Chapter 17: The Reunion

As Yu's father reached home, he immediately called out to one of the servants. "Is Yu back yet?"

The servant looked confused. "Young Master Yu? But wasn't he with you, Master? He hasn't returned yet. Didn't he come back with you?"

A wave of shock and worry washed over Yu's father. He murmured to himself, "That boy is so mischievous… Who knows where he's taken Zian. I can't believe this." Without wasting another second, he headed straight for the gates, determination in his steps.

"I'm going to look for Yu," he said firmly to the servant, who bowed and stepped aside.

Yu's father retraced his steps, heading back toward the market where he had last seen the boys. His eyes scanned every corner, his heart growing heavier with each passing moment.

"Have you seen two boys around here?" he asked several people. Most shook their heads, but then an older lady stepped forward.

"I did see two boys earlier," she said, smiling fondly. "They were such sweet children. They went toward the forest."

The forest. Yu's father's heart sank. Without hesitation, he hurried in that direction, calling out loudly, "Yu! Zian!"

---

Meanwhile, Yu and Zian sat under a tree, exhausted from wandering aimlessly in the dense woods. The cool night air surrounded them as they tried to conserve their energy.

Suddenly, Zian perked up, his ears straining to hear something. "Yu, did you hear that? It sounded like Master's voice!"

Yu sat up, his tired eyes widening. "Are you sure?"

Before Zian could answer, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Master! We're here!"

The voice grew closer, and soon, Yu's father appeared through the trees, relief flooding his face.

"Yu! Zian!" he called out, rushing toward them.

Zian smiled and waved. "We're here, Master!"

As soon as Yu's father reached them, he dropped to his knees and pulled Yu into a tight hug. "Do you have any idea how worried I was about you?" he said, his voice shaking. "How could you bring Zian to a place like this?!"

Yu lowered his gaze, guilt written all over his face. "Dad… I just wanted to show him a place I thought he'd like. I didn't mean for this to happen."

Yu's father shook his head, his tone softening. "Let's go home. Are you both alright?"

Zian nodded politely. "I'm fine, Master. But Yu… He hurt his leg."

Hearing this, Yu's father's face grew more concerned. He knelt down to examine Yu's injury. "You're hurt," he said softly, before standing and turning to Zian. "Follow me closely. I'll carry him."

Before Yu could protest, his father scooped him up effortlessly. Yu opened his mouth to argue but closed it when he saw the worried expression on his father's face.

---

Back at the house, Yu's father carefully tended to his wound, applying medicine and wrapping it securely. "Yu," he said, his tone firm but kind, "never go to such a dangerous place without informing me again. Do you understand?"

Yu nodded meekly. "I'm sorry, Dad. I won't do it again."

His father sighed. "For today, I won't punish you. But if this happens again, I won't be so lenient. Now go wash up and change your clothes. They're filthy."

Yu nodded again, smiling faintly. "Thanks, Dad."

His father looked at Zian and gestured toward the hallway. "Zian, you too. Clean yourself up and join us for dinner."

"Yes, Master," Zian said with a polite bow before heading to his room.

Yu followed behind him, limping slightly but smiling to himself.

---

As Yu's father watched them walk away, he leaned back in his chair, lost in thought. *That forest… It was dark, cold, and full of dangers. Wild animals could have been lurking around every corner. But even in a place like that, those boys didn't give up. They're braver than I thought.*

A faint smile tugged at his lips as he stood up, ready to join them for dinner.