The long-legged girl carried the deer to the lakeside, gutted it, cleaned it thoroughly, and cut off two deer legs.
Chen Daolin had already set up a grill with branches and started a fire.
As the stars filled the sky, roasting by the lakeside at night had its own unique charm.
Although Chen Daolin's cooking skills were average, he had often gone to eat so-called Korean barbecues and grilled meats with friends and classmates in the real world, so he could handle it.
Moreover, his backpack contained several bottles of seasonings he had taken from the supermarket! Besides oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar, there were also things like salt and pepper, chili sauce, and sesame sauce.
He took them all out now.
Actually, barbecuing isn't too complicated as long as you control the heat well, not letting it burn or remain too raw.
Moreover, Chen Daolin's seasonings could be considered a powerful weapon in this world.
So he took over the role of the barbecue chef without hesitation. First, he brushed the two deer legs with honey, and as he grilled, the aroma filled the air. He then sprinkled various seasonings, making the long-legged girl, who was a "disciple of asceticism," drool uncontrollably!
This poor girl. During the barbecue, Chen Daolin had chatted with her and learned that disciples of asceticism in the Ice Forest endured the harshest lives to hone their spirits.
How could they have tasted such delicacies?
"Done! This is called Orleans-style grilled deer legs!"
Seeing the long-legged girl swallow her saliva repeatedly, Chen Daolin's heart softened, and he said gently, "Xiao Lan... you must have endured a lot of hardships in the past, right?"
The long-legged girl lifted her eyes to look at Chen Daolin. Seemingly enveloped by the warmth in his eyes, her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly averted her gaze and frowned, "You... can you not call me that? I'm not called Xiao Lan; that name is too ugly."
"Then what should I call you?"
"Lan Lan." The long-legged girl's cheeks seemed to flush, though it might have been from the fire. Under the glow of the fire, her originally plain face took on a touch of charm.
Chen Daolin's eyes became a bit dazed—being a shut-in, he was somewhat perverted in his daily life, but his heart was very simple. This girl, who had a special relationship with him, was instinctively seen as his woman, and his heart was filled with tenderness.
Lan Lan felt uncomfortable under his gaze and couldn't help but scold, "What are you staring at me for?"
"You're beautiful," Chen Daolin said confidently.
This sincere response made Lan Lan's heart soften even more. She glanced at Chen Daolin and her tone softened, "Don't lie to me. I'm not beautiful; I know that."
"Who said that!" Chen Daolin was indignant.
"Everyone says that." Lan Lan's expression suddenly darkened, and a hint of unease appeared in her eyes. "Among the disciples of asceticism who serve the gods, there are a few who are truly beautiful."
Chen Daolin was moved and looked into Lan Lan's eyes, saying softly, "Lan Lan, tell me about yourself... how did you become a disciple of asceticism?"
"How did I become a disciple of asceticism?" Lan Lan seemed dazed, staring at the fire for a moment before shaking her head. "I was born in an orphanage run by the church. From the time I could understand, nuns taught us to read and learn the scriptures. When I grew older, I became a small servant in a nearby religious institution. Later, I was selected to become a practitioner... everything happened naturally. As for why, I've never thought about it."
Her voice was soft, but there was a hint of confusion in her tone.
Chen Daolin sighed, feeling some sympathy for her.
After a moment's hesitation, he couldn't help but say softly, "Actually... there are many choices in life. Life can be diverse, not necessarily..."
Lan Lan shook her head, interrupting Chen Daolin. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes, and she said slowly, "You don't need to say more. I grew up in the church, and everything I have is given by the church. It's only natural to dedicate everything to the church. I've already made a vow to dedicate my life to the gods, so I'll be a priestess serving the gods for the rest of my life."
But at the end, the long-legged girl shook her head, and tears fell from her silver eyes, "Unfortunately... unfortunately... none of this is possible anymore."
"Why?" Chen Daolin asked, suddenly realizing something and feeling guilty as he looked at Lan Lan, "No, it's not because of that night, is it?"
"That was my choice," Lan Lan looked deeply at Chen Daolin, her expression turning cold.
Chen Daolin felt a bit smug, but also a bit embarrassed. He tried to hold back but couldn't, "That... that..."
"Do you want to ask why?" Lan Lan looked at Chen Daolin calmly.
Chen Daolin smiled awkwardly.
"I didn't want to kill you," Lan Lan's tone was as calm as her eyes.
Chen Daolin broke out in a cold sweat.
