On the way back to the village, Liu Duo really did not want to walk anymore. Her feet were exhausted, and her shoes were hard to walk in. She persisted last time, because that was her first trip to town. There was motivation.

Now there was no excitement at all. On the contrary, she even resented it. To have walked so far was already an uneasy feat.

She stopped and looked forward, thinking, how much further? How I miss my little Ferry (Ferrari).

"You're tired, Little Duo. Here, I can carry you. My back is strong and fit, you'll definitely be comfortable and satisfied," Liu crouched before her, boasting proudly.

She looked down at his frail back. That's what you call strong and fit? If Yang said that, she would believe him and praise him even more; but this was Liu, and she had let him off the hook by not talking back.

Without delay, she hopped on and held onto his neck. "On account of your strong desire to carry me, I guess I can grant your wish."

She was not so stupid as to pass up a free ride! And Ye Liu's back, though thin, was actually quite fit.

He stood up with Liu Duo on his back and felt her weight, "Little Duo, you're really light. You should eat more, grow some fat, otherwise you'll be all skin and bones."

Her rage took over and she hit Ye Liu on the shoulder, "Fine. If you don't like it, put me down. I don't need you to carry me. I can walk. If you like plump ones so much, go look for Burly Du. He has muscles all over. I'm sure you'd enjoy his touch!"

The nerve of him to call her skinny!!!

For someone sold to another family, how could she expect to be treated kindly? She considered herself lucky not be have become as thin as a bamboo.

Ye Liu's hair stood on end at the mention of that name. He felt nauseous. For someone so masculine, he preferred men? Ye Liu had no interest in touching those muscles; he did not swing that way!

"Alright, don't move so much or you'll fall. It's my bad, Little Duo. Whatever you look like, I'll only touch you. I'll touch only you."

Touch, touch, touch. Look who's talking. Who wants your touch?

She took hold of his ears and said fiercely, "Keep up like this and I'll have your ears dunked in wine!"

Ye Liu quickly nodded. He did not want Liu Duo to be angry. "Yes, of course. Whatever the wife says, I shall obey!"

Pleased, she let go. "Move along then. I'm hungry, and it's all your fault we missed the ox-cart."

By then, it was already noon, and everyone was having lunch.

Ye Liu felt apologetic for the delay. It was his fault. When Liu Duo said she was hungry, he sped up. He could not bare to starve her. She needed to get fat!

Ye Liu carried Liu Duo, and sped on without a break, while Ye Mo followed behind. No one knew what he was thinking as he stayed silent.

————

Back home, Ye Ling had prepared lunch. He left the dishes heating in the pot while waiting for them, and then he closed the door and started towards town, wondering if he might meet them.

Liu Duo stood high on Liu Duo's back, and she could see far ahead. Sure enough, she saw Ye Ling. They were certainly almost home, as no one else could imitate the way he walked, so she could easily spot him.

"Ling, we're back. You can slow down now," she reminded him loudly.

The distance between them was still quite far, so it sounded unclear, but Ye Ling's steps eventually slowed. He saw them coming and smiled as he waved his hands, signalling them.

Liu Duo twitched about. "Liu, let me down. I can walk. It's only a few more steps."

He responded and did as he was told. Otherwise, she might have made a scene again.