The Drunken Immortal Wine was sweet on the tongue, but its after-effect was formidable. I slept in a confused haze until Da Li Wan yanked me up by the **, shouting, "Brother Zhao Qian, if you don't get up now, we won't make it to Feiyu County Town this afternoon! Fifty li of mountain road!"

The thought of Cheng Susu waiting for me there instantly sobered me up. I didn't even bother washing my face, just grabbed Da Li Wan and bolted: "Hurry, hurry."

We first met up with Linglong. The little girl was clad in tight-fitting athletic gear, looking exceptionally nimble, and she carried a bow and arrows on her back—it seemed everyone in the village had some skill if they were to hunt. Although the mountain folk observed propriety between men and women, Linglong seemed unconcerned by it. She chattered away, teasing Da Li Wan, who, being slow-tongued, made for a hilarious duo. Laughing and joking, the journey was far from lonely.

Old Man Lai saw us off at the village entrance. Beyond this point, we had to traverse a narrow valley and then follow a winding path down Hulu Peak. He cautioned us, "Pay close attention on the road. Linglong, absolutely no fooling around or carelessness. If any wild beasts appear, let Da Li handle them. You, lead the way and ensure everyone gets safely to the county town."

Linglong made a face. "Don't worry, Uncle. If my dad trusts me enough to let me come out, what else is there to worry about? We're off!"

The narrow valley only allowed two people to pass abreast. Da Li Wan had trouble maneuvering his white pig mount through it. Nature’s divine craftsmanship had carved a passage through the circular crater; otherwise, the two brothers who first settled here long ago could never have entered the mountains.

After passing through a valley several hundred meters long, we saw the winding path descending the mountain. In some places, the path bordered sheer cliffs that made one dizzy just looking down; in others, strange rocks jutted out, ready to meet an unwary forehead. Halfway down, built into the cliff face, was a small pavilion—likely a marker placed by the villagers to warn travelers of the danger, or perhaps a place to rest, for beyond this treacherous section, we could let the pig run free straight toward the county town.

Along the way, Lai Siji’s expression was unsettled, his eyes constantly scanning the small pavilion ahead. Only when a figure materialized in the pavilion in the faint morning light did he let out a long sigh of relief. I asked him, puzzled, "Brother Lai, is something the matter?"

Lai Siji stammered, "N-nothing."

"Little Lai," the person in the small pavilion saw our group of four and quickly stepped forward. I looked closely—wasn't this Wahani, the woman tied up by the pond that other day? Why was she here? Had this couple decided to elope? Lai Si had returned late last night; he must have secretly gone to plot with Wahani.

Indeed, Lai Si rushed forward and embraced Wahani. "Ni Zi, I thought you wouldn't escape. I was worried sick. Now it’s fine; we can finally leave this place. I will make you happy from now on."

"Mmm, I trust you, Little Lai," Wahani leaned contentedly against Lai Siji's chest. Her happiness lasted only a few seconds before she said urgently, "My father will realize I’m gone from my room soon. We must leave immediately, or if he catches us, we’ll have no life left."

Lai Siji anxiously helped steady Wahani. "Go, go! Let’s hurry then. Once we leave the village, we’ll never come back."

Linglong’s eyes widened. "You... you’re eloping? That violates tribal law and is punishable by death."

Da Li Wan, holding a large club as a weapon, threw it down. "Brother, do you not want me and Father anymore? I forbid it!"

I understood the pain of being unable to stay with the one you love. So I said to the four of them, "Now is not the time to discuss this. Staying here is very dangerous. Since Wahani has already slipped out, let’s talk as we walk."

Wahani looked at me gratefully, then bowed. "Thank you, Lord Bird God. You saved both my life and Little Lai's. We will never forget your great kindness. However, since you destroyed my father’s divine blade last time, he already holds a deep grievance against you. When you enter the county town, you shouldn't return here either, or I fear he will harm you. He... he truly is a petty, calculating man."

It seemed Wahani had truly given up on her father. Thinking about how he nearly subjected his own daughter to that damned sitting punishment, the man was indeed wicked. I didn't take the old man seriously; I wasn't one of his tribesmen, and besides, what could his dog-shit iron divine blade do to me? But after finding Susu, I truly couldn't return to the village, as seven other women were waiting for me to find them. So, I cared even less about this matter.

