“Em…” Shi Yan nods, “Li En, when you get better, I know you will turn into a butterfly. We could go on adventures around the forest and see more things! You will be able to do the things that you said that you used to do!” 

Li En’s facial expression turned a tone darker. Her heart felt weak, as though it might stop any second. In a saddened voice, she asked, “Young Master, do you really wish to go outside?”  

The old woman was well aware of her bodily conditions. It was impossible for her to last much longer. It was impossible to fulfil this little darling’s wish… The realisation of Shi Yan’s own dream made her feel a panging sense of guilt to him. [I’ve always lied about my condition… I always said that I was alright… although it gave him comfort, in the end, the pain will return… Sorry Young Master, your servant has really made a mistake…] Li En’s gripped the side of her straw dress, away from Shi Yan’s view as she awaited for his response. 

“Li En, are you okay?” Noticing the old woman’s sudden change in attitude, Shi Yan started to worry. Instinctively, the old woman quickly masked her emotions again and spoke in a confused tone, “what do you mean?” 

Shi Yan was baffled for a moment but resumed, “oh… nothing…” The little boy’s voice suddenly became more energetic, “*hmmm…* I only want to go with you to see more places.” 

 “Don’t you like it here?” 

Shi Yan nods his head, “I like it here but… I get the feeling that there are more things we can do outside this place.” 

Li En’s face turned ashen for a split second, “Young Master, I’m afraid that you are being a little too optimistic." 

Shi Yan pouted, “Li En, you will get better! I will make sure you get better!” 

Li En forced out a smile. “Young Master, you are too kind…” 

*Em!* Shi Yan nodded and took his first bite. After he finished his first stick, Li En gave the little boy another stick, and another stick… finally, Shi Yan had to stop her “Li En, I’m full already…” 

The old woman shook her head, “Young Master there are still two more sticks. One of them is filled with mushrooms and you won’t get them unless you eat everything else.” 

*ehhhh* Shi Yan gave an unsatisfied sound but was quick to be silent as he accepted her conditions. He took another bite into the vegetable and gave Li En a pitiful face as though he had suffered the world’s worst punishment. However, being used to such tactics from Shi Yan, Li En was hardly fazed by this though that face made her have the urge to hug the boy. 

After finishing that stick, Li En gave Shi Yan another, “Li En, must I really eat two more sticks for the mushrooms?” 

Li En hesitated for a moment but her stance still remained firm, “Young Master, it’s good that you eat more and grow faster! You don’t have to worry about me. I will have enough for myself…” 

“But if I can’t finish, will you eat the rest?” Shi Yan asked with a low-spirited voice. 

“*Em!* Of course, we should not waste food but Young Master, at that point, I will be forcing myself to eat.” 

“Okay…” Shi Yan took more bites out of the vegetables on the stick till everything was all gone. When Li En gave him the last stick of vegetables, he ate it without any complaints. 

Looking at the boy eat so energetically made Li En overcome with joy. She merrily gave Shi Yan the prized stick filled with mushrooms, a delicacy that they can only enjoy when they are lucky enough. This was especially so for them living and foraging around this small area for a long time. 

Due to Li En’s poor health, they pair had never gotten far from their sheltered cave. At most, the old woman would travel for an hour before returning. Likewise, Shi Yan would stay even closer to the cave, afraid that something might happen to Li En. If the old woman were to shout, he wanted to be able to hear it. Meanwhile, his traps were placed in an area Li En would least visit due to the lack of vegetables there. Naturally, that would mean the boy would find it harder to catch an animal but his priority was to keep his achievement a surprise for the old woman. 

While the little boy ate, he could not help but be overcome by the softness and chewiness of the mushrooms. Each bite gave his teeth a fulfilled sensation wishing for more. The smooth texture seemed to easily caress his tongue, begging his mind for more. It did not take long for Shi Yan to take another mushroom to fulfill his craving. As he ate, his lips curved up into a radian and adorable smile, causing Li En to also slightly chuckle. [It’s always pleasing to see him eat like this] she thought as she took a stick of vegetables to snack on. However, after a minute, Li En was caught baffled as Shi Yan pointed the stick of mushrooms to her, “here, I’m full already.” 

