"Second Brother, are we really leaving?"
On the way home, Little Shi's mood suddenly sank, and none of his earlier excitement remained.
"You don't want to go?"
"No. Wherever Second Brother goes, I'll go too. I just don't want to part with Xiu Ge'er. We agreed to build snowmen together in winter, but it hasn't even snowed yet!"
When the two of them fled to Black Mountain County, it had only just entered autumn. Now it was merely the winter solstice; there would still be some time before snow came.
Zhong Lin rubbed Little Shi's head and said nothing more. He did not know how to comfort him either.
"We'll come back someday. There'll be plenty of chances."
"Mm."
Beyond offering Little Shi a reluctant bit of comfort, Zhong Lin had no other solution.
The three days passed quickly. Zhong Lin spent most of his time practicing at home. He had few friends to bid farewell to; the only people he knew well were Old Man Xu and Old Zhou.
This day, Zhong Lin packed his things and took Little Shi's hand in his left as they headed toward the County Yamen.
"Greetings, Master Yin."
Zhong Lin bowed respectfully.
Little Shi hid behind Zhong Lin as well and timidly called out.
"Hello, Grandfather."
Master Yin nodded without saying much. Mei Weixuan, however, said with a beaming smile, "Brother Zhong, is this your little brother? What a sturdy little lad. Come, call me Brother."
"Hello, Brother."
Little Shi called out sweetly.
"Good boy, take this. It's for you."
The smile on Mei Weixuan's face grew broader as he untied the Jade Pendant from his waist and handed it to Little Shi.
Little Shi did not take it, instead looking toward Zhong Lin.
"It's too valuable."
Zhong Lin waved it away. The