"It's that silly child—she doesn't dare come over..." Luo Qi's eyes grew moist as she sighed softly. "From childhood until now, you siblings have hardly ever been apart. This time, you're going so far away. I'm afraid you won't see each other for a year or two. How could she bear it?"
"I understand." Li Mu Yang looked at the little girl's faintly trembling shoulders. His nose stung, and his voice grew choked as he said, "It won't be that long. I'll be back very soon. Didn't Sinian say so? Our school has Immortal Cranes that people can ride—when the time comes, I'll raise one too and fly back to see you every day. I'll eat breakfast at home before going to school."
Luo Qi smacked Li Mu Yang's shoulder. "Nonsense. How could you come back every day? The most important thing is to take care of your health and study hard. Don't let others look down on you."
"Mom, I will." Li Mu Yang nodded solemnly.
"Boarding now! Boarding now! If you don't get on, the ship's leaving!" the boatman in a short shirt shouted loudly from the deck.
This was a passenger ship. Aside from a few travelers and merchants heading to Tiandu, most of its passengers were students like Li Mu Yang, who were leaving for Tiandu to study.
When their children traveled far away, parents and friends came from all around to see them off.
Maple Forest Ferry was bustling beyond compare. Greetings, laughter, joking, and sobbing blended into one great chorus.
Li Mu Yang waved his hand. "Dad, Mom, go back. I'm getting on board."
"Mu Yang..." Luo Qi fought back her tears and released her son's hand. "You should have been able to live a better life. Your father and I simply didn't have