Chapter 1976


    In her nightmare, Willow was terrified and tightly clung to the man’s arm. In


    reality, she was also holding a man’s arm, and as her tiny face snuggled closer,


    she eventually fell asleep with her face resting against his arm.


    As the first ray of dawn poured in, Jasper was awoken by birds chirping. He was


    about to get up when his body sensed that one of his arms was being tightly


    embraced by someone. Hence, he turned his head to see Willow asleep with


    her face pressed against his biceps, where she was clinging to him like a clingy


    little cat. Despite the bright sunlight streaming in through the window, he noticed


    the girl’s face was as pure and translucent as a peeled egg, and it was smooth


    and tender, with every feature clearly visible and a stark contrast to his tanned


    skin.


    Then, he attempted to withdraw his arm, but the more he pulled, the tighter she


    clung to it in her sleep, as if she regarded his arm as a pillow. With a soft sigh,


    he continued to lie down to allow her to hold onto him a little longer, hoping she


    would release his armter. Half an hourter, he got out of bed after she


    flipped over and released her grip on his arm.


    Since they were staying in arge camper van with a water purification system,


    he took a bucket and went outside to collect water from a mountain spring.


    In contrast, upon turning over and touching the empty space beside her, Willow


    could not help but open her eyes. Where’s Jasper? Following this, she got out


    of bed, opened the door to the camper van, and realized how beautiful the


    forest, which had seemed so terrifying the night. before, was in the morning!


    Before her eyes was a lush green meadow filled with unfamiliar wildflowers and


    surrounded by towering trees, creating a tranquil and fragrant space filled with


    the sounds of birdsong. Each breath felt invigorating because the air was clean


    and rich in oxygen. ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Then, as she was about to stretchzily, she saw Jasper standing off in the


    distance, immobile, and she wondered if he had discovered something


    fascinating or intriguing there. Piqued by curiosity, she walked quietly in the


    direction of the man. Since the soft grass muffled her footsteps, he didn’t notice


    her even though she was only three feet away.


    Moreover, he was not particrly wary of his surroundings at the moment.


    Since he had previously set up surveince in the area, his wristwatch would


    trigger an rm whenever anyone came too close. On the other hand, he was


    the only one who knew what he was doing as he stood there.


    Suddenly, he heard Willow’s inquisitive and sweet voice behind him, asking,


    “Hey! What are you doing?” Instantaneously, Jasper became flustered as he


    pulled up his zipper with both hands, warning in a hoarse voice, “Don’te


    closer!”


    As she watched the man’s hands move quickly, she put two and two together


    and realized what was happening. Her face turned beet red with


    embarrassment, and she muttered an “oh” before turning around and running


    away. Oh, dear! He… He was peeing over there!


    Since an awkward incident had just urred, Willow’s face flushed so badly


    that she was literally bleeding with embarrassment. Even as she approached


    the camper van, her heart was still pounding erratically, and she calmed herself


    by iming that she hadn’t seen anything, so Jasper probably wouldn’t me


    her!


    While pondering, she noticed the man walking toward her from the tree nearby.


    Biting her lip, she mustered up some courage and repeatedly told herself not to


    feel embarrassed. Contrary to her expectations, he appeared even calmer than


    she did, and as he pointed beneath the tent, he informed her, “There’s water


    over there for you to wash up.”


    Willow nodded after hearing this and returned to the camper van to retrieve a


    new cup, toothbrush, and face towel for herself. She had experience with


    outdoor survival, so after quickly freshening up, she noticed Jasper preparing


    breakfast. Then, she sat down and asked him, “Do you need any help?”


    However, he responded indifferently, “No.” That was his usual tone when


    speaking to others, but she thought he sounded upset, and she couldn’t help


    but recall the incident where she had bothered him earlier.