However, she now had to think of a way to figure out which mountain this was, how far it was from Shenjing, and whether there was any transportation at the foot of the mountain that would allow her to leave this place.
Otherwise, even if she escaped from the mountain, without any means of transportation to get away, it would be just as impossible to escape. There might even be more serious consequences.
But she couldn't figure out who exactly she had offended again?
Why would she get kidnapped just going out to eat?
The people yesterday had their faces covered so she hadn't been able to see clearly.
"You're still thinking about escaping? Let me tell you, no one who comes here can get away."
"Even if you make it out of these mountains, you won't get far. The vehicle that comes once a week to deliver supplies is the only one that comes here."
"If I were you, I'd just eat, drink and sleep peacefully. "
"When the time comes, you'll naturally be sent away. Don't make useless trouble, it tires me out too."
She was lost in thought when the Blind Old Woman walked in, carrying a bowl of porridge and a piece of freshly baked cornbread in her hand.
She spoke while putting the items down on the table and used a knife to cut Rong Dai loose from the ropes.
Rong Dai was slightly surprised that the Blind Old Woman wasn't worried she might harm her?
"My eye was stabbed blind by someone. She struggled fiercely so later I broke her legs."
"Don't waste your energy thinking about escaping. There are wolves and bears in these mountains. With your delicate arms and legs, if you go out you'll die."
The Blind Old Woman's one eye always gave people an eerie feeling, and she spoke coldly.
"I won't do that, but I want to know why I was brought here."
"If you happen to know, please be kind enough to tell me so I can at least die understanding why, and be smarter in my next life."
Rong Dai nodded gently, a faint smile appearing on her exquisite face, her voice clear and soft.
The Blind Old Woman was rather surprised by her attitude.
All the others brought here previously had woken up trying desperately to commit suicide or escape.
This little girl was unexpectedly calm.
"I don't know. My only duty is to keep watch over you, make sure you have enough to eat and drink, don't let you die or leave this place. When the time comes you'll be allowed to leave. Don't make useless trouble, it tires me out too."
The Blind Old Woman didn't forget her responsibility.
Rong Dai didn't feel particularly disappointed either. She hadn't expected the other party to explain everything in just a few sentences.
"Then I'll have to trouble you these next few days."
The faint smile still lingered on her face. She didn't look the least bit afraid.
Although surprised, the Blind Old Woman didn't dwell on it.
In her eyes, Rong Dai was just slightly more sensible than the others previously.
Wanting to escape was impossible.
So without another word she turned and left.
Rong Dai moved her somewhat numb hands and feet. Her wrists and ankles were bruised from being tied up, especially her injured ankle which now ached dully from being bound all night.
In just a little while, she felt some weakness.
She didn't know if it was a psychological reaction or her physical constitution, but the drugs had taken effect quite quickly it seemed.
The Blind Old Woman had probably estimated the timing. She came back in to clear up the bowls and plates, and seeing Rong Dai's worn out appearance, left without a word.
Rong Dai got up and walked out of the house. Only now did she see the endless mountain peaks, desolate and uninhabited.
No wonder the Blind Old Woman was so certain.
With these mountains stretching as far as the eye could see, without a familiar guide, it really would be impossible to find one's way out.
"Do you need any help?"
Seeing the Blind Old Woman washing the bowls separately after clearing up, she asked perfunctorily, while letting her gaze sweep over the surroundings.
"No need."
The Blind Old Woman answered coldly. Her movements were very adept as she quickly tidied everything up.
Then carrying a basket on her back and a long black bundle over her shoulder, she gave Rong Dai a look. "I'll be back tonight. Go ahead and run if you want."
Rong Dai: "......"
To be so casual about the important hostage, is this really okay?
But she didn't say any more, just nodded and sat down on the little stool outside the house.
"Here, take this. If anything comes close, kill it if you have to."
The Blind Old Woman tossed a chopping knife over. It landed by Rong Dai's feet.
Looking at the shiny knife, Rong Dai felt a little scared inside.
Who knew if this knife had been stained with some unspeakable blood before?
The Blind Old Woman paid her no more attention and disappeared into the woods with her basket.
Rong Dai didn't make any rash moves either. She just picked up the knife and leaned it against the door, sitting perfectly still on the stool staring at the mountains before her.
Based on the time yesterday, right now she should still be in Shenjing.
Otherwise, there was no way she could have fallen asleep so early on the heated brick bed last night. That is, unless she had been unconscious for a very long time, which was also possible.
All kinds of doubts rose in her mind, but physically weakened as she was, she didn't dare relax her vigilance for a moment.
After about fifteen minutes, she turned her head to look in the direction the Blind Old Woman had gone.
Then she went into the house to check the food stores and daily necessities.
Although the Blind Old Woman's hands were rough, she kept herself very clean. Some electrical appliances could also be seen in the house.
Rong Dai didn't know what the Blind Old Woman had gone up the mountain for, but that path definitely didn't lead down the mountain.
She inspected the food stores and found they were very well stocked.
It was clear preparations had been made well in advance. She circled around the house and picked a few stalks of medicinal herbs. After snapping off the roots and washing them clean, she put them in her mouth to chew. These were detoxification herbs.
Although the drug the Blind Old Woman had given her only induced weakness for the time being, prolonged exposure wouldn't be so simple.
She had to prepare for all eventualities. Since they dared kidnap her, they must know her identity.
What if they harbored malicious intentions? Wouldn't she just be waiting passively for death then?
With her mind made up, instead of anxious she felt eerily calm inside.
The Blind Old Woman returned at dusk. Her basket held two dead wild rabbits. Seeing Rong Dai was still there, she showed no surprise.
They had rabbit meat for dinner that night. This Blind Old Woman looked vicious but was actually quite a good cook.
Rong Dai ate heartily with no hesitation.
Meanwhile in the Huafu mountain city, Lu Nianzhi rushed to pound anxiously on their door after getting Huo Shao Ting's call.
But no one answered from inside the house. Lu Nianzhi's face instantly paled. She hurriedly called Lu Zheng.
Finding out Rong Dai hadn't returned to the Huo residence either, Lu Nianzhi's face turned white!
Yesterday she had run into an old acquaintance which led to some talk about the past. So she had let Rong Dai go on ahead alone.
But now Rong Dai was missing from home!
