Chapter 63 – People I Want Beside Me
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As Han Yan walked over and picked Dong Hai up, Wei Fan stood there watching them.
His gaze lingered on them as they made their way toward the gate, his small shoulders slowly sinking as the distance between them grew.
He looked like someone had just taken away his beloved toy.
"Dong Hai!"
Dong Hai turned around.
Wei Fan waved.
"Come back soon!"
Dong Hai nodded.
"I will."
Only after Han Yan, Lin Xin and Dong Hai disappeared through the gate did Wei Fan slowly lower his hand.
He continued staring at the empty doorway.
Wei Jun walked over and patted his little head.
"Don’t worry. You’ll see him again."
Wei Fan nodded, but his expression remained gloomy.
"I know."
He paused.
"But I still don’t want him to leave."
Wei Jun smiled helplessly.
"You really like him that much?"
Wei Fan immediately nodded, his cheeks flushing a soft pink as a bright smile spread across his face.
"Mm-hm! Yes!"
He held his cheeks and turned around happily, his brown hair bouncing as his eyes sparkled with excitement.
There wasn’t even the slightest hesitation in his answer. He looked so pleased that it was obvious he had already made up his mind.
"He’s my Hai-Hai."
Wei Jun was stunned helplessly.
My Hai-Hai?
That little brat really had no shame. What kind of ridiculous name was that?
Judging by how tightly he was clinging to Dong Hai, it was clear there was no saving the situation anymore.
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The three of them walked along the village path, completely unaware of the dilemma weighing on Wei Jun’s mind as the afternoon breeze rustled the leaves overhead.
Han Yan carried Dong Hai in his arms while Lin Xin walked beside them, occasionally glancing at the little boy.
Dong Hai was unusually quiet.
His small face remained serious as he rested against Han Yan’s shoulder, his thoughts clearly occupied with something.
Lin Xin noticed and smiled.
"Dong Hai, are you thinking about Wei Fan?"
Dong Hai’s little body stiffened slightly.
He remained silent for a moment before giving a small nod.
"Yes."
Han Yan glanced at him with amusement.
"You seem rather reluctant to leave your new friend."
Dong Hai lowered his eyes.
"He said I should come back soon."
"And?"
"I promised."
His answer was simple and serious.
Han Yan couldn’t help smiling.
"A promise is indeed important."
Dong Hai nodded solemnly.
Lin Xin covered his mouth to hide a laugh.
"You’re only seven, yet you sound like an old man."
Dong Hai looked at him seriously.
"Promises shouldn’t be taken lightly."
Lin Xin’s smile widened.
"That is true."
Han Yan adjusted Dong Hai in his arms, making sure he was comfortable.
"Then we’ll visit again when we have the chance."
Dong Hai looked up at him.
"Really?"
"Really."
The little boy finally relaxed.
After a moment, he quietly asked,
"Can Wei Fan come to our house too?"
Lin Xin blinked before smiling.
"Of course he can."
Dong Hai sighed in relief.
"Then next time, I’ll show him around and introduce him to Fatty Fluffiten."
Han Yan chuckled at the thought. Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to have that cat babysit the children.
"So you’ve already decided what you’ll show him after all?"
Dong Hai nodded seriously but you could see the excitement on his face.
"Yes."
He paused.
"And I’ll show him the chicks."
Lin Xin laughed slightly.
"You really can’t wait to show him around, can you?"
Dong Hai didn’t answer.
But the faint redness appearing around his ears gave him away.
Han Yan and Lin Xin exchanged an amused glance.
The three continued walking beneath the fading evening sky.
After a while, Dong Hai rested his head more comfortably against Han Yan’s shoulder.
His eyelids gradually became heavier.
Lin Xin noticed and reached over to gently smooth his hair.
"Tired?"
Dong Hai shook his head.
"No."
But barely a moment later, he yawned.
Han Yan chuckled.
"That’s a very convincing answer."
Dong Hai’s cheeks puffed slightly.
"I’m not tired."
Lin Xin smiled.
"Of course you’re not."
Dong Hai stubbornly kept his eyes open for another few moments before finally letting them close.
Han Yan lowered his voice.
"He’s already asleep."
Lin Xin looked at the peaceful little face resting against Han Yan.
"He must have had a good day."
Han Yan nodded.
"Yes."
His gaze drifted toward the birds soaring overhead.
"And it seems he has already made himself a little friend."
Lin Xin smiled at his words.
Han Yan couldn’t help but chuckle.
"Especially after that little marriage declaration."
Lin Xin’s eyes curved with amusement.
"Fan’er really is too cute."
The two continued along the village path, keeping their voices low so they wouldn’t disturb the sleeping child. By the time they reached home, Lin Xin let out a small sigh of relief and pushed open the wooden gate.
"We finally made it home."
The familiar sight of their courtyard greeted him, peaceful beneath the afternoon sky. Yet the first thing that caught his attention was not the house.
It was Zhi Zun.
The cat was sitting in the middle of the courtyard, his fluffy tail tapping lightly against the ground as he stared at them with an expression that seemed to say he had been waiting for them forever.
Han Yan glanced at it only briefly before completely ignoring the disgruntled cat.
"Xin’ger, I’ll take little Hai inside and put him to bed."
He gently adjusted the sleeping boy in his arms, making sure he was comfortable against his shoulder. Dong Hai barely stirred, completely worn out after spending the entire day outside.
Lin Xin smiled softly and nodded.
"Mm. Go ahead."
Han Yan gave him a gentle look before carrying Dong Hai toward the house.
