Despite Lin Banxia's unease, the sight of Yu Lei's smile brought her a sense of reassurance.
Yu Lei strained to listen to the sounds outside and spoke softly, "We cannot fully trust what that child has said. His decision to explore the cave alone after his friends departed indicates a lack of social integration, or perhaps a penchant for bravado. Additionally, the fact that he fled before hearing the entirety of the conversation implies a heightened sense of danger, which may lead to irrational fears."
Upon hearing this, Yu Lei noticed the disapproval etched across Lin Banxia's face and smiled as he explained, "If the roles were reversed and you found yourself in that scenario, would you choose to hide among the foliage and continue eavesdropping, or would you flee?"
Without hesitation, Lin Banxia replied, "I would listen further, as running away would likely make me more noticeable."
"Indeed. Yet, we cannot ascertain the precise circumstances of that moment, nor can we dismiss his information outright based solely on this. Regardless, I feel compelled to investigate for myself," Yu Lei stated matter-of-factly. Perhaps it was his own apprehension, but he sensed something unsettling about the boy's demeanor, prompting him to analyze every word spoken.
"Are you not afraid of being eaten?" Lin Banxia asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"Come now, that was merely a jest to frighten the child; did you actually believe it?" Yu Lei responded, his expression one of exasperation.
"I was only teasing you in return; did you genuinely take that to heart?" Lin Banxia shot back, her annoyance evident. She felt overwhelmed, uncertain whom to believe. Although Yu Lei remained silent, she knew he would never allow her to accompany him in such precarious circumstances.
Yu Lei was at a loss for words. If he had not been injured, he could have managed to take on five opponents, even if they were soldiers. They were unaware of his presence, so defeating them individually would not have posed a significant challenge. However, with his right leg fractured, he could barely contend with even one adversary.
Yet, he could not remain hidden here indefinitely; this small island would eventually lead to an encounter. It was imperative to seize the initiative.
"It's fine; my mobility is compromised, so they will likely underestimate me," Yu Lei insisted after a moment of reflection.
Lin Banxia understood that while Yu Lei was easy to converse with, his resolutions were difficult to alter. She glanced at his right leg, noting how the once-vibrant ribbon had faded from wear, "This makeshift tourniquet has served its purpose; tomorrow we should use an axe to fashion some wooden planks for you."
"Yes," Yu Lei replied softly, gazing at the flickering flames of the fire. He recognized that regardless of their willingness, the days they had spent in the launch well were irretrievably behind them.
At that moment, light footsteps echoed from outside, and Tang Nuo entered, triumphantly brandishing a large rat.
Lin Banxia was at a loss for words. Eating rats to survive on Christmas Eve?
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Though Lin Banxia refrained from consuming the roasted rat meat, Yu Lei had no qualms in indulging in the feast.
When he awakened the next morning, a pair of brand-new grass shoes lay before him.
"What is this...?" Yu Lei had no doubt that these were a gift from Tang Nuo, yet he marveled at how the boy had managed to weave them so quickly.
"I made these as spares and kept them in my pack. They might be a tad small, but if you loosen the straps, they should fit," Tang Nuo replied earnestly. He had been informed the day before that Yu Lei would be negotiating with the others, so he wasted no time in retrieving the spare shoes.
"Grass shoes? You know how to weave? That's impressive!" Lin Banxia exclaimed as she picked up the shoes, astonished to discover that such traditional items were still in use.
"Well, I don't wear them at home, but they are ideal for climbing in caves due to their non-slip design. I feared I might slip, so I wore one pair and brought another. Once I gather enough grass, I'll weave a pair for you as well," Tang Nuo said bashfully, flattered by Lin Banxia's compliment. He had never considered that weaving grass shoes was a remarkable skill.
Yu Lei slipped on the grass shoes for his left foot while the right, being immobile, did not require footwear.
Lin Banxia ventured outside to gather suitable wood, chopping it into planks with an axe to help secure Yu Lei's right ankle. She also found two sturdy sticks for support.
By the time they finished, it was nearly noon. Yu Lei looked up at the reddening sky and the sun obscured by clouds. "I must go now; if I delay any longer, it may start to rain."
"You... you're leaving already?" Tang Nuo exclaimed, surprised by Yu Lei's casual demeanor as though he were merely stepping out to a store.
"I should clarify! If you don't return, Lin will become my wife!" Tang Nuo declared.
Yu Lei replied with irritation, "You little rascal, don't look at me with such morbid curiosity. Banxia, if I am delayed, you know where to find food and water, correct?"
Lin Banxia was momentarily taken aback by Yu Lei using her name, but quickly recalled something, lowering her head to stuff balloons, a pump, and diving goggles into Yu Lei's coat pocket. "Take these. Those people likely survived as we did, albeit through different means. If they know how to access that place but cannot return, these balloons may prove crucial."
"And what about you two?" Yu Lei asked, feeling unable to reject her insistence while being more concerned for their safety.
"I cannot dive, and unlike the launch well, there are no steps to guide me underwater. We have several packs of compressed food and a barrel of water that should last us for days. Moreover, we can use your lighter to maintain a fire. Even if food runs scarce, I might manage to endure eating rat meat," Lin Banxia remarked with a wry smile. "You wouldn't leave me to wait in vain, would you?"
"I promise I will return swiftly," Yu Lei assured her with a warm smile, then turned to Tang Nuo, instructing, "Hey, kid, you're a boy, right? Be sure to take care of her!"
"Go on, go on!" Tang Nuo waved dismissively, a hint of skepticism on his face.
Lin Banxia stood at the entrance of the cave, watching Yu Lei's limping figure disappear into the distance until he was out of sight, before reluctantly turning away.
"Do you fancy him that much? No worries, I will take care of you from now on!" Tang Nuo boldly proclaimed, thumping his chest.
Lin Banxia regarded him with utmost seriousness, confirming her suspicions before breaking into a soft laugh, "How about I look after you instead, little sister?"
Tang Nuo's hand froze mid-thump, his pose becoming rather comical.