Chapter 10, the inevitable farewell

She and her mother have always been the ones to send him

"That's not true!" Youyou said angrily, "I can't bear to see Father leave!"

His eyes suddenly turned cold, and his expression became even colder. He did not retort any further, turning away and leaving her behind.

Yoyo bit her lip; she had said so many hurtful things to Cheng Yue, and he either expressed his disdain and mockery through his gaze or succinctly countered her, which made her furious. Yet, he had never looked at her with such a cold gaze. What she said was truly excessive

She always called him a little beggar out of jealousy towards Cheng Yueren. At that moment, when he turned away with a pale face, feigning stubbornness, she finally realized his desolation. She did not understand why Zhang Shichun would recommend him to Zhuhai, but it was certain that he and Zhang Shichun did not share a deep bond. He stayed in Zhuhai, and Zhang Shichun merely expressed great satisfaction before leaving without any delay, the closeness or distance... could not be feigned. He stayed in Zhuhai, and Zhang Shichun merely expressed great satisfaction before leaving without any delay, the closeness or distance... could not be feigned.

The next morning, a light drizzle fell, making the bamboo even more vividly green, as if it were dripping. Yoyo followed closely behind her father, her head slightly bowed, while the faint strands of rain brushed against her face, cool and causing her heart to flutter. The sky was dim, making the morning feel as heavy as dusk, and the humid air clung to her clothing, creating an inexplicable sense of annoyance.

I have apologized! she reminded him, tapping her foot

Watching that small leaf boat disappear into the bustling river, quickly engulfed by other vessels, she suddenly deeply understood her mother's sorrow. Smiling to send him off, the sadness was her own; crying as she left him behind, the pain belonged to her father

With a slight pout, the expression of a killer finally faded away, replaced by the face of a creditor who feels that everyone owes him money. She was pained to discover how accustomed she had become to his condescending demeanor, cold as ice, and now, upon seeing it, she felt an unexpected wave of familiarity.

Since then, she has also endured not crying when bidding farewell to her grandfather, and it has become a habit

She is a bit angry, and she is sincere! He cut off her hair without offering a single word of apology, and he cackled, saying that she willingly exchanged her hair with him, claiming he owes her nothing.

She also placed a piece in her mouth, a rare moment where they did not have to be at odds with each other, and she felt happy. ... Alas, how wonderful it would be if he could always be like this, not saying things that would infuriate her, instead of making her feel like a fool, but unfortunately ... . ... Cheng Yueren remains Cheng Yueren.

Driven by instinct, she was determined to confront him to the end, relentlessly trying to reclaim her father's burden from his shoulders. He seemingly nonchalantly raised his hand to deflect her, making it impossible for her to approach.

Hmm. He lowered his eyes and looked down at her for a moment, and finally spoke.

"Is it sweet?" When she smiled, her round eyes curved, and in her clear, distinct black-and-white eyes, what sparkled was not water, but honey. Perhaps it was her untainted sweetness and innocence that made him so jealous that he had to cut off her hair, just to destroy the carefree look in her eyes, just to take revenge for the disdain and contempt she showed when looking at him. ... Seeing her sad and crying, he ... . ... Almost immediately regretted it. Perhaps it was her untainted sweetness and innocence that made him so jealous that he had to cut off her hair, just to destroy the carefree look in her eyes, just to take revenge for the disdain and contempt she showed when looking at him. ... Seeing her sad and crying, he ... . ... Almost immediately regretted it

Only after following him did she realize that he walked very slowly, intentionally or unintentionally blocking the overly aggressive pedestrians coming towards them. Among so many people, so crowded, he never lost sight of her, especially just now when she was looking around and had not thought about finding him at all

The boat had been booked several days prior. Seeing her father and Yue Tianheng joyfully boarding the vessel, she felt an indescribable emotion within her. Each time her father embarked on a new journey, his face would be adorned with an expression of anticipation and exuberance, his eyes filled with curiosity and longing for the novel experiences that awaited him, as simple as a child.

