77 Stay Alive Will You? (2/2)

”Your mother and father thought it was best you stayed with your aunt and uncle outside of the city for the time being, while they resolved some matters here,” Rin said as she covered the little girls head with her coat hood.

”Eh? Momma and Papa aren't coming?”

Unseen by the little girl, Rin's hand harshly clutched the rim of the girl's hood but quickly loosened it along with the wave of distress in her eyes.

”En.” Rin curtly spoke.

”Then, is pretty big brother coming with me?”

Eagerly, the little girl's round doe eyes looked up at Rin – a blinding radiance shining inside them.

The corner of Rin's lips twitch, however, she puts on a gentle, angelic smile.

”Unfortunately Miss Lixue, I won't be accompanying you. I have to stay here and help with some business.”

Listening to Rin's response, the little girl's plump, rosy cheeks puffed out and a pout displayed on her soft face.

Rin couldn't help but feel helpless watching her gaze – a trace of guilt surging in her heart.

”But I promise, whenever I can, I'll come and visit you.” Rin kindly smiled, her eyes warming up gradually.

Shocked, Lixue looks up into Rin's emerald eyes and beams brightly.

”En! You must promise Lixue, no take backs!” The little girl enthusiastically nodded her head.

Chuckling gently, Rin stretches her hand out to softly stroke the girl's bangs.

”En, I'll be certain to keep my promise.”

With the girl's mood finally being raised, she happily plopped her round body onto the furred blankets on the wooden carriage floor. Rin smiles lightly at the girl before a sudden thought enters her mind.

Placing two fingers by her mouth, Rin's releases a light yet sounding whistle into the air.

Lixue, confused by the sound, looks at Rin with a slanted head and interested gaze.

Suddenly, the sound of fluttering wings could be heard from above. Landing on Rin's outstretched arm was none other than Ju. Its beady, large eyes flickered as it looked at the cross-dressing girl.

A delicate expression etched on Rin's face as she lifted a dainty finger to caress the bird's flat, feathered head. Enjoying the sensation, the bird tucks its neck back and closes its eyes.

After she finished petting the small bird, Rin moves him toward the carriage entrance.

”Open your arms.”

Lixue's expression intensified even further after hearing Rin's words and as ordered, the little girl opened up her arms.

Rin lowers the falcon on her arm toward the furred blankets and Lixue's small lap. Casually, Ju flies down from Rin's arm and into the girl's lap.

Excited yet confused by Rin's actions, Lixue raises her doe dewy eyes upward.

”This will prove my promise to you. While I'm busy here, I'll have you take care of Ju in my stead.”

Widening her brown eyes, Lixue's eyes glow and she lowers her head to stare at Ju standing on her lap.

”En! I'll take good care of him for you pretty big brother!”

”In that case, I'll take your word for it.”

Beaming up broadly, Lixue gently pats the bird on the head, trying her best not to get overly excited and crush the bird.

Ju, already used to the little girl's pampering and smothering, disregards her and looks its beady eyes up toward Rin. Directing her gaze on Ju, Rin's eyes flash with a complicated glint.

”Take care of her. I'll see you again soon.” Rin said in a faint voice.

As if grasping her words, the small bird looks away from Rin and nestles up toward Lixue. Smiling gently once more, Rin walks away from Lixue toward Wei Jingyi, who was preparing for the horse to leave.

”Here are Ju's favorite treats. If he gets hungry give them to him.” Rin delivered the middle-aged man a small cloth bag.

Staring at the cloth bag in the girl's outstretched hand, Wei Jingyi sighs hopelessly before taking it and placing it in his pocket.

”You're even leaving your bird with her?”

”Just to ensure everything goes smoothly.” Rin smiled.

”Young Master, we both know the reason, no need to lie to me.”

The corner of Rin's lips remains lifted, but her eyebrows wrinkle and eyelids lowered.

”I guess I can't hide anything from you.” Rin scratched her cheek.

”Of course not. You were my disciple for two years.”

The corner of her mouth quirked up slightly toward his words. The two stare at one another in silence before Rin bowed and departed away.

”Young Master.”

Halting her steps, Rin proceeds to keep her back facing him.

”Stay alive will you?”

Turning her head upward, Rin releases a soft chuckle, her glimmering emerald eyes staring to the side.

”Don't worry, I don't plan to die yet.”

Rin's halted steps soon continue, the youthful figure disappearing from sight – leisurely walking toward her new and dangerous path.