Yu Xiaogang looked at Yu Yuanzhen, Flender, and Liu Erlong.
"Erlong, Flender, I know you're worried about me, but this place is bad for your health."
"And the academy still needs you to take care of things. You should head back first."
"I'll probably need to stay here for a while."
"Three months at the least, half a year at the most."
Liu Erlong stood a few steps away, the hem of her red dress trailing through the wet mud, coated with scattered leaves.
She looked at Yu Xiaogang's gaunt face. Her lips moved twice, as though she wanted to say something, but she swallowed it back.
She took a step forward, her hands clenched at her sides.
They had finally met again after more than twenty years, yet less than a day together had passed before they had to part once more.
She spoke, her voice dry and strained. "Xiaogang. You're staying here alone?"
Yu Xiaogang looked at her, his gaze softening.
"I won't be alone. Ye Lin will be here too."
Liu Erlong's gaze passed over Yu Xiaogang's shoulder and settled on Ye Lin.
She stepped forward and pulled Ye Lin into her arms. "Ye Lin, take good care of your teacher. Your teacher's wife is counting entirely on you."
Ye Lin nodded. "Don't worry. I will."
Liu Erlong looked at Yu Xiaogang, her eyes brimming with tears.
Yu Xiaogang stepped forward and embraced her, saying softly, "Erlong, I won't leave."
"If love endures, what need is there for days and nights together?"
Liu Erlong nodded and drew back from Yu Xiaogang's embrace.
She lifted her skirt, turned, and started toward the valley entrance.
Her steps were quicker than usual, the hem of her red dress fluttering sharply in the night wind.
Flender stepped forward and patted Yu