Past the small pavilion, the path became less steep, allowing us to ride the pig. The sight of the two girls perched on the back of that tall white pig was undeniably comical. Da Li Wan led the pig in front, while Lai Siji and I followed behind. Soon, we entered a rugged, jungle-filled valley along the path.

Although we had escaped the village, Lai Siji was likely worried about their future prospects, his brow still tightly furrowed. I comforted him, "Brother Lai, don't worry. You and Wahani can hide in the city and wait for Chief Wa to cool down. Then, in a year or so, bring him back a chubby, big-nephew, and would he still object then?"

Wahani, riding the pig, blushed deeply. "Nephew? Where would a nephew come from?"

Linglong, sitting behind her, chimed in, "From you and Brother Lai, of course! You’re so slow. I’ll remind you both, be sure to treat Lord Bird God well; he knows how to perform C-sections. If you have trouble giving birth, you must find him."

Wahani buried her face into the pig's back. "Ah, you little dead girl, you're the one who’s going to have a baby... Even if I did, I wouldn't cut my belly open. That would hurt too much."

I chuckled, "It won't hurt if they give you anesthesia. By the time you have children, I might have found my eight friends, and perhaps a hospital will have been built here. We can all move out of the mountains and live in the city. We could take strolls, watch movies, hehe. If we get bored, we can even go hunting in the mountains. Nice. That life would surely be good."

"Strolling the streets? Watching movies?" The four of them looked confused. I didn't elaborate, because even if I did, it would be inexplicable. Linglong muttered under her breath, "Why do you have so many strange terms? I still haven't figured out X-rays, and now you bring up movies."

Lai Siji had no mood for our banter. He hesitated, "I'm afraid Brother Zhao Qian's plan won't work. Chief Wa is extremely conservative. If he finds out Wahani and I married and had children without parental consent, he might just have us drowned in a pig cage. This requires careful consideration."

Da Li Wan slammed his big wooden staff onto the ground, radiating killing intent. "He dares! If he dares to drown my brother in a pig cage, I’ll kill him!"

Wahani turned deathly pale. She knew this brute, who dared to speak and act, was capable of anything. For all Chief Wa's faults, he was still her own father!

Lai Si shouted, "Stop making trouble!"

Da Li Wan shrunk his head back, picked up his staff, and continued leading the pig. I clapped Lai Siji on the shoulder. "The cart will find its way when it reaches the mountain. Let’s just escape first. As long as the two of you can be together, I think that’s more important than anything else, right?"

Wahani and Lai Siji, deep in the throes of love, certainly understood this. They nodded and stopped speaking. As we progressed, the road became even rougher. Strange beast cries occasionally echoed from the jungle ravines. Da Li Wan gripped his club tightly, silent; with his brute strength, one good swing should finish any beast that appeared.

When I viewed this continent from space, I hadn't noticed anything unusual, but now I realized how complex the terrain was: swamps and mires were everywhere, and in some places, the jungle was so dense the pig couldn't pass. Even worse, the beasts attacking us grew more numerous as we advanced—strange-looking creatures whose names I couldn't even call. Fortunately, their attack power was not very high; most of the close calls were accidental collisions caused by us startling them.

Linglong, riding the pig, not only kept pointing out the way but also drew her bow and shot arrows. Some beasts Da Li Wan couldn't strike down in time were brought down by her arrow—it was unexpected that such a small girl possessed such skill. In contrast, Wahani and Lai Siji were useless. I tightly held my military knife, guarding the rear, ready to fend off any snakes or insects that appeared.

We started very early in the morning. Around three or four in the afternoon, after passing through a large forest, the shadow of Feiyu County Town finally appeared before us. I had previously assumed everyone here lived in thatched huts, but seeing the tall city walls, I realized this place was no different from ancient Da Long Kingdom.

The big white pig seemed utterly untired after carrying the two girls all the way down. This pig was wild stock; Da Li Wan had picked it up from a pigsty while hunting. After being fed and raised, it became his prized steed. I realized my initial assumption that everyone here rode pigs was wrong.

