Farewell

However, Xu Mengqing quickly noticed that something was off. Na'er seemed a little different today.

Normally, the moment breakfast was ready, she would already be digging in. But today, she sat there in a daze.

This was far too unusual!

A bad feeling suddenly rose in his heart. Could it be that Na'er's memories had returned?

"Na'er, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Xu Mengqing asked tentatively.

Meng Ling'er and Xu Zhan also looked at Na'er with concern. They could both sense that Na'er was unhappy today.

Na'er forced a smile and shook her head. "Brother, I'm fine."

Seeing Na'er's somewhat strained smile, Xu Mengqing could not help feeling a flash of loss.

Going by the original timeline, Na'er was supposed to regain her memories three years later. It was not impossible for her to have recovered them now.

Every little moment from the past three years flooded his mind. He had played and frolicked with Na'er in the courtyard, planted Blue Silver Grass with her by hand, shared little snacks with her, and spent countless ordinary yet warm days and nights together. He had long prepared himself for this, knowing that the day of parting would eventually come. But now that it was truly so close, he realized that he was nowhere near as composed as he had imagined. Deep down, he did not want to face this farewell at all.

Xu Mengqing took a deep breath and suppressed the bitterness in his heart—at least she was still here now. He would cherish their remaining time together.

Over the next few days, the time Xu Mengqing spent with Na'er seemed especially long. Na'er also grew increasingly clingy, as though she wanted to turn the coming separation into the warmth of their close companionship now.

The footsteps of farewell quietly drew near, and a lingering reluctance gradually spread through the air.

That afternoon,

School let out especially early today. Tang Wulin greeted Xu Mengqing and left first; he was going to Mang Tian's place to forge.

Xu Mengqing headed to another classroom instead. Na'er was still in class.

Before long, the bell rang, and the students streamed out of the classroom in groups of two or three.

Xu Mengqing saw Na'er walk out with her head lowered, as though she were pondering something.

"Na'er, over here."

Na'er looked up at him and slowly walked over. A strange light shone in her clear purple eyes. "Brother, can you go play by the sea with me first? Let's go home late today."

Xu Mengqing's heart sank, but he forced a smile. "Since Na'er has asked, let's go take a look at the seaside first."

Aolai City was called a city, but it was actually just a somewhat larger village town. There were no city walls, and the school was very close to the sea.

Along the way, Xu Mengqing had no idea what to say. The two walked to the beach in silence.

By the sea at dusk, twilight slowly dyed the sky inch by inch. The sun hung above the western horizon, and the orange-red glow spilled across the sea, shattering into countless dancing scales that flickered with the rising and falling waves.

Facing the sea, Na'er remained silent for a long time.

Watching Na'er, who seemed deeply captivated by the magnificent scenery, Xu Mengqing spoke first. "Na'er, is there something you want to tell me?"

Perhaps not expecting Xu Mengqing to ask such a question, Na'er turned to look at him in surprise. Then she nodded and slowly said,

"Brother, if I leave one day, will you miss me?"

Na'er raised her head, her purple eyes taking on a beautiful color beneath the light of the setting sun.

Xu Mengqing did not answer her question. He turned toward the sea, fell silent for a moment, then said, "Na'er, you remembered your past, didn't you?"

Without waiting for Na'er to answer, Xu Mengqing continued, "Your family is coming to take you away, right?"

"Y-you already knew?" Na'er panicked slightly, her hands waving helplessly in the air, not knowing where to put them. She had originally planned to leave without saying goodbye, but Xu Mengqing had exposed her.

After another stretch of silence, Na'er suddenly grabbed Xu Mengqing's hand. Her eyes misted over as she said to him, "Brother, yes. I remembered who I am. I carry the expectations of many people, and there are very important things I must do. So I have to leave."

Looking at Na'er before him, Xu Mengqing suddenly felt an urge—an urge not to let her leave.

But he knew he could not do that!

Xu Mengqing shut his eyes tightly and pulled Na'er into his arms with his right hand. He said softly, "Go. But Na'er, remember this: no matter what difficulties you face, you can always come back here. This will always be your home. Dad and Mom will be waiting for you to return."

"Mmm..." Na'er gently rested her chin on Xu Mengqing's shoulder. She could no longer hold back her tears, and they slowly slid down her cheeks, soaking his clothes. She could only murmur softly, too choked with sobs to form a complete sentence.

Xu Mengqing gently raised his hand and tenderly wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes with his fingertips. "All right, Na'er, don't cry. If you keep crying, our Na'er won't be pretty anymore."

Na'er sniffled and nodded lightly. Her little body trembled slightly, but she still could not help choking out, "Brother, c-can you close your eyes? I have something to give you."

"Okay." Xu Mengqing agreed gently without the slightest hesitation.

Na'er slowly rose from his arms and composed herself. Xu Mengqing obediently nodded and slowly closed his eyes. Every sound around him became clear—the sound of the sea breeze, the sound of the waves, and Na'er's soft breathing.

The next moment, he felt a cool, soft little hand gently lift something warm and faintly fragrant, then slowly place it around his neck. It rested against his skin, bringing a warm sensation.

"All right, Brother. You can open your eyes now."

Xu Mengqing opened his eyes and saw that a small silver pendant now hung around his neck.

It was a silver gemstone, carved into a smooth shape while retaining crisp edges. It was strung on a slender silver cord and rested against his skin with a faintly cool touch.

Most wondrous of all was the gemstone's interior, where indistinct streams of seven-colored light flowed like fine rainbow glow sealed within it, flickering gently with each breath. This color alone was enough to prove that it was no ordinary object—its value was beyond measure.

"This is..." Xu Mengqing's fingertips trembled slightly as an indescribable warmth rose in his heart.

Na'er stood before him. Unfallen tears still clung to her purple eyes, yet she tried hard to put on a brilliant smile. Her voice was choked with emotion, but incomparably earnest.

"Brother, Na'er made it herself."

"When Na'er isn't around in the future, let it help you."

The golden glow of the sunset fell over them both, making Na'er's figure seem especially sacred in the twilight.

Xu Mengqing clenched the pendant.

"And, Brother, thank Dad and Mom for me. Thank them for taking care of me all these years."

As she spoke, Na'er hugged Xu Mengqing again before the two finally separated.

"Goodbye, Brother!" With that, Na'er headed in one direction.

Xu Mengqing looked over and saw several figures in black standing vaguely in the darkness. He could not make out their genders, but he could clearly sense their presence. A vehicle seemed to be parked behind them.

Without a doubt, they were Di Tian and the other remaining land Spirit Beasts, once among the Ten Great Fierce Beasts.

"Goodbye, Na'er!"