It seems that the large package of sesame candy is indeed worth five wen, and the old woman skillfully wrapped it up without any objections. Cheng Yueren did not take it, and with a glance, the old woman stuffed the paper package into Youyou's hands

On market days in the small town, people from the surrounding villages, undeterred by the weather, gather to join the festivities, making the already narrow roads even more congested. Lost in the crowd, Youyou does not feel uncomfortable; looking around, everything is quite interesting.

Cheng Yueran, although a petty person among petty individuals, is indeed very perceptive. In front of her master and grandmaster, she often displays more insight than others. She is naturally suited for the role of a steward or attendant. Finally, she has the opportunity to enjoy herself, and her mood has improved.

"With everyone gone, who is there to cry for?" The person, who had suddenly become reticent, let out a cold snort and spoke.

This hint is too obvious. Youyou's dark grape-like eyes rolled around before she finally realized that gaining the upper hand over Cheng Yueren this time did not bring her any real advantage. Let him carry it, let him carry it. She then smirked slightly, took a few light steps to catch up with her father, and walked arm in arm with him.

The walk from the bamboo sea to the town is not short, and Youyou gradually felt the weight of the burden she was carrying. She wanted to throw it over her shoulder, but it was suddenly snatched away by Cheng Yueyan. "What are you doing?" She instinctively rolled her eyes at him, but he ignored her, not looking at her, and continued to walk silently with the burden on his back.

Hmm. He nodded.

She sniffed, and now she no longer has to hold back her tears and feel so miserable... Rather than her father being unhappy... She would still prefer to be sad herself. She also hopes that there exists a miraculous "Heavenly Artisan" in the world, rather than a gloomy and melancholic loving father

He dodged with a quick movement of his head

Yue Tianheng chuckled, "Master, don't be too pessimistic. If she can't get married, she can stay by your side for a lifetime."

After father passed away, mother, with tears in her eyes, told her that in the future, when father leaves, she should not cry, as it would burden his heart. He must leave eventually, so why not let him depart without any attachments

The Qin frog is renowned as a unique treasure of the bamboo sea, its call distant and reminiscent of the guqin. In the eyes of the leisurely observer, it is no different from an ordinary frog. On summer nights, its croaking is incessant, and tonight, it is particularly irksome

His heart softened, allowing her to feed the sesame candy into his mouth

Ah... ah... she shouted as she chased after him, realizing for the first time that she had never called his name

As she crossed the square of the small town, the crowd of vendors had thinned out. She hurried a few steps to keep pace beside him, carefully opening the paper bag as she walked, selecting the largest piece of sesame candy and holding it high next to his tightly pressed lips

Sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her father pack his belongings, tears welled up in her eyes, as she struggled to hold them back, her nose tingling with the effort. Perhaps the light was not bright enough, Xue Yunmu did not notice the glimmer of her tears, even though he was aware of his daughter's reluctance. Yet, he still had to leave. He truly was a drifting cloud across the sky, floating without roots.

Apologizing, she, who only reached his shoulders, solemnly lowered her head to admit her mistake, appearing even shorter.

An old woman sat between the stalls, not particularly eye-catching. Her large basket was placed on the ground, nearly causing Youyou to trip. Youyou caught a strong whiff of sweet sesame aroma; the bamboo basket, lined with white cloth, was filled to the brim with sesame candy pieces. ... She swallowed hard, her hand unconsciously reaching for the pouch at her waist ... . ... Feeling deflated, she realized that today she had come to visit her grandfather, yet she had forgotten to bring any money. She swallowed hard, her hand unconsciously reaching for the pouch at her waist ... . ... Feeling deflated, she realized that today she had come to visit her grandfather, yet she had forgotten to bring any money.

Reluctantly staring for a moment longer, she pouted her lips and prepared to leave

No. "Yoyo hugged the bundle tightly and turned around, saying, 'Please take it to the small town ahead, I will see you off to the ship.'"

"Cheng... Cheng Yue ran..." she called him softly, as if it were somewhat difficult to pronounce

Xue Yunmu, who was walking ahead, turned back and, feeling anxious, reluctantly admitted that his daughter was indeed not a shrewd person; she could not even discern between gaining an advantage and suffering a loss. He coughed softly, feeling somewhat dejected

Father's luggage was, as usual, simple. When she was a child, she would sit on a small stool by her mother's side, crying sorrowfully, not wanting her father to pack his bags, not wanting him to leave. Her father would simply bend down to pick her up, kiss her on the face, and say to her: Father has things he must do.

