Chapter Eighteen: The Reward

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Tattered and worn, Lin Feng sprinted fiercely through the forest, cradling the young girl in his arms. Yun Lu, only fourteen, was light as a feather; her weight was almost negligible to Lin Feng, so he took care to hold her in a manner gentle and considerate.

Yun Lu, who had quietly opened her eyes just a sliver, secretly observed Lin Feng as he hurried forward, the very man who had rescued her from grave danger. Because Lin Feng had no improper interest in this young girl, his hands remained properly positioned, supporting her back and legs with care.

Still, having never been in such close contact with the opposite sex, Yun Lu’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Though her teacher at the academy had warned against excessive closeness with boys, Yun Lu understood Lin Feng’s rescue was genuine. Despite her slightly rapid breathing, she refrained from crying out.

Though she feigned sleep out of shyness, having just ventured into the Dead Zone, she was fully aware of the perils Lin Feng faced to save her. In her heart, she silently resolved that once safe, she would ask her father to reward Lin Feng generously—perhaps even give him all the Mora she had with her. Without hesitation, she made this decision on behalf of her father.

Yet, the thought of a boy touching a girl so freely still felt improper… Her cheeks burned as she recalled Lin Feng’s actions and her own failure to protest in time, leaving her conflicted.

According to their lessons, if he touched me, it was his fault; but since I did not resist, it was also my fault. So, are we both to blame?

This was a dilemma unfamiliar to the young girl, who had never before experienced such a moment.

...

Lin Feng, focused on pressing forward, was unaware of the rich inner turmoil playing out within the girl he carried. Once his mind settled slightly, he noticed Yun Lu had awakened. Suspecting she might be frightened by their ordeal and unsure how to face reality, he planned to wake her again upon meeting the man waiting as agreed.

Minutes later, Lin Feng emerged from the rainforest, spotting the man waiting at their rendezvous point. He exhaled in relief.

“Sir, as promised, I have brought your daughter out safely.”

Gently setting the girl down, Lin Feng shook her shoulder lightly.

“Miss, wake up now, no more pretending.”

He spoke to the girl who had been furtively observing him all along, thinking he hadn’t noticed.

“I wasn’t pretending to sleep!” the girl protested, cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

“My dear Yun Lu! My little Yun Lu!”

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Seeing his daughter safe and sound, the anxious man hurried forward. Overwhelmed with emotion, he failed to watch his footing and stumbled, nearly falling headlong.

Quick as a flash, Lin Feng caught him and steadied him. Once the man regained his balance, Lin Feng addressed the reunited pair:

“Sir, I understand your excitement and don’t wish to interrupt this reunion, but you’ll need to first report the Dead Zone incident at the Forest Ranger station in Huacheng District.”

“After such an ordeal, I’m sure you’re both exhausted. You can take this chance to rest and recover.”

Lin Feng released his grip on the middle-aged merchant's hand and offered his advice.

“I’m foolish for forgetting how frightened Yun Lu must be after such a journey.”

The man steadied himself and calmed somewhat, then turned to Lin Feng.

“My name is Yun Shan, of the Liyue Flying Cloud Merchants Association. You can just call me Yun Shan. You saved my daughter today. If ever you need assistance, please come find me at Flying Cloud Merchants. Whatever you require, I will do my utmost to help.”

Noticing Lin Feng’s torn clothes and the cuts on his face and hands, Yun Shan made his solemn promise.

“Please, kind sir, escort us to Huacheng’s Forest Ranger station. After the formalities, kindly join us for a simple meal. We can discuss your reward then.”

“Very well, Yun Shan. Just call me Lin Feng, no need for formalities. I’ll lead the way. Yun Shan, watch over Yun Lu and be sure she doesn’t wander off.”

With that, Lin Feng took the lead.

Yun Lu puffed her cheeks in mild frustration at Lin Feng treating her like a child but obediently followed her father, selectively recounting events to his anxious face.

Thanks to Lin Feng guiding them, the necessary registration was swiftly completed. When Lin Feng returned to his coworkers, who looked incredulous, he admitted he wasn’t entirely sure what had transpired. He had only taken advantage of the monsters’ distraction to rescue the girl. Afterward, the Dead Zone collapsed.

The reactions were a chorus of “Huh?”, “I don’t know either,” and “What on earth happened?” Fortunately, being a forest ranger himself, Lin Feng managed to navigate the confusion.

No sooner had the report been filed than Yun Shan enthusiastically invited Lin Feng to the most luxurious nearby restaurant. Surveying the lavish spread before him, Lin Feng realized his new acquaintance was no ordinary traveling merchant.

During their conversation, Lin Feng learned that Yun Shan was the son-in-law of the Flying Cloud Merchants Association—the current chairman’s younger sister was his wife. Though deeply devoted to each other, the couple had only one daughter, the very Yun Lu at their side.

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Yun Shan’s outstanding business acumen had led to his assignment in Sumeru’s Omos Port to negotiate with other merchants stationed there.

Yun Lu, having been enrolled in the academy from a young age, seized a chance during a break to pester her father relentlessly, begging for a trip to Sumeru.

Since the journey was short and he didn’t need to carry much cargo, the doting father assented.

Because the route between Vimal Village and Huacheng District was regularly patrolled by forest rangers who cleared monsters and protected merchants, Yun Shan saw no need to hire additional mercenaries.

Yet, on the return trip, this disaster struck.

Though overjoyed to have his daughter back, Yun Shan was also shaken, unable to imagine how he and his wife would cope if they had lost their only child.

Lin Feng glanced at Yun Lu, who nibbled delicately beside him, surprised by the girl’s poised bearing and fair complexion. She did not seem a commoner’s child. Her manners and demeanor suggested a refined upbringing, reminiscent of an elegant young lady from times long past.

He had not expected their connection to someone he knew from the game—Xingqiu. Yun Shan, being Xingqiu’s uncle by marriage, made Yun Lu Xingqiu’s cousin. By that measure, Yun Shan was indeed a man of considerable means.

Midway through the meal, Yun Shan produced a small pouch and a badge, presenting them solemnly to Lin Feng.

“Since you dislike being called ‘benefactor’ and I happen to be a few years older, I’ll take the liberty of calling you ‘young sir.’”

“This pouch contains your reward. I am but a humble man and can only offer such a modest token of gratitude. Please do not disdain it.”

Lin Feng accepted the pouch candidly. Feeling its weight, he knew the Mora inside was not abundant, yet he did not refuse.

Refusing entirely would only unsettle Yun Shan. After expressing his thanks, Lin Feng accepted the reward gracefully.

“Phew...” Seeing Lin Feng accept the Mora, Yun Shan relaxed. Since this was no major transaction, he had not brought much Mora with him and worried the small sum might seem insufficient to express his gratitude.