### Chapter 37: Panicked Escape, Wilderness Valley - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

### Chapter 37: Panicked Escape, Wilderness Valley Watching the scene where Guo Lin seemed to enjoy being slapped, Su Mo was a bit surprised. Well, that was unexpected. This girl seems to have some masochistic tendencies. Looks like in future scenarios, when similar choices arise, I'll need to lean toward the sadistic option. It's also a good chance to vent my own frustrations! … [You and Guo Lin manage to escape successfully, retracing your steps from memory.] [However, due to Guo Lin's prolonged hunger, her body is fragile and can't withstand long periods of running. She soon collapses, unable to get up.] [Lying on the ground, you listen intently and hear the distant sound of hooves. The bandits have discovered your escape and are now in pursuit.] [Seeing no other choice, you scoop up Guo Lin and roll into the roadside bushes.] [Neither of you dares make a sound until you see the bandits ride away in discomfort.] [Just as you're about to continue with Guo Lin, the bandits double back, peering around suspiciously.] "That kid couldn't have gone far. Keep your eyes peeled!" "Damn that Su Mo, poisoning us so badly we're crapping our guts out!" "Who would have thought this kid was planning so much all these days?" "I thought he genuinely wanted to join us." "Black Wind King said, if Su Mo leaks his whereabouts, we'll all be in deep trouble!" "Enough talking, let’s keep searching!" [Guo Lin, terrified by this scene, starts to breathe heavily, and you quickly cover her mouth.] [She stares at you with big eyes, still upset about losing her first kiss to you.] [Perhaps due to a stroke of luck, the bandits fail to find you both, and it's only when night falls that they give up their search.] [As you're about to leave with Guo Lin, you find that she's fainted without you knowing.] [You’re not very strong, and carrying Guo Lin, who weighs over ninety pounds, significantly slows you down.] [In your haste and lack of direction, you inadvertently fall into a river with Guo Lin.] [Your swimming skills are good, but with Guo Lin on your back, you can't control the direction and can only go with the flow.] [The next day, when you wake up on a riverside, you realize you and Guo Lin have been washed to an unknown location.] [The surroundings are barren, and ahead lies a deserted-looking valley.] [Uncertain of your whereabouts, you proceed to look for Guo Lin who also got washed ashore nearby.] [Now, Guo Lin’s complexion is pale and lifeless from being in the water all night.] [Seeing this, you decide to gather some dry wood from the valley and use the friction method to make a fire.] [The roaring flames gradually bring Guo Lin around. Seeing the unfamiliar environment, she seems unsure, but upon seeing you, she feels a bit relieved. Subconsciously, she trusts you.] [Despite being the daughter of a general, she still views you as a subordinate.] [She still holds a grudge over her stolen first kiss.] "Go find me something to eat, I’m starving." [Hearing her demand makes you a bit irritated.] [At this point, you decide?] [Option One: Turn your back on Guo Lin and let her fend for herself.] [Option Two: Comply with Guo Lin's request, search for food in the valley, and tend to her needs.] [Option Three: Throw Guo Lin back into the river.] … "Hmm, interesting." Faced with these sudden options, Su Mo was a bit taken aback. Given the current circumstances, it seemed he’d be spending quite a bit of time alone with Guo Lin from now on. The third option—throwing her back into the river—was immediately dismissed by Su Mo. What’s a simulated life without female company? Playing alone in the valley? Not a chance. As for the second option, Su Mo wouldn’t choose it either. Picking that would make him no different from a servant. So, Su Mo opted for the first choice. Time to teach Guo Lin a lesson. [You chose the first option: Turn your back on Guo Lin and let her fend for herself.] [After hearing Guo Lin’s order, you sternly warn her.] "I'm no longer your servant, and you're not the general's second daughter here. Who do you think you are?" "And who do you think I am!" [With that, you turn and leave without looking back.] [Guo Lin tries to muster some sharp words to retort.] [But as she watches you actually walk away, panic rises within her, because she knows she cannot survive in this wilderness on her own.] [But her stubborn pride kept her silent, unable to call you back.] [After leaving, you explore the valley ahead, seeking anything edible.] [Soon, on a large stone, you discover a basin-like natural spring.] [The spring is marvelous.] [After draining the spring dry, it fills up again after a short while, brimming with fresh water once more.] [You marvel at nature’s craftsmanship.] [Relying on your culinary instincts, you begin foraging through the valley for food.] [You quickly gather some wild vegetables, starchy plant roots, some fruits, and find a wild walnut tree.] [Even though the wild walnuts are small, their abundance allows you to enjoy a protein-rich meal.] [Additionally, you catch a fair amount of grasshoppers in the valley.] [Skewering them on branches and roasting them makes for a delectable snack.] [Once sated, you start constructing a shelter using logs, branches, and leaves.] [After a day of hard work, you fashion a simple shelter, resolving your sleeping arrangements for the time being.] [The next morning, you craft a spear, aiming to catch some fish in the nearby river.] [Perhaps due to the absence of humans and fishermen, you catch an abundance of plump fish, planning to make bamboo-roasted fish.] [Soon, the aroma of fish mingling with bamboo wafts through the valley, courtesy of your excellent culinary skills.] [As you're about to feast, you spot a slender figure under a distant tree.] [Guo Lin stands there, gazing longingly at you. Her skin glows in the sunlight, but her frail frame resembles that of a leaf.] [Her emaciated fingers lightly brush her hair, emanating a cold and fragile aura.] [At this moment, you choose:] [Option One: Ignore Guo Lin and focus on enjoying your meal.] [Option Two: Toss your roasted walnuts to her, ensuring she doesn’t starve.] [Option Three: Invite Guo Lin over to share the meal with you.] … Considering the options, Su Mo found interest peaking. Option one... Better not choose that. If Guo Lin were to starve to death, there’d be no fun left. Option two seemed viable. A few days of hunger wouldn’t change Guo Lin’s temperament; time needs to stretch longer for real change. As for option three, Su Mo refused to entertain it. Guo Lin’s nothing but a brat. Once fed, she’d surely become bossy, ordering him around again. [You chose the second option.] [You wrap roasted wild walnuts in leaves and throw them to Guo Lin. She picks them up, hungrily devours them, but they don't last long, and she looks expectantly at the roasted fish.] [You ignore her gaze and focus on finishing the fish yourself.] [Guo Lin swallows and her eyes flicker with a hint of pleading.] "Su Mo, please give me some fish. When we get back, I'll make sure my mother rewards you." [Upon hearing her offer, you take off your dirty clothes and hold them out.] "You can eat, but wash and dry my clothes first!" [Guo Lin’s eyes widen in disbelief at your demand.] [She never imagined you would treat her like a maid. In her world, laundry is a chore for servants only.] [Stubbornly, she turns to leave.] [Witnessing this, your heart remains calm, just acknowledging that Guo Lin’s pampered attitude needs more tempering.] [When night falls, as you prepare to eat the leftover fish, Guo Lin approaches again, pitiful and lingering beneath the distant trees... ] (End of Chapter)