There were no guards at the city gate. Did the Shuangcheng Nation not have an army? Linglong suddenly exclaimed, "Oh, wonderful! Everyone, hurry! When Father and I entered the city with the pelt team before, we always had to grease the palms of the guards. I never expected that today, for some unknown reason, they've abandoned their posts."

All four of us were novices, and thanks to Little Linglong’s good guidance, we had navigated even the most dangerous roads. Hearing her words, we dared not hesitate. I gave the pig’s rear end a little prod, and the five of us, plus the pig, bolted into the city.

The streets were bustling with activity, much like a large rural market day in the Da Long Kingdom. The pedestrians' clothing was much brighter than that of the Hulu Village folk. Most of them were men; there were few women to be seen, perhaps observing wifely duties by staying indoors. Judging from the few women I saw on the street, I began to doubt the rumor that Shuangcheng Nation was a land of beauties.

The city houses weren't thatched cottages but were built in a style resembling flat-roofed rural homes. Occasionally, there were two or three-story structures, but overall, the architectural craftsmanship couldn't compare to ancient Da Long Kingdom buildings.

After a quick discussion among the five of us, we decided not to stay at the inn previously used by the pelt team, because Chief Wa might pursue us there at any moment. Linglong suggested we go to the home of an uncle her father knew for temporary lodging.

This uncle of Linglong’s had a name containing the sound 'Hu,' and since he sported a goatee, I nicknamed him Hu Shanyang (Hu Goat). Hu Shanyang had an eight-year-old son and ran a stationery shop in the city, selling charcoal, ink, brushes, and white silk cloth for writing and painting. I hadn't seen real paper here yet. Chang Feng probably befriended him because he frequently bought supplies here.

After greetings and arrangements, our lodging was secured. Next, we needed to discuss how to gain entry to the County Magistrate’s residence to see Cheng Susu. In my opinion, we should rush over immediately and knock. Once Cheng Susu saw me, everything would naturally fall into place—perhaps she’d even run into my arms and act spoiled.

But Lai Siji, Wahani, and Linglong all voiced objections at once. Firstly, it was unreasonable for a man like me to demand an audience with the County Magistrate’s goddaughter. Secondly, who could be 100% certain that the person was the Cheng Susu I was looking for? If we misidentified her, the County Magistrate would surely not let it go.

Although I understood the situation perfectly, I couldn't withstand their persistent pleading. After some discussion, Lai Siji proposed that I first write a letter and send it to the rear courtyard of the county office. If the person was indeed Cheng Susu, she would surely summon me upon seeing the letter.

I thought that made sense. As long as she could read Han characters, there would be no mistake. If she couldn't even read Han characters, then I could only sigh that this Shuangcheng Nation truly cultivated beauties, beautiful enough to look exactly like my Susu. However, rumor had it the County Magistrate’s goddaughter hatched from a great egg that fell from the heavens—that guaranteed she was Cheng Susu. I just had to be careful since my superpowers were currently gone.

It was getting late. Showing up now to deliver a letter would likely get us thrown out. Though anxious, I had to proceed methodically. Otherwise, if I lost my own life in this Gemini before finding my wives, it would be a huge mess.

We finally endured until dawn. Early the next morning, I changed into plain clothes and went with Lai Siji to the back gate of the county yamen to deliver the letter. Da Li Wan and Linglong went to trade the furs and bones they brought for necessary salt, tea, iron tools, and cloth. The place used an iron coin issued by the government, but the villagers of Hulu Village had never needed it; all their transactions were the most primitive barter. As for Wahani, to prevent Chief Wa from tracking them down, she stayed hidden at home.

The young Lai Siji was quite handsome and very courteous; he quickly persuaded the soldier guarding the gate to deliver the letter. The two squatted in a corner by the wall, anxiously waiting. In my imagination, Cheng Susu would see the letter and immediately rush out from the back garden, throw herself into my arms, and cry out, "Husband, I missed you so much! Why did it take you so long to get here?"

But we waited and waited, and there was no movement. Lai Siji said to me, "Brother Zhao Qian, are you sure the mother of Cheng Susu can read those strange characters you wrote?"

I affirmed confidently, "Of course, I'm sure. Even if two people look similar, as long as she truly hatched from an egg that fell from the sky, I am certain she is the one I'm looking for."

