"An amulet?"
Lin Xin's heart fluttered slightly. Could it be something with a special ability?
"Then, thank you, Lingling," he said with a gentle smile, "but the matter earlier can't be resolved with just an apology. If something were to happen..."
"Yes, yes, I know, dear Brother Lin Xin!" Xiao Lingling answered with a light laugh, looking down at Lin Xin as the firelight cast upon her face, which for a moment seemed beguilingly attractive.
Lin Xin's heart stirred slightly, but he looked away.
"I will take good care of it. Thank you, Lingling."
Xiao Lingling returned to her spot and lay down, watching Lin Xin from across the fire. As the flames flickered, she saw Lin Xin sitting steadily and gradually fell into a peaceful sleep.
Lin Xin stood up and glanced at Xiao Lingling.
"Could this woman really have fallen for me?" he pondered to himself. He quietly stood up, took out the pouch, and walked out of the recess to a tunnel where Xiao Lingling couldn't see him.