“Young Master, do not hesitate to eat more. I can always find more mushrooms later.” Li En attempted to convince the boy. unfortunately, her voice was unheard as the boy repeated once again with a smile this time. “Li En, I really can't eat this anymore. You need to help me to finish.” 

Shi Yan jumped out of the flat stone and quickly grasp Li En’s hand. While the old woman was still caught in a daze, the little boy forced her wrinkled hand open and placed the stick with four mushrooms left in her hand. He immediately forces her to clasp the stick and spoke in a gentle tone, “Li En, you said this before, when you are sick, you need to eat. So you need to eat more!” 

Li En felt her entire head go numb as she tried to think of a rebuttal but knew that this child was simply too sly. Although she loved Shi Yan, dealing with this child was sometimes a little too much. Reluctantly, she gave a nod and spoke her terms, “Young Master, if I eat this will you promise me something?” 

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Em! What do you want?” Shi Yan’s eyes seemed to light up in anticipation. 

“If something were to happen to me, will you promise not to cry?” Li En spoke in a low-spirited voice. This was a topic she wished to avoid but as she felt herself weakening every single day, it was vital to talk about the matter. 

Shi Yan slightly tilted his head as he went forward and opened his arms. He dug his head into Li En’s bosom as his arms went around her body, “Li En… don’t speak like that. You are going to be okay! I will grow up faster to protect you!” 

The old woman patted the poor boy’s head, as she murmured, “Young Master, in this world there are no certainties. Who knows if we might get separated in the future?” 

“Li En, where are you going? Are you going to leave me?” Shi Yan looked up to the old woman’s face with red eyes. 

“Don’t be silly. I would never leave you if I have a choice.” Li En lowered her head to give Shi Yan a peck on the forehead. She caressed his head, wishing that she could truly stay with him forever.  

“Then stay! you don’t need to go anywhere!” Shi Yan quickly replied. 

Li En could feel bitterness on her tongue as she spoke, “Young Master, I-” but was interrupted by the boy. “Li En, I will promise I won't cry if something were to happen to you! You will get better! I will make sure you get better! So… please… don’t leave me alone…” the grip on his small hands got tighter as he spoke. Shi Yan’s eyes seemed about ready to cry but the boy restrains himself from doing so. 

“Young Master…” Li En saw the glimmer of naïve hope in Shi Yan’s eyes, causing her heart to turn soft. She understood herself well. Although she tries hard not to pamper Shi Yan, watching his teary face always seemed to shatter her heart.  

“Promise me?” Shi Yan gave a sad plea. 

Li En nods and spoke in a spiritless tone, “yes… your servant promise… I will never leave your side…” 

Shi Yan slowly relaxed his hug to allow Li En space to eat. However, he never returned to his flat stone seat. Instead, he stood beside Li En as silent as a statue, pondering. 

The old woman, on the other hand, has lost her appetite to eat after talking about such a depressing topic. Her mood was slightly bitter but with Shi Yan just beside her, she forced herself to gradually eat the rest of the food that’s left. Each piece of vegetable or mushroom was tasteless to her. This wasn't the result of her solemn mood but rather the result of her illness. Naturally, Shi Yan does not know of it. She was too worried to tell him. 

While she ate, Li En contemplated, [I don’t have much time left… Young Master I’m sorry… but I will make sure that you won’t be lonely…] Li En’s eyes became even duller as she kept thinking of the tasks she needs to accomplish for this precious boy. 

After eating, Li En stood up and took unburnable sticks to swipe at the fire pit made of twigs, extinguishing the fire. She was about to stand up to clean up the mess but her arm was suddenly grasped by an inexplicably soft hand, accompanied by an adorable young voice, “Li En, can you follow me somewhere?” 

