Chapter 3, Bring a Jug of Jianghu Wine (Part 2)

Liu Xiu could only lower his head and play with his own fingers

It was a small grove, where, under the glow of the setting sun, one could see the silhouettes of birds dancing among the treetops

Liu Xiu nodded, anxiously biting his lower lip, looking at his brother with an expression of anticipation, not knowing where he would conjure up food from

Since leaving home, this is the first time he has been separated from his brother

Why have you not returned for such a long time

Liu Xiu gazed longingly at the horizon

The setting sun was almost entirely below the horizon, and in the tranquil woods, there was not a sound to be heard. In the small eyes of Liu Xiu, it seemed as if his brother had been swallowed by this vast and boundless forest.

Under the tree, Liu Xiu, who had been set down by Liu Yan, asked dejectedly

It seems that I will have to sleep by the roadside again tonight

Um ... ...

Brother, A-Xiu is hungry

Since there are trees, even if they are not large, there will certainly be bird nests to be found

Unfortunately, as the sun began to set in the west, Liu Yan still had not caught a glimpse of any sign of Chongling.

"There is none right now! However, A Xiu, please wait a moment, I will go get it right away." Liu Yan took off his long robe and draped it over Liu Xiu.

Liu Xiu on the back reached out with his small hand, grasped the long hair of Liu Yan, which flowed like a waterfall, and gently tugged at it

It is already noon on the fifth day of the journey. Liu Yan miscalculated the speed of traveling with his younger brother; what was originally estimated to be a three-day journey has yet to be completed even now.

Gradually, a trace of fear began to emerge in Liu Xiu's heart, and it spread little by little.

Liu Yan exaggeratedly clenched his fist with force and gestured in front of his younger brother, saying, "You must believe in your brother!"

In the distance, a small grove stood by the roadside. Liu Yan sighed and quickly quickened his pace

... ...

Will he ... ? ... find A Xiu too troublesome, and thus leave me here and walk away by himself

Liu Yan wiped the sweat from his forehead and gave his younger brother a gentle smile

There is no need to exert oneself, nor to contemplate the direction of progress. The sturdy back of the elder brother is like the earth itself, supporting his small body. All he needs to do is to comfortably embrace his brother's neck and be taken to that destination by him

Although I clearly know in my heart that my brother will be back soon, there is still some inexplicable fear

Although he remained obedient and did not utter a complaint, quietly lying on his back, the sound of his stomach growling, however, tugged at Liu Yan's heart repeatedly.

And behind him, his younger brother's stomach had already grumbled time and again

Liu Xiu let out a soft hum and rested her head on her brother's shoulder

Liu Xiu obediently followed his brother's instructions, sitting quietly under the big tree and watching his brother's tall figure gradually fade into the distance

Just now, Liu Yan had carefully looked around. In such a small grove, there would be no fierce beasts like wolves or leopards, and the pedestrians on the road were also quite sparse. As long as he was away for a moment, his younger brother should not be in any danger

The arduous journey, combined with a day without a single grain of rice, made Liu Yan's legs feel as heavy as if they were filled with lead

Is that true? Liu Xiu's eyes suddenly brightened.

Well... it doesn't matter, we will definitely be able to reach it tomorrow

It was already dusk, and the light in the forest naturally grew dimmer. Liu Yan walked slowly, trying his best to make no sound, while carefully listening with one ear attuned.

Of course it is true

Just hold on a little longer. It should not be far now. Liu Yan extended his hand and patted his younger brother on the back: When we arrive at Chongling, I will have Uncle Er prepare delicious food for A Xiu.

"Remember, do not run around, just stay here and wait for your brother to come back obediently." Liu Yan moved his arms a bit and reminded his younger brother several times before walking towards the small grove.

The sound of flapping wings came from ahead. Liu Yan's ears perked up, suppressing the excitement within, and he stealthily approached the front.

It was only after setting out on the road that Liu Yan realized the actual walking speed was much slower than he had estimated before leaving. Even though he had tried his best to conserve rations for his younger brother, the provisions he brought along were finally consumed entirely by this morning

The sun is gradually setting behind the mountains

Anyway, A Xiu has always been very well-behaved

From childhood to adulthood, Liu Yan has lost count of how many times he has played the trick of collecting bird eggs, having long since become adept at it. Even with just one or two soft flaps of wings, he can determine the direction and distance.

In fact, Liu Xiu often was not that tired. He simply preferred the feeling of lying on his brother's back rather than walking while holding his brother's hand.

Because my elder brother has said that I must honestly stay here and wait for his return

Good

Brother... could it be that you no longer want A Xiu...

The sun has finally set, darkness descends, enveloping this forest

Well... Liu Xiu sighed, blinked twice, swallowed, and said: "So... does that mean we have to wait until tomorrow to eat something?"

Brother, will you still not be able to make it today

Of course not! Liu Yan smiled as he ruffled his younger brother's hair, saying, "How could I let A Xiu go hungry?"

Wait, Ah Xiu, something will happen soon. I have eaten

A sudden sense of loss arose in my heart

Liu Yan parted the tall grass up to his waist and slowly made his way through the gaps between the trees