Danger in the Mountains, Lucky Protects Me

"What a plump wild rabbit!" Margaret Evans grinned from ear to ear as she held up the rabbit her daughter and son-in-law had just brought back.

"Mom, see? I told you, soon you'll be eating meat every day. Look, tomorrow's meat has already arrived!" Lily Evans leaned against the doorframe, smiling mischievously.

Margaret Evans turned, happily patting Lily Evans on the cheek. "My daughter is truly capable—much better than those troublemaker boys in the village!"

Carrying the rabbit off to the cage, Margaret Evans couldn't help but think of the old days at the Evans household, when Grandma Evans would scold her for not bearing a son. But now, seeing how clever and caring Lily was, she felt her daughter was the real treasure—her own little cotton-padded jacket. She was just as good as any son, and Margaret truly felt blessed.

The mushroom-picking plan was delayed because of Mrs. Thompson's fuss, so Lily decided she'd go to the mountain early tomorrow to pick mushrooms and sell them in town.

"Wifey, time to sleep!" That night, Lucky eagerly climbed onto the kang bed. He loved bedtime most—because it meant he could hold his wife close.

Lily couldn't help but laugh at Lucky's silly, happy expression.

"Wifey, hug?" Lucky pouted adorably, making Lily's heart melt. She softened instantly and let Lucky pull her into his arms.

Lily had been malnourished since childhood, leaving her frail and sensitive to cold and heat. But Lucky, for some reason, was like a furnace in winter and cool as ice in summer. Lily had to admit—being hugged by her silly husband at night was surprisingly comfortable.

Of course, Lily only allowed him to hug her—nothing more.

Lucky was perfectly content just to hug his wife. Holding Lily Evans in his arms was like holding a treasure. He planted a big kiss on her cheek, blushing with excitement.

Lily watched his simple happiness, gazing into his pure eyes. Lucky's world seemed so small—so small it only had room for Lily. Just a word of praise or a kiss from her could make him happy for half a day.

"Sleep now." Lily gently patted Lucky's cheek and snuggled contentedly into his arms.

The next morning, Lily got up early, determined to finish picking mushrooms before the village ox cart left for town.

So before dawn, Lily and Lucky got up and headed to the mountain to gather mushrooms.

Lucky obediently carried the basket, trailing behind Lily. As Lily walked ahead, she suddenly felt Lucky grab her wrist.

"Hmm?" Lily turned her head.

Lucky, face flushed, held Lily's hand tightly and stammered, "Wifey, I want to hold your hand."

Lily felt awkward but didn't pull away, letting her silly husband hold on. Seeing Lily didn't mind, Lucky's eyebrows shot up in joy. He wanted to grip her hand tightly, but was afraid of hurting her, so he held it carefully, as if cradling a precious treasure.

Lily's heart fluttered wildly as she tried to hide her nervousness. When they reached the deep mountain, Lily suddenly saw a bush rustle not far away and immediately became alert: Could it be a wild boar?

"Don't move, there might be a wild boar in the bushes!" Lily whispered, pulling Lucky slowly backward. She suddenly regretted not bringing a sickle—how could she forget this wasn't the mountain she used to own in her past life? That mountain only had chickens, ducks, and rabbits raised by people, but here in the real wild, there could be dangerous beasts.

Wild boars, wolves, bears—any of them would spell big trouble for her!

Lucky sensed Lily's tension. He shielded her behind him, picked up a stick from the ground, and though his voice was quiet, it was firm: "Wifey, don't be scared. I'll protect you. If the boar charges, you run. I'll fight it. Even if it bites me, don't look back. I promise I won't let you get hurt."