A large land mass known as the Caihong mainland is the largest area in the eastern hemisphere. People refer to Caihong as a paradise land where humans can't go hungry if they live there. Plants grew without being planted, various animals and resources were scattered all over the Caihong territory. Security is fully guaranteed by the government so that residents can eat and sleep without having to worry about attacks or wars as these commotions always occur outside the Caihong area.
The peace that always surrounds Caihong is what makes Shen Shen unable to think that she is currently being hunted by several groups to be killed. As Shen Shen recalled, she had never been involved in any mess, nor did she has any problems with anyone.
"So, why did you get here?" Zhou Fu asked Shen Shen after the girl had told him much about the country of Caihong.
At that time, Zhou Fu and Shen Shen were still sailing the sea together. Zhou Fu did not let Shen Shen sleep or rest because he was curious for information from the outside world.
“Obviously, I was sent out to attend a gathering of noble students from all over the country. I studied history at school, and because my grades were satisfactory, the school rewarded me with a trip to the mainland of Shamo, Bingdao, and several other small countries.” Shen Shen paused for a moment to take a breath, both hands took sea water for him to wash.
“Ah… My head hurts when I remember that incident!” Shen Shen continued before she finally repeated washing her face again, Zhou Fu was silent to wait for Shen Shen's full answer.
“That night, after my carriage left Caihong territory, some of the guards thought I had fallen asleep in the carriage. Inadvertently, I overheard them conversing about my assassination plot in an unfamiliar territory. They said it was far enough away from Caihong that they wouldn't have to worry about being caught by Caihong's soldiers.”
"Then you ran away after that?"
"No! To be precise, I couldn't! It was because their guard was tight and I didn't have any martial arts skills. That's when I was very sorry. My sister is right, even though someday women will be protected by men, but there is nothing wrong with women being able to protect themselves too.”
"Then how did you escape?"
"It was a long journey, at least I have left Caihong more than two months, in those two months I caused troubles for many people. You know, when my carriage passed through a busy neighborhood, I screamed as loud as I could for help and that's when the commotion broke out. I ran away when the commotion reached its peak.”
"That’s sound too easy and unbelievable!"
"Of course not! I'm beautiful, and that makes my escape a little easier. You know, pretty women are always lucky because their beauty can be useful in all conditions."
Of course Zhou Fu didn't understand Shen Shen's last sentence, but it didn't matter. The important thing is that Zhou Fu gets information that is useful to him.
"Alright, we've arrived, let's deliver it to grandpa and let's go to Caihong soon!"
Zhou Fu jumped ashore and asked Shen Shen to follow him. Shen Shen followed Zhou Fu as his head kept looking in various directions, she was a little worried because Zhou said that the place often experienced quite severe disasters.
***
Li Xian was meditating when Zhou Fu arrived with Shen Shen. Shen Shen entered Zhou Fu's hut which was quite narrow and simple. Li Xian, who heard his grandson's arrival, paused for a moment and opened his eyes,
"What is this, why is your hunt different for this time?" Li Xian glared because Zhou Fu had not brought any game but a beautiful adult woman.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you, Master! Let me introduce myself, my name is Shen Yang from Caihong." Shen Shen bowed to greet and pay respects to Li Xian. When Shen Shen lowered her head, Li Xian's eyes immediately fell on the silver hair tie that Shen Shen was wearing.
“You… Why do you have a hair tie like that? What does that mean?” Li Xian asked.
“Master, you recognize this hair tie? Ah, ever since I left Caihong, you are the first one to ask about this hair tie! Does that mean, Master once lived inside the giant wall?” Shen Shen's turn to ask seriously.
Zhou Fu saw that the two people in front of him were now looking at each other in disbelief. He thought that the conversation about hair tie would still be long, so Zhou Fu interrupted and said goodbye to prepare food.
"What was your name? Shen Yang? How could a second class noble be stranded so far? Where are your guards?” Li Xian continued asking without caring about Shen Shen's previous question.
"Sorry to say, I'll tell you later, what's clear is that we're here to ask permission, Grandpa. I will take Shen Shen home, just think of it as my first vacation, how about it?” Zhou Fu replied as he prepared the food.
"Do you want to escort this lady, or do you want to run away from me, boy?"
"Both. I'm old enough to walk around, what else is there to be afraid of?"
Li Xian pondered for a moment before finally nodding slowly. Li Xian also asked for time to talk alone with Shen Shen.
***
Early in the morning, Youhi Island was still as mute as ever. There were no animal sounds, no birds chirping, only the sound of the waves and the gentle breeze of the ear. Shen Shen shook Zhou Fu's body to wake the teenager from his deep sleep.
“Fu'er, wake up! Let's start our journey to Caihong!"
Hearing Caihong's words, Zhou Fu who was previously closed immediately woke up stuttering. He got up and stretched his body with a beaming face. The long awaited day has finally arrived. Zhou Fu couldn't hide his joy in the world, his eyes lit up and his face filled with joy.
Unlike Zhou Fu, Li Xian had the exact opposite expression. Li Xian seemed to choose not to sleep all night, either not wanting to sleep or not being able to sleep. Naturally, it was the first time for him to be separated from the grandson who for the past 14 years accompanied him day and night. The grandson he raised is like his own biological child, and that day he will be left to go, either for a long time or a while Li Xian can't be sure.
"Grandpa, why do you look sad when I'm so excited?" Zhou Fu embraced his grandfather's body and patted him on the shoulder. Even though he often quarreled and fought to the point of ruining Youhi Island, Zhou Fu understood that his grandfather loved him more than Li Xian loved himself.
“Promise to come back soon, or, promise to visit grandpa when you find your new home!” Li Xian also returned Zhou Fu's hug, “Oh yes, Miss Shen Yang, I hope you will remember everything I said. If you don't, you know what the consequences will be."
Shen Shen was surprised for a moment, then nodded slowly, “Okay, Grandpa. I will remember Grandpa's message and make sure everything goes according to Grandpa's expectations."
After the farewell ritual was over, Zhou Fu and Shen Shen left Li Xian who was standing and still watching his little grandson leave. Li Xian hoped that Zhou Fu would not rush to make trouble with the people from the giant wall.
