, let me drive. You can warm your hands."
"Your health isn't good, you shouldn't come out," Lan Yan said. Seeing that Jun Yelan wouldn't let go, she relented. She then hugged her hand warmer and leaned against Jun Yelan, hoping to warm him up a little as well.
In truth, while Jun Yelan's body was cold, his heart was warm. The corners of his mouth curved upwards as he continued to drive.
The carriage soon arrived at the village, nestled at the foot of the snow mountain. It was a small village.
Lan Yan helped Jun Yelan out of the carriage. As she prepared to leave, he stopped her.
"Yan'er, you forgot your cloak again." Jun Yelan was very helpless. He tied the cloak strings for Lan Yan and placed the hand warmer in her palm. "The snow is slippery, don't rush."
Lan Yan couldn't help but smile. "Alright, as you command."
The smile on her lips grew brighter as she approached the first house. A woman opened the door. "Big sister, my husband and I are travelers. Seeing that it’s getting dark, may we trouble you for a night's lodging?"
"We will pay, we won't eat or stay for free."
The woman looked at the pair, a young couple. Seeing Lan Yan’s smile, she became a bit more welcoming. "We don’t get many guests here. Since you've arrived, I'll naturally treat you well."
She opened the door wide. "Come in, as long as you don't mind my humble abode."
Lan Yan led Jun Yelan inside and said with a smile, "This place is very nice. My husband and I used to live in a village too, and the children in the village were so lively."
"That's true." The woman introduced herself. "Everyone here calls me Aunt Wang. You can rest assured staying here. I see your husband isn't well, and you're here for the Snow Mountain Fruit, aren't you?"
Lan Yan was taken aback. Seeing that the woman had guessed, she no longer concealed it. She sighed, "My husband's illness is also strange. Many doctors have seen him, but none could cure it. We thought we'd try our luck here."
"Aunt Wang, where exactly is this Snow Mountain Fruit? If you could give me any clue, I would be eternally grateful."
Aunt Wang also sighed. "It's not easy for you, coming all this way. But the Snow Mountain Fruit is rare, and we who have lived here for generations have never seen it. Furthermore, this snow mountain often experiences avalanches; it's dangerous."
Hearing this, the back of Lan Yan's hand, held by Jun Yelan, tightened. She turned to look at him and gave him a faint smile.
This was Jun Yelan's only hope for survival. She had planned from the beginning that she must find it. "Yelan, we will find it."
Jun Yelan's lips trembled slightly. Seeing Lan Yan's determined eyes, he couldn't say anything. He nodded, resolved to protect Lan Yan with his life. This time, whether they found it or not, he would take Lan Yan away.
A smile played on Lan Yan's lips, and she felt reassured.
"Don't worry too much. Perhaps you'll be lucky." Aunt Wang could see how deep their affection was, and it would indeed be a pity if they were separated. "Let me go and cook now."
Lan Yan stood up. "Aunt Wang, I'll help you."
Jun Yelan remained seated, watching Lan Yan's retreating back, a smile on his lips. Suddenly, he coughed, covering his mouth with a handkerchief. Seeing the blood on it, he discreetly put the handkerchief away.
He had been coughing blood all along the journey, secretly discarding the handkerchiefs so Lan Yan wouldn't notice.
He hadn't believed in gods before, but now he prayed that the gods would bless them to find the Snow Mountain Fruit, at least so he could protect Lan Yan for a few more years.
He knew that although Lan Yan always smiled, she was actually very fragile deep down. "Yan'er, for you, I will persevere."
Lan Yan came out of the kitchen, carrying dishes. Seeing Jun Yelan staring at her, her cheeks flushed. "Aunt Wang is still here."
Jun Yelan's smile deepened. It was rare to see Lan Yan so shy. He chuckled, "But I just want to look at you like this. Even when you are by my side, I will still miss you."
Oh my, to suddenly speak such sweet words, and with such a handsome face, Lan Yan couldn't handle it.
She shyly lowered her head and picked up a plate of peanuts, placing them in Jun Yelan's hand.
"No more talking, you peel the peanuts. I'll go stir-fry." She quickly ran to the kitchen, Jun Yelan's laughter echoing behind her, making her ears turn red.
Aunt Wang saw Lan Yan's blushing face and asked, "Are you perhaps feeling unwell?"
"I'm fine," Lan Yan shook her head and picked up the spatula, starting to cook.
The meal consisted of five dishes. Including Aunt Wang's husband, who returned later, the four of them sat around the table to eat.
After a few bites, Aunt Wang and her husband couldn't help but praise, "This sister's cooking is truly excellent. This young man is truly blessed."
Jun Yelan was serving Lan Yan, and he said with a smile, "I am indeed the most blessed."
To be praised by him so openly in front of everyone made Lan Yan blush. She lowered her head and ate her rice, urging Aunt Wang and the others to eat more.
After the meal, everyone retired for the night.
The next morning, Lan Yan bid farewell, giving Aunt Wang some food and supplies. "Aunt Wang, please accept this. We are very grateful for your hospitality last night."
"Sister Lan, be careful when you go," Aunt Wang earnestly admonished.
Lan Yan promised and waved goodbye as she left. "No need to see us off, please go back." She and Jun Yelan left the village and walked to the foot of the snow mountain. Following the route indicated by Aunt Wang's husband, they began to ascend.
Jun Yelan held Lan Yan's hand tightly, busy looking after her. "Yan'er, don't be in a hurry, we'll search slowly." He was worried about Lan Yan encountering danger.
"Okay," Lan Yan was anxious, but she knew she couldn't rush. She slowed her pace. This time, no matter what, she had to find the Snow Mountain Fruit.
Seeing Lan Yan like this, Jun Yelan secretly channeled his internal energy, heating his palm and warming Lan Yan's hand. "Yan'er, we..."
Before he could finish, his ear twitched. He heard the sound of stones rolling on the snow mountain ahead and shouted, "Yan'er, run!" He gripped Lan Yan's hand tightly and ran towards a safe place.
Lan Yan stayed close to Jun Yelan, looking ahead. In a flash, she spotted a cave and cried out, "Yelan, there's a place to take shelter there!"
The two ran towards it in unspoken understanding. However, a heavy snowfall cascaded down, burying their figures in the snow.