"I am a disciple of asceticism. I was chosen by the temple to dedicate my life to serving the gods." Lan Lan picked up a branch and gently poked the fire, saying softly, "According to the doctrine, I must remain pure, both in mind and body. That day... we encountered those demon wolves, you saved me, and you saw my body..."
At this point, Lan Lan's voice became strained, "As a disciple of asceticism, I had two choices: either I kill you to regain my purity! But you saved my life, and I couldn't bring myself to kill someone who saved me. So I..."
Lan Lan sighed, her tone suddenly becoming strange, "Perhaps my teacher was right; I've never been a firm believer. I lack the determination and courage to dedicate myself to the gods. I... I'm just an ordinary person who goes with the flow."
Wait, wait! What the hell!
Even if you're kind-hearted and don't kill me... what about last night when we bathed in the lake, and you seduced me?
This... because you didn't want to kill me, you slept with me?
What kind of logic is this?!
Chen Daolin was at a loss!
Unfortunately, before Chen Daolin could ask his question, Lan Lan took a deep breath, as if trying to expel all her inner turmoil, stood up, and picked up the golden-brown deer leg. She cut off a piece with a knife, took a bite, and smiled, "It's really delicious!"
Seeing Lan Lan's satisfied smile, Chen Daolin caught a glimpse of the deep sadness and pain in her eyes, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions. For some reason, he swallowed his question.
Then he smiled and gently handed her a bottle of salt and pepper, saying, "Sprinkle it on the meat and try it again."
Lan Lan squinted her eyes, took the bottle, and looked deeply at Chen Daolin.
"Actually, if you look closely, although you don't have a commanding presence, you look quite good when you smile."
The warm fire and the bright moon.
The two young people, full of thoughts, laughed heartily by the fire under the moonlight, sharing a deer leg.
Just as they were half full, a gentle voice came from the forest behind them.
"Excuse me... sorry to disturb you."
The voice was clear and pure, like a mountain stream flowing quietly through the heart. The tone was so warm and polite that it made people feel like they were basking in a spring breeze.
A figure slowly emerged from the forest.
From a distance, the person was tall and slender, wearing a white robe. Standing under the moonlight, the white robe seemed to be untouched by the world.
He walked gracefully, as if strolling in his own garden, despite the vast forest.
Although he wore a hood, a few strands of golden hair were still visible.
As he approached, the firelight gradually illuminated his face—both Chen Daolin and Lan Lan couldn't help but take a deep breath!
That handsome face seemed to belong to another world! His features were so finely chiseled that even the bright moon in the sky paled in comparison!
Undoubtedly, this person's beauty transcended gender, appealing to all, regardless of age or gender! If this person were a woman, she would be a beauty capable of toppling nations. If this person were a man, he would break the hearts of countless young girls!
The most bizarre thing was a thin scar on the right side of his face—so faint it was almost invisible, but still noticeable. It made Chen Daolin and Lan Lan feel a strong sense of regret.
It was like seeing a masterpiece with a tiny flaw.
The man smiled gently, so warmly and captivatingly that Chen Daolin noticed the long-legged girl's eyes were already filled with stars.
(Damn, women are indeed fangirls, they go weak at the knees at the sight of a handsome man!)
So, Chen Daolin immediately snapped back to reality.
"Good evening, meeting you here in such a beautiful night is a rare coincidence," the man's voice was very pleasant, and even clichéd phrases like "beautiful night" and "coincidence" sounded fresh and elegant from his mouth.
However, his next words stunned Chen Daolin and Lan Lan.
Because he said, "I haven't had dinner yet. Can you share some of the deer meat you're roasting?"
Before Chen Daolin could respond, Lan Lan, staring at the beautiful stranger, blushed and immediately answered, "Please, don't be polite, help yourself."
The man smiled and sat down by the fire. His gem-like eyes swept over the two of them, and his gaze seemed to linger on Chen Daolin's chest armor, particularly the flame tulip, with a hint of surprise.
"Forgive me for not introducing myself to such hospitable hosts." The man smiled, "My name is Luo Xue... don't be surprised by the name, as I was born on a snowy day."
Lan Lan blushed, staring at the handsome stranger, thinking, "What a romantic name!!"
Chen Daolin was annoyed, "What a girly name!!"
[Please remember to add this book to your bookshelf! And don't forget to leave a few recommendation votes!
To boost the rankings for next week, there will be another chapter at midnight tonight!]