25 A Choice (2/2)

No. She couldn't let them end up like her mother and father. She'd make sure of it!

Declaring her determined promise in her mind she bobbed her head outwardly. Ju, who had been watching the girl from the beginning, tilted its head.

Ju hopped near the girl, nudging its feathered forehead on her palms.

Looking down Rin stared at the bird's large eyes. Giggling softly Rin pets Ju on the head.

”Don't worry, I'll naturally bring you with me.” She smiled reassuringly. ”As if I could willingly leave you behind, Ju!”

Ah...That's not what it was thinking…

Before it could back away, Rin had enthusiastically embraced the bird in her grasp - once more rubbing her plump cheek against its head aggressively.

…

The following day, Elder Feng would occasionally pop in to feed Rin her medicine every two countless hours to help her recover her bodies strength.

To willingly help the medicine activate more, she would ordinarily have to walk around for a few consistent minutes to exercise her muscles.

Once Rin stepped out of her tent, she would encounter the expressive eyes of various Bai soldiers staring at her with genuinely concerning warm smiles.

However, some would stare fiercely at her with what Rin could be seen as fear and respect.

Unsure why she enthusiastically received those gazes Rin decided to shake it off and continue walking humbly around the camp.

With Ju on her shoulder, she walked peacefully through the Bai training grounds, watching as few Bai soldiers pursued their training with clashing swords, some even running along the mountain pathway with bags of rocks on their shoulders and ankles.

The Bai army sure had intense training…

Suddenly capturing the sight of a familiar figure, a mischievous smile curls up on her lips.

Calmly making her way towards the armored towering figure, Rin stands beside him as the two were currently standing alongside one another.

With her hands behind her back, Rin looks up peeking a look at the tall man moreover known as General Guo.

”Do I call you Uncle Guo now?” Rin said.

”Pfff--”

General Guo suddenly began to cough violently his large hand concealing his mouth. He shifted his stern face down to look at the little girl standing beside him.

He had previously noticed the girl walking through the camp with the bird on her shoulder -including when she saw him and eagerly made her way near him.

However, he hadn't expected her to voice such bold words!

”No.” He spoke harshly.

”Oh,” Rin said with a pondering expression her head lowering softly. ”Then how about I call you grandpa as well?”

General Guo's entire being tensed, his body delicately flushing a rare shade of brilliant red as if he were forcibly holding in words filled with dreadful curses.

Intentionally trying to compose himself back to his calm collective self, he grips his hands into clenched fists, strategically placing them behind his back.

The two stood in breathless silence, Rin would occasionally look up at the General waiting eagerly for his official response.

Rin sighed finally thinking he wouldn't say anything and decided to walk away.

”Uncle Guo is fine.”

Genuinely surprised, Rin gently twisted her head in the man's direction only to witness him striding away. However, Rin could vaguely see the glowing tips of his ears tinted a shade of red.

Instantly seeing this Rin giggled softly before turning around while humming a light tune.