On the day of Han Shun's birthday, Bai Shijue came with a horse carriage, like a normal human. He brought a box full of food and clothing for Han Shun since the kid was 13 years old.
He arrived early morning in the garrison and was greeted with the sight of General Fei waiting for him at the gate.
The carriage stopped in front of General Fei, and Bai Shijue came out.
He was wearing a bright white robe today, he was like an immortal, and his beauty was indeed out of this realm. Like gentle sunshine, Bai Shijue smiled at General Fei and bowed his head slightly, "Good morning, General."
"Ah…" General Fei was dazed for a while. He shook his head to collect himself and smiled awkwardly, "G—Good morning, Young Master Bai. You're here to meet with that kid, right?"
"Yes, today is his birthday, and I want to give him all the foods he has been craving, also giving him new clothes since he had grown up a lot since the last time," Bai Shijue replied.
"Then, you must've known about the duel," General Fei said. He didn't try to cover anything for Bai Shijue, knowing that Bai Shijue should know as Han Shun's benefactor.
Bai Shijue nodded, "I think we should talk about this in private."
General Fei led Bai Shijue to his courtyard, and they sat face to face while the maid served them tea.
"General Han Shun also told me once that he wants to challenge you on a duel. But I just didn't expect you to accept it," Bai Shijue said. He sighed full of pity, "He is just a very willful 13 years old kid. You shouldn't go too harsh on him. I'm afraid that you will crush his ego."
General Fei shook his head and sipped the tea, "Young Master Bai, you underestimated Han Shun's skill. He might only be 13 years old, but he can defeat all the adult soldiers in the barrack right now. He is also the only one who could stand toe-to-toe with me, even though it was only for five minutes."
"He will be a great warrior in the future," General Fei said.
"I know that he will be a great warrior in the future. But he is still 13 years old. General Fei… can you go easy on him?" Bai Shijue asked.
"I cannot, Young Master Bai. I'm so sorry, but this is the only request from you that I have to refuse," General Fei said. "Because there is a bet in this duel."
"A bet?"
"Yes, once in a lifetime bet. If he won the duel, then I will have to let you go and never pester you around anymore. I will have to bury the deep feeling that I had for you, including the dream of marrying you, Bai Shijue," General Fei said, then his gaze darkened. "But if he lost, then he will have to accept our marriage, and he will be no longer be able to follow you anywhere."
Bai Yunyu's eyes widened as he got this new information. He was never informed by Han Shun about the stake, and this was such a big thing.
[Bro, this is literally a very risky bet! Why would Han Shun do this?!]
[Pupa: Probably because he doesn't like how General Fei keeps on courting you for love.]
[I already told him that I have no feeling for General Fei, right?]
[Pupa: A kid like him has a deep insecurity.]
"Why didn't you tell me first about this?"
"It's not my responsibility to tell you about it since Han Shun is the one who initiated the bet," General Fei said. "I think you should talk to him if you want him to step off and give up before we fight when the sun is right on top of our head, a few hours from now."
**
Bai Shijue entered the soldier camp, escorted by General Fei by his side. He went straight to the barrack where Han Shun lived and saw the young man had just finished his breakfast.
Han Shun's cold gaze brightened instantly when he saw Bai Gege come to visit him. He rushed to Bai Gege, ignoring General Fei standing beside Bai Gege. He was confident that he would be able to defeat General Fei anyway.
This would be the last time General Fei would be able to see Bai Gege because after this, he would be the only one that could stay around Bai Gege's side.
"Bai Gege! Why don't you tell me that you will be here—"
Bai Shijue grabbed Han Shun's hand and dragged him out of the barrack. He dragged the young man to a deep wood far from the soldier camp and finally released him after making sure nobody was around.
He stared at Han Shun with displeased gaze, but the young man didn't seem to be scared nor feeling guilty. He still had a smile plastered on his face and asked, "Bai Gege, why are you here so early?"
"That's not important. What's important right now is what you did, Han Shun."
"Eh? What did I do, Gege?"
"What kind of bet you make with General Fei? Do you know strong General Fei is?!" Bai Shijue raised his voice. For the first time in his life with Han Shun, he ever raised his voice to the young man. But he just couldn't help it because Han Shun was being so willful and arrogant right now.
"Ah, Bai Gege, you don't need to worry about that. I am strong enough to fight him!" Han Shun said lightly. "Besides, you are the one who said that you don't like him, right? I will help you to get rid of him, so he won't bother you anymore!"
"Do you really think you can beat him?! Han Shun, he is one of the strongest warriors from the capital! He can single-handedly defeat the barbarian king effortlessly!"
"Bai Gege, you shouldn't be panicked, just trust me, okay? I will defeat him without breaking a sweat—"
"HAN SHUN!"