Chapter 76 — An Army of Tigers and Wolves
The Herdsman of the Wasteland · Page 1 of 3
Shen Mu shook out the "sweat cloth" and studied the weave of the silk. "I thought there was a familiar fragrance about you," he said. "Turns out we use the same fabric.
" The instant Ling Yuxiu saw that "sweat cloth," her face went scarlet. She snatched it from his hand, mortified and furious. "That's mine! How did it end up with you?
And you've been using it as a sweat cloth!
I'm not speaking to you!
" The girl stormed off to crouch atop the dragon's head, chin propped on both hands, staring into the distance.
Shen Mu was dumbfounded.
"That's your sweat cloth?
" "It is not a sweat cloth! " Ling Yuxiu raged. "It's my, my. .
.
I'm not talking to you! " "If it isn't a sweat cloth, then what is it? " Puzzled, the youth said, "Grandpa Cripple gave it to me.
He said it was for wiping off sweat.
The material seemed fine, so I kept it on me. Since it's yours, I'll simply give it back.
Is that worth getting angry over? " Ling Yuxiu flung the chest wrap down at him. "I don't want it back either! " Shen Mu sent out his primal energy, rolled the chest wrap up, and laughed. "If you throw it down, someone will pick it up and use it to wipe their sweat.
Better it comes to me. I sweat a great deal when I train.
" Ling Yuxiu cried out in angry reproach, "Give it back!
" More bewildered than ever, the youth said, "If I give it back, you'll only throw it away again. What's the point? Better to let me wipe my sweat with it. .
. " Ling Yuxiu hurriedly snatched it away, thought for a moment, then took out a handkerchief and pressed it into his hand. "This is a girl's thing.
Aren't you ashamed, a grown man like you, using it? Here, this scented handkerchief is for you.
It's woven of Tianxiang silk too, and there's a picture on it embroidered by my own hand. Use it to wipe your sweat.
" Shen Mu took the handkerchief and saw that what had been embroidered on it was a lopsided pig's head. He laughed.
"That's an ugly piece of embroidery. " Flustered and angry, Ling Yuxiu reached out to snatch it back.
"If you don't want it, give it back! " Shen Mu hastily tucked it away, then walked over and sat down beside her.
"You took my sweat cloth, so giving me one in return is only fair.
Mine was bigger and the one you gave me is smaller. If you ask me, I've come out the loser.
" The sun had climbed high by now, and the early-spring light carried a sweet warmth. The youth felt utterly at ease, and he lay back to watch the white clouds drift slowly past. Ling Yuxiu blinked. "Do you think that plump Seventh Young Master is handsome? " Shen Mu considered. "His looks are passable enough. It's just that he has too much of a soft, feminine air about him. Not like a man, more like a woman. " Ling Yuxiu could not help laughing. Smoothing the hair at her breast, she said with a grin, "Then do you think I'm pretty? " Shen Mu looked at her in all earnestness. "Your face is a little round, but you're not bad looking.
" Ling Yuxiu was quite satisfied. Curiously she asked, "You killed Fu Yundi's son. Why didn't you flee the city? Why did you come back? " "I came back because I have business here. " Shen Mu closed his eyes and said calmly, "Jingping's great army will soon be here.
I've come back to resist Jingping's invasion. " Ling Yuxiu's heart gave a faint jolt. Her expression grew grave, and slowly she said, "Do you know you're throwing eggs against a stone? Besides, what's so bad about being ruled by Jingping? Its people live in peace and work in contentment. Every sect and school obeys the imperial court, and everything is kept in good order.