Chapter 30 - Didn’t Think of It (1/2)
Mister Zhong gulped. He shook his wife's shoulder and slowly sat up, trying to smile at the man, while he was shivering inside. Madam Zhong opened her eyes. It was still dark. The sun had just started to rise, painting only a sliver of the horizon in a lighter gray. She wanted to ask, what had happened for her husband to already wake her up, when she saw the man.
A bandit!
They both didn't think, that he was just a wanderer, who had started his journey for the day early. He didn't look that part at all. He wore mismatched clothing, that seemed to be spoils of his robberies, and more than one weapon. An even more obvious sign was his smug expression. He still sneered and his eyes glinted calculatingly, as if he was already thinking of how he could use this prey of his in a way, that benefited him the most.
Madam Zhong grabbed Jing Yi and pulled him into her embrace, sliding closer to her husband. Mister Zhong stood up, every bit of sleepiness gone. Unfortunately, his nervousness wouldn't leave him like that.
”Good morning, sir, I wonder, how we may help you?”
The bandit grinned even wider, showing his teeth. ”Hand me all your valuables.”
Mister Zhong didn't even think of refusing. He fumbled around for the few copper coins the family had. Slowly, he made his way over to the bandit and extended his hand. The man scoffed and grabbed the coins, clearly displeased, that it were only so few.
”The rest?”
Mister Zhong gave a jerk. ”That … That is all. We don't have anything else.” He backed up a step, positioning himself between the bandit and his family. If worst came to worst, his wife could try to flee with their son, while he stalled him. He didn't have hope for anything more.
The bandit examined Mister Zhong. His clothes were old and not of good quality. It was obvious, he was a poor man. The bandit snorted and pushed the coins into his sleeve. Mister Zhong wanted to sigh relieved, but the bandit didn't turn around and leave. Instead, his hand found the handle of his sword. His fingers drummed on the sheath in a steady rhythm, while his eyes roamed over the family of three. He clearly wasn't content with just what he got.
Mister Zhong backed further away, now closer to his family than the bandit. He had to convey his plan to his wife somehow.
”You, leave.” The bandit motioned to Mister Zhong. ”You, come with me.” His gaze came back to Madam Zhong and her son.
”Please, kind sir.” Mister Zhong stepped in front of his family. ”These are my wife and son. Our family awaits us back in the capital and —”
”I told you to leave!” The bandit roared at him, shutting Mister Zhong right up.
Madam Zhong behind him shook, pressing her son closer against her. Jing Yi had woken up with all the tension around him. He hugged his mother, not sure what to do.