Once they disappeared inside, Lin Xin let out a quiet breath and walked over to the rocking chair beneath the shade of the courtyard. He lowered himself into it, allowing the chair to sway gently beneath him.
He had barely settled down when a familiar pair of eyes fixed themselves on him.
Lin Xin looked over.
"What do you want, Zhi Zun?"
The cat responded with a slow, exaggerated yawn.
Lin Xin blinked before letting out a quiet laugh.
"You’re tired too?"
After spending the entire day out, Lin Xin was exhausted as well. Yet as he leaned back in the rocking chair, a small smile crept onto his lips when he thought about the day.
Despite being tired, he had really enjoyed spending time with Liu De.
The thought brought a smile to Lin Xin’s lips.
"You made friends already, huh?" Zhi Zun teased.
"Hmph! You’ve completely forgotten about this ancestor. Ever since you got yourself that husband who has led you astray, you don’t even have time for me anymore."
He flicked his tail dramatically before adding,
"Have I already been replaced?"
Lin Xin blinked, then his cheeks slowly turned pink.
"Who are you saying has led me astray?" he asked, trying to sound offended.
Zhi Zun merely flicked his tail, looking completely unapologetic.
Lin Xin reached down and scooped the cat into his arms, settling him comfortably against his chest. He gently stroked the soft fur on his back.
"What made you so grumpy, hmm?"
He paused, then deliberately added,
"Fatty Fluffiten?"
Zhi Zun’s ears immediately twitched.
"Hey! Don’t call me that!"
The cat’s expression darkened.
"That little brat, Dong Hai, really has terrible taste when it comes to names. Tch."
Lin Xin couldn’t hold back his laughter. He smiled as he gently stroked Zhi Zun’s back, his fingers moving through the soft fur.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
The courtyard was quiet.
The gentle creak of the rocking chair mixed with the faint rustling of leaves overhead, creating a peaceful atmosphere that made Lin Xin’s heart feel strangely light.
"Zhi Zun."
His voice was suddenly much softer.
The cat looked up at him.
Lin Xin lowered his gaze to the fluffy creature in his arms before slowly turning his eyes toward the sky.
"I really like it here."
Zhi Zun’s expression shifted slightly.
He had expected another complaint or perhaps another joke.
Instead, Lin Xin’s voice carried a quiet sadness that made him listen.
"I know what you’re going to say" Lin Xin murmured.
"You’ll probably tell me that I should still return to the Upper World and settle the things we left unfinished. That I should find those who plotted against us and make them answer for what they did."
His fingers continued moving gently through Zhi Zun’s fur.
"Maybe you’re right."
He paused.
"But what’s the point?"
A faint sadness appeared in his eyes.
"Grandmaster is still in deep seclusion. After everything that happened to us back then... there isn’t really any reason for me to rush back."
His voice grew quieter.
"Maybe I don’t want to go back."
Zhi Zun stared at him silently.
Lin Xin leaned his head against the back of the rocking chair.
"Before I met Yan’ge, I thought he was just... okay."
A tiny smile appeared.
"He was so cold toward me when we first met. And I didn’t even remember anything about my past life. I was timid back then."
He gave a small, embarrassed laugh.
"Maybe I’m still timid."
His gaze softened as he thought about Han Yan.
"But he’s different now."
Lin Xin’s lips curved upward.
"He’s so warm to me. He’s always kind. He takes care of me, worries about me and even bought me such beautiful clothes."
His cheeks slowly turned pink.
"I really like him."
The confession came out so naturally that Lin Xin seemed not to realize how lovestruck he sounded.
He suddenly buried half of his face against Zhi Zun’s fur, as though hiding from his own embarrassment.
Zhi Zun stared at him.
On any other day, the cat would have rolled his eyes at that foolish expression.
But today...
He simply let it slide.
After all, Lan Xin had spent far too long wandering alone.
If this simple happiness was what he wanted, then perhaps there was no reason to take it away from him.
Lin Xin suddenly tightened his arms around Zhi Zun and hugged him.
"I’m really happy you’re here too."
Zhi Zun froze.
"When I got my memories back, I was so surprised to find out you were here with me."
Lin Xin rubbed his cheek against the cat’s soft fur.
"So let’s just stay in the Lower World, okay?"
His voice was filled with quiet hope.
"With Yan’ge, little Hai... and you."
He suddenly brightened.
"Oh! I can even find you a wife!"
Zhi Zun’s entire body stiffened.
Before he could protest, Lin Xin continued enthusiastically.
"Wouldn’t that be nice? You could have someone to keep you company whenever I’m busy."
Zhi Zun narrowed his eyes.
Then, without warning, he stretched out one paw and smacked Lin Xin lightly on the cheek.
"Look at you."
His voice carried all the dignity of an ancestor who had been deeply offended.
"You’ve grown up enough to start finding a wife for this ancestor?"
Lin Xin rubbed his cheek, laughing.
Zhi Zun proudly lifted his chin, his fluffy tail swishing behind him.
"Tch. Not everyone can handle this ancestor’s magnificent beauty."
He paused dramatically.
"Finding someone worthy of me will be no easy task."
Lin Xin stared at him for a moment before breaking into helpless laughter.
"You really haven’t changed at all."
Zhi Zun snorted.
"And why should I?"
The rocking chair continued to sway gently beneath them.
Under the quiet afternoon sky, Lin Xin hugged the proud, ridiculous cat a little closer.
For the first time in a very long while, the thought of tomorrow did not frighten him.
There was no need to return to the past just yet.
He had a home.
He had people waiting for him and perhaps most importantly, he had finally found a place where his heart wanted to stay.
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