165: Feeding

"Haha, silly dog, this isn't edible, you glutton!"

Lu Fan's lips curled up as he laughed and gave Da Hei's head a heavy pat. His hearty laughter echoed through the Shelter, seemingly dispelling the day's exhaustion.

An Lan was originally wiping her tools, but hearing this, she turned to see Da Hei's innocent face, smeared with clay—a comical sight.

She couldn't help but burst into laughter, her shoulders trembling slightly. "I still can't imagine that Da Hei is actually a wolf; the contrast is just too much!"

In the time that followed, warm sunlight spilled onto the clearing. Lu Fan and An Lan quickly got into the zone, dividing the labor and working together.

Lu Fan focused on making molds. Under his carving and chiseling, the wood gradually took on a regular shape, with wood shavings falling from time to time.

An Lan concentrated on filling the clay. She steadily packed the mixed clay into the molds, each press carrying her expectations for their future home, her movements skilled and earnest.

The two cooperated with perfect chemistry, one passing and one receiving, like partners of many years. The work progressed in an orderly fashion.

A few hours passed in a flash, and the scorching sunlight gradually softened.

The clearing was filled with neatly arranged rectangular clay bricks, lined up tightly like a disciplined army waiting for inspection by a commander.

Under the glow of the twilight, they exuded a unique sense of orderly beauty—a medal of their hard work.

Although both were exhausted and their clothes were soaked with sweat, clinging to their backs, neither complained.

After all, every brick carried their yearning for a better life in the future; they were the physical embodiment of their dreams, and each one was precious.

"We've accomplished quite a lot today!" Lu Fan straightened his back and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Looking at these bricks, his eyes were full of a sense of achievement, as if he could already see that warm, sturdy house rising from the ground, standing firm in the forest to Shelter them from the wind and rain.

An Lan's face also beamed with a satisfied smile as she nodded in agreement. "Yeah, at this rate, we'll be able to start building our house soon. Then, we'll have a real home, one that can protect us and be filled with happiness."

Unknowingly, the sun gradually dipped toward the west. The horizon looked as if nature had knocked over a palette, dyed once again in a warm orange-red.

The warm light fell upon them, outlining a silhouette of happiness. Another day was coming to an end.

Lu Fan and An Lan stood side by side, looking at the fruits of their hard work. Though their bodies were exhausted, their hearts were as sweet as honey, filled with anticipation for the future.

"Let's call it a day; we'll continue tomorrow." Lu Fan's voice carried a hint of post-exhaustion relaxation and drive for the next day.

"Okay, tomorrow we'll think it over and improve our production method to try and make even more perfect bricks."

An Lan responded, her eyes shining with determination, full of confidence in the future.

Nightfall, like a giant piece of black silk, softly and silently covered the entire Shelter.

The bonfire blazed in the center, its jumping flames dancing merrily, illuminating Lu Fan and An Lan's tired but happy faces.

Da Hei lay to the side, his belly rising and falling with his breath. He occasionally stuck out his tongue to lick his paws, seemingly still reminiscing about that interesting 'brick-tasting' experience earlier.

Lu Fan served the piping hot dinner from the pot. A rich aroma instantly filled the air, drifting into everyone's nostrils and whetting their appetites.

He was about to call out to An Lan when he noticed her hands hanging limply at her sides, without even the strength to lift them. His movements froze instantly.

Seeing this, Lu Fan's heart wrenched as if gripped by an invisible hand, his eyes filled with heartache.

Relying on his strong physical constitution, his own muscle soreness had largely dissipated, but An Lan was exhausted to this point.

"An Lan, your hands are so sore. You've really worked hard today."

Lu Fan's voice was full of concern and heartache. He walked gently to An Lan's side, slowly squatted down, and said softly, "Here, let me feed you."

An Lan's cheeks flushed slightly, like the sunset glow. She shook her head gently, her voice tired yet resilient. "I'll do it myself. They're just a bit sore; I can manage."

"Don't push yourself. We're both worn out today, so just rest easy."

Lu Fan spoke in a tone that brooked no argument. He picked up the spoon, scooped up some food, and carefully brought it to An Lan's lips, a gentle smile on his face.

"Ah, open up."

Looking at Lu Fan's serious and caring expression, a warm current surged in An Lan's heart, flowing slowly through her entire body.

She obediently opened her mouth and ate.

The two were like an old married couple with perfect understanding—one feeding attentively, eyes full of love and heartache; the other eating peacefully, enjoying this warmth and care.

Occasionally, their eyes met, seeing the love and longing for the future in each other's gaze. This was likely what it meant for time to pass peacefully.

At this moment, the livestream room was also bustling.

"Ahhh! O(≧mouth≦)O This is too sweet! I've been grinning like an auntie the whole time!"

"I was so happy in bed that I literally shit myself. It's so mushy and comfortable (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)."

"Is it really that comfortable? Let me feel it too."

"Hey! I'm eating! You guys dial it back a bit!"

"I really feel for An Lan, but I also think they're so good together. I hope they stay happy forever."

"When are they finally going to make it official? I'm dying of impatience."

After dinner, Lu Fan pulled An Lan to sit by the bonfire, its residual heat warming them.

Lu Fan gently took her arm and began to massage it.

Although his technique wasn't professional and was a bit clumsy, every movement was filled with gentleness and strength, helping her relax her sore muscles from shoulder to wrist.

"Does it hurt? Tell me if it does, and I'll go lighter." Lu Fan asked softly while massaging, his eyes full of worry.

An Lan leaned her head on Lu Fan's shoulder and closed her eyes slightly, fully enjoying the warmth and care. She whispered, "It doesn't hurt. It feels very nice. Thank you, Lu Fan."

"Don't be so polite with me. We're building a house together; I can't let you wear yourself out."

Lu Fan said with a smile, his hands never stopping as he continued to relieve her soreness. "I was thinking, I can't let you be this tired tomorrow. I have to find a way."

Suddenly, the image of those lively and clever monkeys appeared in his mind, and his eyes lit up as if seeing a glimmer of hope in the dark.

"An Lan, do you think we could ask the Monkey King and the others for help? The Monkey troop has so many members, and monkeys are very agile; they'd definitely be a huge help."