"Alright, let's stop here." As soon as they reached the mountain pass leading out of the bamboo sea, Xue Yunmu wanted to take back the bundle and send his daughter home.

"I want a large bag." The familiar voice of a public duck startled her, and she looked up in surprise. Cheng Yueren was handing five copper coins to the old woman without even asking the price

Holding onto her father's burden tightly, it felt as if by doing so, he would not leave her. As they made their way out of the bamboo forest, she hardly spoke a word. Even Yuetianheng, who usually felt uncomfortable if he did not tease her, walked silently, choosing not to provoke her. Out of courtesy, the ancestral master allowed Cheng Yueren to accompany them down the mountain. The Xue family's master and disciple no longer held the same level of disdain for him, yet their interactions remained far from harmonious, as if each person was on their own separate path.

After her mother passed away, there were people who mocked her, saying that she was a person without parents, which made her cry for a very long time. She understood that when people spoke to her like that, it brought an indescribable sorrow and loneliness to her heart. Having been hurt in such a way herself, how could she so carelessly hurt others, even if that other person was Cheng Yueren

Xue Yunmu sighed, then smiled nonchalantly, "What is the point? Even if we part ways after a thousand miles, we must eventually say goodbye"

Xue Yunmu's expression softened, "Child, you have grown up. In the future, when you get married, you will have to leave your father. You must learn to take care of yourself and not let others bully you." As she spoke, she cast a meaningful glance at Cheng Yueren.

Yue Tianheng, with a hint of disdain, remarked: "Master, haven't you realized yet? Your precious daughter is trying to take advantage of the opportunity to send you off to have some fun in town. It seems there is a market today, and if you return so early, you will surely be caught by the esteemed scholar Bian and have your palms smacked."

She stood on tiptoe with her sparkling eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering as she looked at him, her rosy little face sweet and stubborn... as beautiful and lovely as when he first saw her

Let's eat

Mother said it with a smile, yet her tone suddenly caused a sharp pain in the little girl's heart. She did not understand the deeper meaning of this statement, but she could still feel that Mother, in her love for Father, was enduring great hardship to support him.

Perhaps this sense of helplessness took root in her heart. When her father jokingly said that when she grew up, she should have Yue Tianheng as her husband, she immediately refused without a second thought. She did not want to be lonely like her mother.

Cheng Yueren's shoulders trembled slightly; he did not turn around or stop, yet his footsteps subtly slowed down.

Yue Tianheng! Youyou wanted to hit him in the face with a bundle, but he did not understand martial arts. However, his eyes were very agile. He leaped aside and quickly moved forward, saying, "Hurry up, hurry up, if we delay any longer, the boatman will be anxious waiting."

When mother passed away, father was also absent. Grandfather and uncle were filled with complaints, yet the dying mother comforted them instead. She clearly remembered mother saying: What can be done? The one I fell in love with was just like this.

Yoyo tightly grasped the sesame candy in her hand, and for some reason, she recalled the day they first met... He was a little beggar lost on the streets, well acquainted with the prices of these snacks; did he have any spare change to buy them back then

I cry because my heart is heavy! The frustration that has been building up for a long time was finally ignited by his words, "So you have no father, it's easy for you to speak so lightly."

The ill-mannered fellow accepted her formal apology yet still wore a sulky expression, not even uttering a single sound like "hm" or "hmpf" as he usually would.

She did not notice; she was just very happy to have finally caught up with him. If it were someone else, she would have grabbed their arm and shaken it, but instead, she pouted in a wronged manner and said, "I'm sorry." This was her secret weapon, which had proven to be highly effective over time, though it currently had little effect on Master Yun Shun. ... But for Cheng Yueren ...

"Let's eat together." No matter how one puts it, it was he who bought it for her, and she was not a person who would eat alone. She sadly realized that she was indeed someone who forgot the pain after the wound had healed; when she hated him, she hated him deeply, yet with just a little kindness from him, her aversion towards him would fade.