C9 Meeting Lee Qian

Zhao Lei's first foray into the mountains to gather herbs since acquiring the Purple Gold Gourd was a revelation. The once-treacherous paths now seemed as navigable as the main roads of M Country. Obstacles that had previously been insurmountable were now easily traversed. Simply put, after consuming three drops of Immortal Dew, the once arduous task of herb gathering had become a breeze for Zhao Lei.

This newfound ease allowed Zhao Lei to venture into areas beyond the reach of others, in search of the specific herbs he required. This advantage was significant; within just half a day, he had unearthed dozens of Iron Skin Stone Honeysuckle plants, along with other valuable herbs like ginseng and polygonum multiflorum.

Zhao Lei was particularly pleased because these herbs thrived in dangerous, seldom-visited areas, ensuring their high quality. The ginseng and polygonum multiflorum had been growing for over a decade, making them relatively aged specimens in the herbal world.

The Iron Skin Stone Honeysuckle, Zhao Lei's primary goal, exceeded his expectations. These plants were robust, with short internodes and a reddish-brown hue reminiscent of rust on their mature stems. The leaves were small yet plump, hallmarks of superior wild Iron Skin Stone Honeysuckle. Zhao Lei was confident that these could fetch a handsome price at the county's purchasing center.

However, Zhao Lei had no intention of selling his Iron Skin Stone Honeysuckle. He planned to store them all in the Gourd Space for cultivation at home. The other herbs, less valuable than the Iron Skin Stone Honeysuckle, didn't warrant space in the Gourd Space and would be sold at his convenience on a future trip to the county town.

With a bountiful harvest energizing him and only midday upon him, Zhao Lei was eager to delve deeper into the mountains, anticipating even greater discoveries.

But as Zhao Lei prepared to embark, the sky began to rumble with thunder, signaling imminent rain. Such is the capricious nature of summer weather in the mountains, where changes come swiftly and without warning.

Although Zhao Lei was far stronger than the average person, he was no match for the formidable forces of nature. Staying on the mountain during a heavy downpour was extremely dangerous. Consequently, Zhao Lei had to alter his plans and quickly descend to seek shelter from the rain.

Zhao Lei swiftly crossed a mountain hollow. Once he got over the next ridge, he wouldn't be far from the village. While he was hurrying toward the village, he unexpectedly encountered a young woman from the same village, Lee Qian.

Lee Qian was several years Zhao Lei's junior. As a child, she enjoyed playing with him and Zhou Jun, affectionately calling him "Mr. Zhao Lei." As she grew older, she didn't remain as close to Zhao Lei as she once was, but their friendship remained strong.

Lee Qian was carrying a sizable bamboo basket on her back, which starkly contrasted with her slender frame. The weight of the basket forced her to stoop, bending at the waist as she struggled to climb the mountain, completely unaware of Zhao Lei nearby.

It was only natural to greet a fellow villager, so Zhao Lei called out, "Lee Qian, are you also headed up the mountain?"

Startled, Lee Qian relaxed when she saw it was Mr. Zhao Lei. A smile broke through the sweat on her face as she replied softly, "Oh, it's Mr. Zhao Lei. I've gathered some wild vegetables to sell at the market early tomorrow morning."

Seeing the young woman's exertion, Zhao Lei couldn't help but ask, "Why are you the one climbing the mountain for this? Where's your father?"

A shadow crossed Lee Qian's face as she looked down and murmured, "His chronic condition has flared up again; he's bedridden these past few days."

Zhao Lei shook his head inwardly upon hearing this. Lee Qian's father had sustained an injury while working away from home, and his health had never been the same, leaving him unable to do any strenuous work.

Lee Qian's mother had grown resentful of her husband and had been working away for years without returning. The responsibility of supporting the family had fallen on Lee Qian's slender shoulders. In addition to her household duties, she also had to keep up with her studies, which was no small feat. Even though it was summer break, Lee Qian couldn't take the time to rest like her classmates. Instead, she had to forage for wild vegetables on the mountain to help make ends meet, a truly arduous task.

Reflecting on the situation, Zhao Lei's heart softened toward the graceful young woman. He offered his hand, saying, "Hand me your bamboo basket. I'll carry it down the mountain for you."

Lee Qian quickly shook her head. "That would be too much trouble for you. I can manage on my own."

"The rain is coming. Please, no need for formalities." Without waiting for a response, Zhao Lei took the basket from Lee Qian's shoulder. "This rain looks like it's going to be heavy. We should hurry down the mountain."

Zhao Lei shouldered Lee Qian's large bamboo basket and took the lead, setting a brisk pace.

Watching Zhao Lei's tall figure stride ahead, the girl's face lit up with appreciation, and she quickened her steps to keep up.

Freed from the weight of the bamboo basket, Lee Qian moved much faster. Zhao Lei, despite carrying both baskets, was swift and sure-footed, occasionally slowing down to ensure Lee Qian could keep pace.

Despite their quickened speed, they were no match for the sudden deluge. Just as they crested the hill, large raindrops began to pelt down.

A veil of rain descended, obscuring everything beyond a few yards. Small streams formed on the hillside, cascading down the mountain. The earth turned to slick mud, causing Lee Qian to slip several times, her palms scratched by tree branches.

Even fortified by Immortal Dew, Zhao Lei knew he couldn't contend with the force of nature. Realizing they couldn't go on, he called out to Lee Qian, "Let's find shelter from the rain and wait for it to stop before we descend."

The girl, already at her limit, nodded eagerly in agreement.

Zhao Lei surveyed the surroundings and instructed Lee Qian with urgency, "I'll look for shelter. Stay here and don't wander off!"

With that, he disappeared into the curtain of rain, vanishing from sight.

Lee Qian stood alone, drenched, as time passed without Zhao Lei's return. Concern for him grew within her; the mountain was a perilous place in such treacherous weather.

As Lee Qian was inwardly regretting her decision, Zhao Lei quickly returned, shouldering the bamboo basket. "I've found shelter from the rain. Hurry, follow me!" he called out.

Relieved to see Zhao Lei return unharmed, the young woman quickened her steps to keep up with him.

Navigating the mountain during a downpour proved extremely challenging. Lee Qian stumbled frequently, and if not for Zhao Lei's timely interventions, she might have tumbled down the slope, a thought too dreadful to entertain.

Thanks to Zhao Lei's assistance, Lee Qian finally reached the shelter—a small recess beneath a cliff. It was barely large enough for two, but finding such a refuge amidst the deluge felt like a stroke of fortune.

Huddled together in the cramped space, Zhao Lei gazed at the sky and remarked, "Looks like this rain isn't stopping anytime soon. We'll have to wait it out."

"I'm worried about my dad back home," Lee Qian murmured. "He must be beside himself with worry."

Hearing the concern in her voice, Zhao Lei was about to offer some words of comfort when he caught sight of her and found himself at a loss for words.

Despite the summer season, the mountain air was chilly with rain. Their drenched clothes and the gusts carrying droplets only added to the cold, making Lee Qian shiver.

Nevertheless, she was careful to keep her distance from Zhao Lei, not daring to get too close.

Initially, Zhao Lei hadn't thought much of it and had even suggested that Lee Qian move closer to him. But when she didn't, he realized that Lee Qian had grown up; she was no longer the little girl she once was.