Some more days passed, and Liu Yun's reply arrived.
Li Ping'an handed the letter to Jiaze and gave him a few instructions.
As the matters in Wangjiao were gradually settled, the time to set out had come.
On the beach at Wangjiao.
Old Ox carried the little boat, making his way toward the sea step by step.
Orange Cat seemed to want to help too, stretching out little paws.
The cat jumped, but unfortunately could not reach high enough.
Old Ox casually scooped Orange Cat up as well and set the cat on the little boat.
He walked into the sea and lowered the boat into the water.
Phew~ all done!!
Then he sat in the little boat and rowed a circuit on the sea, making sure it was sturdy and reliable.
"Moo!!"
They could go now, Old Ox called.
Li Ping'an sat down in one corner of the boat and glanced back at Jiaze, who was watching them.
He waved with a faint smile. "Head back."
Jiaze's eyes grew wet, and he cupped his hands and bowed.
Orange Cat did not understand the meaning of parting and simply copied Jiaze.
The cat raised both paws and bowed to Jiaze.
But the cat lost balance and pitched headfirst down, knocking hard against the boat's planks.
That counted as a grand bow.
Li Ping'an smiled, gazing into the distance where sea and sky were one color.
As he watched that white cloud draw closer and closer, a smile touched his lips.
Orange Cat asked, "Isn't Jiaze coming with us?"
"No."
"Why?"
"Because everyone has things of their own to do."
"Then why can't we stay together?"
"Because in our lives, we'll meet many people... and cats. After spending a little time together,
"we each set off on our own paths again.