Chapter 531

As Benedict spoke, he realized Lily was only teasing him. He glared at her gloomily, removed his backpack, and handed it to her. "This is for you!"

Lily was startled. "What is it?"

"It's what you want!" Benedict said.

Lily took the backpack; its weight surprised her. It nearly slipped from her grasp. She quickly secured it with both hands, weighed it, and looked at him again. "Can I open it?"

"I told you it's for you. It's up to you whether or not you open it," Benedict said, looking awkward.

Lily smiled, slightly unzipped the backpack, and peered inside. A large piece of wood, packed in a bag, filled the space. No wonder it was so heavy. A faint, elegant, and memorable scent emanated from it. It was what Lily had been searching for, and her surprise was evident. "Didn't you say you didn't have any more?"

"It's true," Benedict said, shoving his hands into his pockets. He raised his chin, avoiding eye contact with the backpack, seemingly worried he might change his mind. "This is all that's left."

The backpack was heavy, but Lily held it joyfully. "You're willing to give this to me? Don't you want to keep it to carve something?"

"Ah, it's pointless," Benedict said, his eyes drooping in defeat. "Why is it pointless? You've preserved this quite well. Are you sure you don't want it?" Lily probed gently.

Benedict grew impatient. "Hey, why all the questions? Just take it if you want it. If you don't, I'll take it back," he said, reaching for the backpack.

Lily quickly stepped aside. "Of course I want it! When did I say I didn't? If you're giving it to me, I'll take it."

Benedict's hand paused mid-air for two seconds before retracting. He looked slightly disappointed.

"Hey, come on. You're the eldest son of the Tanner family. You have everything. Why are you fighting with me over this?" Although Benedict had said the wood was rare, Lily thought obtaining more shouldn't be difficult for him.

"There's no more," Benedict said, shaking his head and sighing softly. "There won't be anymore. I will never touch wood carving again." He stared blankly ahead. Lily noticed the visible calluses on his palms. People who frequently handled chisels and wood displayed such markings, often including wounds.

She sensed his lingering passion for the craft. Their previous encounter at the roadside woodcarving shop had revealed his enjoyment of the work. His declaration that he would never carve again was perplexing.

"Why?" Lily thought he must have a reason, but she hesitated to pry. She asked casually, "Why?" As expected, he didn't answer directly. "I heard you're getting married soon, so take this as my wedding gift."

"A wedding gift?" Lily scrunched her nose. "That's too stingy of you! The esteemed eldest son of the Tanner family only sent me a small backpack of wood as a wedding gift? There should at least be a truckload!"

"Do you want it or not? I can take it back!" He reached for it again. Lily took two steps back. "Don't even think about it!"