Lai Siji countered, "But that should have been enough time to read the letter ten times. Why is there still no reaction?"

"Perhaps the messenger forgot to deliver it? Let’s go ask again."

Just as the two were about to knock, the door creaked open from inside. The guard handed the letter back to Lai Siji. "The young lady has read it. She told me to return it to you. Take it and leave quickly!"

"What!" I couldn't believe it. Since Susu had read it, why no reaction?

I asked the guard, "Are you sure she really read it? Did you not deliver it to her hand personally? This letter is very important to your young lady; it couldn't wait."

The guard became angry. "Go, move away! With my status, do I need to lie to you? I've already been quite polite. If the County Magistrate finds out about this, I’ll be punished! Hurry up and leave, or I’ll call people over!"

Lai Siji looked helpless. "Brother Zhao Qian, what do you make of this?"

I couldn't accept that this was real. Could it be that the County Magistrate’s goddaughter only looked like Cheng Susu? Or... or was she being held captive? Hmm, that was highly possible. No, I had to find a way to sneak in and see her myself; then we would know what was true or false. The problem was, with my current abilities, how could I infiltrate the county office?

Once I decided, I stopped insisting and took the letter back from Lai Siji. "Brother Lai, let's go back first."

The two returned to Hu Shanyang's home. Wahani eagerly stepped forward and asked, "How was it? Did Sister Susu recognize you? Why didn't she come back with you?"

I shook my head. "I didn't see her. The letter was sent in and returned. I suspect Susu might be imprisoned. Everyone, help me think of a way to sneak into the county office to see her."

Wahani looked puzzled. "Imprisoned? That can't be right. If they could return the letter to you, how could she be imprisoned? Quick, see if she included a reply or anything?"

Slap. I slapped my own forehead. How could I be so muddled? If Cheng Susu really was imprisoned, she might have left me a clue in the letter! Truly, the bystander sees things clearly while the participant is confused.

Swish. I tore open the bark envelope and unfolded the white silk. Indeed, below the half-love letter written in graphite pencil, there was an extra line of small script. My heart leaped with joy, and I couldn't help but read it aloud: "Who are you? Why do you know this writing? Can you come to the teahouse in the east of the city to discuss in detail?"

Lai Siji and Wahani didn't understand what I was saying. They anxiously asked, "How was it? How was it? Did she recognize you?"

I rubbed my eyes and carefully re-examined the letter I had written last night. The signature 'Zhao Qian' stood out vividly. Why would Cheng Susu ask who I was? If she wasn't my wife Cheng Susu, why did she know Earth Chinese, and even use it to write me a reply?

I was deeply puzzled. Lai Siji pressed me impatiently, so I told him, "There seems to be a big problem here. We need to get to the east city teahouse immediately. Susu asked me to meet her there in the letter."

Calling it a teahouse was merely my interpretation of a term; calling it a coffee shop might be more appropriate. Last night, Hu Shanyang had treated the five of us, and I had tasted their so-called tea. It was a bit bitter, but with slow savoring, there was sweetness beneath the bitterness—the taste was very similar to coffee on Earth.

Wahani couldn't follow, so Lai Siji and I sprinted toward the east city teahouse. Before the waiter, carrying a large teapot, could greet us, we had already searched the entire two floors.

"What are you two guests doing?"

Lai Siji asked, "Waiter, are there only these two floors of tea rooms here?"

Before the waiter could answer, my eyes caught a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl standing by a door behind the staircase, beckoning to me. I left Lai Siji and the waiter behind and walked over, asking, "Is that young lady calling me?"

The girl, who looked like a maid, said, "You are Zhao Qian, the one who just delivered the letter to the young lady, right? I peeked through the door crack."

I nodded eagerly. "That's me. Where is Susu? Please take me to her."

"I am the young lady’s personal maid, named Chun Tian (Spring). Come in, the young lady is waiting for you inside..."

This little maid named Chun Tian actually smiled, and it truly was like a hundred flowers blooming in spring. However, I had no mind for appreciation. Swoosh, I darted past Chun Tian into the room. Looking up, I was stunned—there were five or six more doors inside. It seemed this was a quiet place for drinking tea; which room was it?

