The forest became quiet after Yan Mo stepped away and left me alone with Rong Bing.
For a few moments, neither of us said anything.
The moonlight filtered through the tall trees, casting long shadows across the forest floor. A cool breeze drifted through the air, but somehow the silence between us felt even colder.
I looked at Rong Bing for a moment before deciding to get straight to the point.
"You should come back with us."
His expression did not change at all.
"No."
The answer came so quickly that I almost laughed.
"You did not even think about it."
"I did."
"And?"
"And my answer is still no."
I crossed my arms and looked at him.
"You saved my life."
Rong Bing looked away slightly.
"That does not mean I have to follow you."
"It means I owe you my thanks."
"There is no need."
"There is."
The two of us stared at each other for several long seconds.
Honestly, this man was incredibly stubborn.
"You live alone in this forest?"
"Yes."
"You hunt alone?"
"Yes."
