Mo Ye glanced at the little monk and said, “Whatever you say, your aim is still the same. You want me to bring you along.”
Tang Ning smiled and replied. “Actually, I am also giving you a chance to make me bow down before you.”
Listening to Tang Ning’s words, a strange light flashed through Mo Ye’s deep-set eyes. Looking at the little monk emanating confidence and wisdom, Mo Ye’s lips curled up in a smile as he said, “Fine, let me bring you along and then see what happens ahead.”
After Mo Ye’s agreement, Tang Ning was able to save her energy as both of them left the forest on a flying sword. They traveled until sunset the next day when they arrived at an inn in a small town to rest.
“One room, superior-class,” said Mo Ye as he entered the inn and took out a gold coin.
“No.” Tang Ning shouted from behind Mo Ye and raised two fingers to signal at the inn manager. “It’s two rooms.”
Mo Ye’s steps paused for a moment as he shot a glance at Tang Ning. He started walking up the stairs and told the inn manager. “One room.”
The inn manager looked at the two guests and immediately responded. He called over an attendant to lead the way and send hot tea to their room.
“We shall rest here tonight. You can tend to your injuries before changing your clothes.” Mo Ye sat by the table after entering the room. He poured a cup of water for himself, without sparing a glance at Tang Ning at all.
Tang Ning froze for a moment at the door. She looked at the room before she walked to the table and sat down and said, “Why did you ask for only one room? You are not short of money. Could it be that you are afraid I would run away?”
“Glad that you know.” Mo Ye gave a direct reply and stared at her before continuing. “Isn’t that your plan anyway?”
Tang Ning smiled sheepishly and replied. “How can this be? I still want to visit your place!”
“I will sleep on the bed tonight. You can either sleep on the floor or on the bench there. But remember, don’t try to escape. Or else, I will break your legs and bring you back with me.” His deep voice sounded as he spoke with a calm tone, but Tang Ning could feel the threat and warning looming in his words.
“Benefactor, it is no good to be so brutal, especially towards a little boy like me. I get scared easily.” Tang Ning replied with a smile, it was clear that she wasn’t scared at all. Instead, she told Mo Ye. “Don’t worry. I will not try to leave. I will go and ask for another room next to yours, and if you still don’t trust me, I will leave Blackie with you!”
Then, Tang Ning waved her hand and said, “Come here, Blackie. You will sleep with this man tonight.”
“Caw! Caw!” Blackie shrieked twice. It shook its feather and flew behind Tang Ning to hide. It didn’t want to stay in the same room with this human, who knew if it would be killed in the middle of the night?
Tang Ning smiled and looked at Mo Ye helplessly as she said, “My little Blackie is shy! Why don’t you sleep alone tonight! It will be more comfortable to rest in our separate rooms.” After she spoke her part, Tang Ning assured him once more. “Don’t worry, I will not run.”
Perhaps, because Mo Ye was not accustomed to sharing a room with others, after listening to Tang Ning’s repeated promises, Mo Ye gave Tang Ning a deep look and said, “Fine, I will trust you for once. If I don’t see you tomorrow morning, don’t blame me for punishing you.”
“Okay, see you tomorrow morning.”
Tang Ning smiled as she left his room and even helped him to close the door. The moment the door was shut, Tang Ning’s smile widened as she turned to shout at the inn manager cheerfully. “Manager, open one more room! Bring me a roasted chicken and five kilograms of beef paste! Also a pot of good wine! Put it all on that man’s tab!”