Arc 3(25)

Feng Li woke up later that evening when the sun had set.

He stretched lazily. Then, he sat up and looked at Yu Xi who was sleeping peacefully beside him.

Feng Li stared at Yu Xin silently for several seconds before leaning closer. He pressed his forehead against Yu Xin's and closed his eyes.

After staying like that for a few minutes, he opened his eyes and smiled softly.

"Hey, baby.", said Feng Li quietly.

He caressed Yu Xin's cheek gently, brushing aside strands of hair from Yu Xin's face.

"Wake up."

Yu Xin mumbled incoherently as he slowly opened his eyes.

As soon as he saw Feng Li, his lips curved upward slightly, forming a small smile.

"Morning, husband."

Feng Li chuckled lightly, "It's not morning, silly. It's night."

Yu Xin blinked sleepily, "Oh? How long did I sleep?"

Feng Li answered truthfully, "About three hours."

Yu Xin yawned loudly. He rubbed his eyes tiredly and stretched himself.

Feng Li watched Yu Xin silently. After a while, he spoke again, "Are you hungry?"

Yu Xi nodded vigorously, "Yes! Very!"

Feng Li stood up.

"Let's go out then. Let's bring some food for us to eat."

He helped Yu Xin stand up and supported him.

They left the cave together and headed toward the village.

The Rabbit clan was still lively during the night. Even though it was not too late, it was something not seen in the Snake clan.

The rabbits were very active even at night.

Zhang Yue saw them coming and was instantly happy. He walked towards them together with his wife, Yu Min.

Yu Min greeted them happily, "Yu Xin, Are you alright now? How are you feeling?"

Yu Xin smiled shyly, "I am fine, Dad."

Yu Min took Yu Xin's hand and said, "Why don't we go and check out the preparation for the dinner? Let's go together."

He took Yu Xi with him.

Zhang Yue and Feng Li watched them leave. Zhang Yue turned to look at Feng Li with an apologetic expression.

He sighed heavily.

"Thank you for taking care of my son. I'm sorry about everything that happened."

Feng Li shook his head and said, "Don't worry about it. And also, you don't have to thank me."

"But, can you tell me who Yu Xin's biological parents are? He told me you adopted him.", asked Feng Li calmly.

Zhang Yue sighed, "I thought me and my mate were able to keep this from him. But now hearing your question, I guess he already knew about it."

Feng Li frowned slightly, "Knew about what?"

Zhang Yue replied sadly, "About his real family."

"His real parents died soon after he was born. He was so tiny, I still remember how well-behaved he was when he was little. It's just, he didn't say anything about his past..."

Zhang Yue continued, "We didn't want him to know but I think he always knew somehow."

"His father and dad only had eyes for each other. They lived happily, but sometimes some things happen, and a happy family is fragmented."

Feng Li stayed quiet listening to Zhang Yue carefully.

Zhang Yue continued, "After Yu Xin was born, his father went out to hunt. It was dangerous because there was a storm happening. His father wanted to provide for his child."

"On that day, Yu Xin's father never came back. He was dead. His body went missing, maybe it was eaten by some wild animal."

"Seeing him not coming after so long, Yu Xin's dad left Yu Xin to us to find his mate. We agreed and let him go with the other beasts. But, only a single beast came back alive. He was injured and he was in a coma for two days. After he woke up, he was still in a bad state. Soon, he passed away."

"We don't know how Yu Xin came to know we were not his real parents."

"And, Yu Xin never questioned or asked about his real parents."

Zhang Yue stared at the moon hanging in the sky, his eyes full of sorrow and regret.

He whispered, "I feel like it's my fault. If I had stopped Yu Xin's dad from leaving that night, maybe none of these would have happened."

"If only...we could change the past..."

Zhang Yue sighed deeply, closing his eyes as he recalled those painful memories.

Feng Li remained silent. He understood what Zhang Yue was going through.

He felt sad for Yu Xin, who had lost both his parents at such a young age.

He couldn't imagine what kind of life he must've lived after that incident.

"Thank you for telling me about this.", said Feng Li sincerely.

Zhang Yue nodded absent-mindedly.

He took a deep breath and composed himself. He smiled faintly at Feng Li, "Let's go join Yu Xin now. The dinner will be served soon."

Feng Li returned the smile and followed Zhang Yue.

------

Next morning,

Feng Li and Yu Xin together with Huo Yun and 'It' left the Rabbit clan. The body which 'It' occupied was returned to Zhang Xi again. But, he didn't go with them to the Snake Clan.

As for why Zhang Xi didn't join them, Zhang Yue and Yu Min didn't allow him to go. In their eyes, he was the one who used to bully Yu Xin for a long time. Zhang Xi was their blood but it didn't mean they would allow him to torment Yu Xin.

So, he stayed behind with them while Feng Li and Yu Xin, with Huo Yun and 'It', traveled towards the snake clan.