The old woman turned her head to the boy and gently but solemnly asked, “certainly Young Master…” placing down the unburnable sticks on the stone beside her seat, she stood up. The boy gently tugged at her to move and she responded in kind. 

While they walked, Shi Yan’s grasp slowly slip to her hands. [Young Master…] within her heart, Li En cried out in worry. Shi Yan grip was much tighter than usual. If it was convenient for the little boy to hug her arm while they moved, Li En believed that he would have done so. She was well aware that this display of attachment was due to their talk earlier. It was a subtle sign that their relationship was at a turning point. 

Shi Yan led the way deeper into the forest. With Li En just behind him wondering where he was leading her, the boy looked around for specific landmarks. In general, Shi Yan knew the direction he wished to go. However, reaching their destination required him to make turns along the route. Every turn was marked out by a landmark, which provided a great aid for the boy whenever he travelled there. Naturally, this spot may have been explored by Li En before; but after months of exploring this side of the forest, Li En would not have visited this parts in a long time. This made the area one of the safest places for Shi Yan to create surprises for Li En. 

First, there was a pointed rock, where they took a sharp turn to the right. Next, there was a broken tree, where they took a gradual turn to the left. Finally, there was a weird tree. This tree was similar to two lovers, winding together. Its bark was thin and branches were short. However, the spread of its leaves was not the least bit inferior to the other umbrella trees. Shi Yan stood under the tree for a few minutes, causing Li En to wonder and ask, “Young Master, where are you leading me?” 

Shi Yan spoke in a solemn voice, “Li En… I’m a little lost…”  

The old woman’s brows raised in perplexity. [How is it possible for you to get lost here all of a sudden? Young Master, you have been easily leading the way for the past 17 minutes. Certainly, you must be aware of which direction to go…] However, Li En could not bear to raise her voice against this child. She squatted down, “Young Master… do you wish to head back?” 

Shi Yan shook his head, “Li En… I can’t find the place because it's not welcoming you…” 

[Young Master... how is it possible for a place like that to be over here?] Li En quickly thought of his words as a lie and asked, “Since it doesn’t want me here… do you wish to go back?” 

Shi shook his head yet again. “No, the place does not seem to trust you. You have to prove your worthiness!” 

[Oh, so this is a game. It's been a long time since we played something like this.] Li En cracked out a smile and played along “Young Master, so what should we do to be accepted?” 

Shi Yan nods and points to the tree that was winding together. “Li En. You will need to climb that thing till the point those two split.” 

“Young Master what about you? Won’t you also be climbing with me?” Li En inquired with a hint of doubt. 

“I don’t need to climb up.” Shi Yan puffed out his chest with pride. “I’ve already done so weeks ago heehee.” 

“Young Master, why did you do something so dangerous?” Li En anxiously asked. “I you wanted to climb, you could always ask for me to accompany you. There is not need to risk yourself like this.” 

Shi Yan used his little hands to hold onto Li En’s cheeks. “Li En, you taught me how to climb trees. You should be confident about my abilities!” 

Li En looked at the boy in the eye, noticing his confidence in his own abilities but she let out a sad sigh, “Young Master… didn’t you forget that you fell off a tree yesterday?” 

Shi Yan’s face immediately dyed red due to embarrassment. That was the first time that he fell off a tree and it was caught by Li En. In the first place, he only fell because he was trying to reach out to a hard location. It was entirely an accident. Furthermore, that fall did not even manage to hurt him. After all, from Li En's personality, anything that she wished to teach Shi Yan, she would always make sure he knew of the safety precautions first. It was no exaggeration to say that the 70-year-old woman could suddenly gain superhuman endurance when speaking about safety. Of course, Shi Yan understood that this was her display of love for him. However, to cut things to the chase, Shi Yan would always pay attention and do it right the first time. Even he shuddered to think how long a safety precaution lesson would take if he continued to make minor mistakes. 

Meanwhile, Byakko who had complete access to Shi Yan's emotions and thoughts was caught speechless.