Parting Ways

Xu Ye shuddered all over, then closed his eyes.

Only after the time it took to draw three or five breaths did he slowly open them again.

Those eyes, usually so carefree and unruly, rarely held such solemnity.

He turned to Shen Hui. After a breath of silence, he said:

"Brother Shen, the elders at home have sent word, urging me to return."

Shen Hui looked at him and asked:

"Is something urgent?"

Xu Ye shook his head.

"They didn't say. Only that I must set out at once."

As he spoke, he resumed that cheeky, grinning look.

"Looks like I won't be able to keep traveling ahead with you this time."

Shen Hui nodded at this and cupped his hands.

"Since you have pressing matters, hurry back. We have been indebted to your care along the way. Until we meet again."

Xu Ye grinned.

"What are you saying, Brother Shen? Clearly, you were the one taking care of me all this way."

After saying that, he crouched and vigorously ruffled Lu Huan's hair.

"Little girl, next time we meet, I'll take you rabbit-catching again."

Lu Huan did not dodge. She merely tipped her head back and smiled, then said seriously:

"Be careful on the road. Oh, and don't forget Shen Hui's things."

Xu Ye froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.

He rose to his feet and cupped his hands toward Shen Hui.

"Brother Shen, until we meet again."

Shen Hui likewise cupped his hands. "Until we meet again."

Xu Ye turned and walked to the cliff's edge. He drew a deep breath, then stomped down hard.

He shot out like an arrow loosed from the bow, turning into a dark shadow as he leaped from the cliff.

"Woohoo—!"

A long, unrestrained howl echoed through the valley.

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