“Uh… Zhong San, sorry, we’ve eaten all your food, and you haven’t had anything,” Xu Xuen said, feeling a bit embarrassed and apologetic as she finished the last fruit.
“How could that be? You are from afar, of course, I should treat you well!” Zhong San smiled cheerfully, even though he had only eaten a fish and some wild vegetables for dinner.
“But that fruit was really sweet,” Xu Ben added, still savoring the taste.
“Yes! It was really sweet, delicious!” Xu Xuen exclaimed excitedly, her eyes lighting up. “Who says beautiful fruits are poisonous? Haha, I ate so many and I’m fine, which just goes to show, one shouldn’t blindly follow what others say, but should have a spirit of experimentation.”
Xu Ben gave her a sidelong glance, his lips twitching in a half-smile.
“Ah—” he yawned. “What’s wrong with me? I just ate and now I want to sleep.”
Xu Ben barely finished his yawn when Xu Xuen yawned too.
“Ah… I also want to sleep, is it because I’m tired from today?” She looked around, a bit dazed.
“You want to sleep? Then change your clothes and go to bed, I’ve already made the beds for you. Leave the rest to me to tidy up,” Zhong San stood up, inviting them inside.
“How can that be? We’ve eaten all your food, borrowed your clothes, and if we don’t even chat with you, wouldn’t that be terribly rude?” Xu Xuen patted her chest indignantly. “No problem! I can stay up for a while longer, let’s chat! Xu Ben, you go to sleep first.”
“No, no, it doesn’t matter, you’re a girl, you must be exhausted after such a long day, go rest,” Zhong San waved his hand, refusing her offer to keep him company.
“No worries, no worries, don’t be so formal! You being so formal makes me feel bad…” Xu Xuen nudged Zhong San with her foot.
“Have you all decided then?” Xu Ben yawned again. “Xuen, it’s no big deal, just take it as Zhong San’s kindness, let’s go to sleep first, and we can get up early tomorrow to chat with him, okay?”
Xu Xuen gave Xu Ben a playful look, thinking he was less adept at being a good guest than she was.