"Look how frantic you are, like a monkey! Truly impolite. The young lady is in this room..."

Chun Tian hurried up from behind, complaining, as she opened one of the doors.

I shouted and charged in, "Susu!"

Bang! Everything went black, stars flashed wildly before my eyes. It felt like I had slammed headfirst into something. I was certain it wasn't Cheng Susu’s chest, because that would have been soft—it certainly wouldn't have made me taste bile.

"Y-you, how are you?" A serious yet gentle female voice sounded beside me—it was Chinese! I struggled to open my eyes. Damn it, there was a huge wooden pillar right at the entrance, likely supporting the structure between the two floors. The boss, Tuoduo, had created an extra private space by utilizing that small area.

I touched the blood trickling down my head. The injury sustained during my landing was finally beginning to heal, and now, this! It had broken open again. But through the stars dancing in my vision, I saw a familiar face—it was Cheng Susu! Definitely her! Heaven had eyes, and I finally found one.

Overwhelmed with joy, I jumped up to hug my wife Susu, but to my surprise, Cheng Susu recoiled in alarm when she saw my movement and ducked behind the tea table. The maid named Chun Tian immediately stood between us, angrily shouting, "What are you doing! You can’t act presumptuously in broad daylight! Believe it or not, I’ll tell the Master and have him have you arrested at the county yamen for a little trouble!"

Cheng Susu peeked out from behind Chun Tian. "Don't come any closer. I just have some things I don't understand and wanted to ask you."

Even though I’d hit my head, I couldn't figure out what was going on, but I felt awkward attempting to hug Cheng Susu in front of this young maid. So, I said, "Susu, I finally found you. Where are Qingqing, Jingjing, Yunyao, Zhou Ni, and the other seven?"

"Susu? Are you referring to me? Qingqing? Who are Zhou Ni and the others? I have so many things I don't understand. If you know, can you tell me everything?"

Thud. This time, I truly fainted onto the floor. By the voice, it was absolutely Cheng Susu. She was speaking standard Mandarin to me—that couldn't be faked. But just to be safe, I forced my eyes open and scrutinized the woman before me. Setting aside how similar her face was, her chest was her unique trademark; how could anyone fake that?

Cheng Susu wore a local woman's voluminous robe, which, being far too loose, she had cinched with a sash just beneath her breasts, perfectly highlighting her full bosom and slender waist. It was no wonder that Old Man Jiu of the melon-rind hat had spoken of binding the chest with rope; this was precisely the manner of it. But such a delicate silk ribbon was enough to ignite a man's desire, bringing back memories of their many past games, and for a moment, my own composure began to waver.

I inhaled deeply. Mingled with the fragrant natural scent was the unmistakable musk of a woman’s full breasts—it could only be Cheng Susu. I would stake my life on it. Ever since their eight-person vessel was lost, I have replayed every moment I spent with them, remembering details down to the precise count of their body hairs!

“Susu, I am Zhao Qian. I am your husband, Zhao Qian. You eight got caught in a wormhole on your return from Mars and were lost. I have gone through hell and high water to find you,” I said in Mandarin.

“Zhao Qian? That name sounds familiar, but I simply cannot place it. Am I married? Do you know my past? So, I was called Susu?” Cheng Susu’s bright eyes held a faint melancholy, the usually vibrant depths now clouded with utter confusion.

I was so stunned I couldn't speak. After a long silence, I finally gathered the courage. “Susu, what’s wrong? Have you forgotten everything from before?”

Cheng Susu signaled for Chuntian to leave; in truth, her presence was useless here, as she understood none of our conversation. Cheng Susu then motioned for me to sit properly before saying to me, “Perhaps I shouldn’t trust you, but you are the only one here who speaks that language I understand. You claim to be my husband, but I have absolutely no recollection of it. Please, do not bring this up again. Right now, all I want to know is who I am. I awoke on a spacecraft, and when I saw a few escape pods descending toward this planet, I took one down here too. But I remember nothing of the time before I woke up. If you know, can you tell me?”

Cheng Susu had amnesia! The reason she agreed to meet me wasn't because she recognized me, but because of the letter I wrote to her in Mandarin!