Chapter 326: Chapter 71 Ah Dai’s Heart_3
Yan Shi stood there, mired in a stupor, his wrath earlier was because of his concern for Ah Dai’s safety. Along their journey, he had already come to consider Ah Dai his own brother. The deep affection he had for Ah Dai—it was impossible for him not to worry about him. When the cold blade swung toward Ah Dai, his heart clenched with fear. Finally seeing Ah Dai take the upper hand gave him relief, but then to his surprise, Ah Dai chose to embrace the woman who wanted to kill him. Hence, Yan Shi exploded with anger. However, seeing a pained Ah Dai now, Yan Shi realized he had not given Ah Dai enough care over the past month. Ah Dai had taken the death of Ice more severely than he had imagined. Ah Dai was intrinsically pure and innocent and having suffered such a huge blow, he naturally struggled to recover.
Yan Li walked over to his older brother, seeming considerably more composed, and said softly, "Let him cry. Crying will ease some of his pain."
Zhuo Yun, like an elder sister, gently stroked Ah Dai’s black hair, comforting his trembling soul with her tenderness. They did not know how much time passed; both Ah Dai and Zhuo Yun were now sitting on the ground. Ah Dai’s cries gradually lessened, and he fell asleep in Zhuo Yun’s warm and soft embrace.
Yan Shi walked over to Zhuo Yun, watching her face reveal a motherly smile. His heart, once frozen by Yun Er’s death, started to stir again. Zhuo Yun’s gentleness and decency reminded him much of Yun Er. Zhuo Yun saw him too, raised a finger to her lips, signaling him to be quiet, and whispered, "He just managed to calm down, let’s not disturb him. Let him sleep, he’ll feel much better when he wakes up." Her face beamed with a gentle smile. To Yan Shi, the smile was touchingly beautiful, as if Yun Er had returned to him. At that moment, he suddenly realized why Ah Dai had yelled ’Ice’ when he saw the young girl trying to assassinate him. He almost revealed his own desire for ’Yun Er’.
Mie Feng hadn’t gone far, she had hastily fled, but not too far away, she inexplicably found herself returning. She couldn’t understand why she had come back when there was clearly no chance of assassination anymore. As she turned around, she saw Zhuo Yun hold Ah Dai in her arms, and saw his unbridled weeping. Watching Ah Dai’s trembling figure left a mysterious pain in her heart. Although she couldn’t understand why the suddenly powerful boy was crying, she had a hunch that it was connected to the name, ’Ice’, which he had yelled out earlier. Recalling the scene when Ah Dai embraced her, her usually calm disposition was in disarray. Hiding in the bushes, she somehow became spellbound. When she saw Ah Dai fall asleep in Zhuo Yun’s arms, jealousy surged within her. Shocked by her reaction, Mie Feng shook her head forcefully, thinking to herself, ’What’s wrong with me? That’s my enemy! Why am I feeling this way? Now is not the time for revenge. I’ll find another opportunity in the future.’ With that, she crept away quietly. Just before she left, she couldn’t help but steal one last glance at Ah Dai. Then, she disappeared into the distance.
Ah Dai had a long sleep, with the sunset on the horizon when he finally woke up. Oh, what a relief! In a whole month, he’d never had such a good sleep as this one. As he slowly opened his eyes, he found himself resting on Zhuo Yun’s thigh, nestled against her delicate body, and Zhuo Yun’s arm resting on his shoulder as she dozed. With a start, he remembered what had happened before. It seemed as though his sorrow had been released and dissolved within his tearful outburst. His chest was no longer heavy and stifling. He felt a sense of inexplicable relief. Taking a deep breath, he tried to sit up, startling Zhuo Yun awake.
Zhuoyun looked at Ah Dai with a smile and said softly, "Ah Dai, you’re awake."
Ah Dai blushed and straightened his body. He noticed the Yan brothers sleeping against a tree on the roadside, while he and Zhuo Yun were in the middle of the path. Luckily, it was a very remote area without any passersby. Lowering his head, Ah Dai replied awkwardly, "Sister Zhuo Yun, I, I..."
Zhuo Yun smiled and said: "It’s okay; don’t say anything. In my eyes, you are the kindest brother. One should not forget the past, but you have to live on; don’t immerse yourself in sorrow. Move on. It is always better to face it bravely. Tomorrow will be better." Zhuo Yun struggled to stand up, but her body was a bit stiff, and she swayed off balance.
Ah Dai quickly supported Zhuo Yun by the arm, saying, "Sister, be careful!" The words from Zhuo Yun, pulled Ah Dai out of his sorrow. Zhuo Yun’s gentleness brought Ah Dai a motherly care. Deep kinship was established between them in that instant. As Zhuo Yun moved her delicate body a little, she felt much more comfortable. She nodded in the direction of the Yan brothers and said, "Wake them up. We’re not far from Mica City; we should rest there. It will be freezing in this wilderness tonight." Indeed, the weather in May was still chilly.
Ah Dai walked up to Yan Shi, remembering what he had said earlier. He understood the concern the Yan brothers had for him and felt somewhat guilty for his emotional breakdown over the past month. Ah Dai tapped Yan Shi’s shoulder and said, "Big Brother, let’s get up; it’s time to hit the road."
Yan Shi opened his drowsy eyes, seeing Ah Dai there, his face brimmed with joy, "Brother, you’re awake. I was a bit harsh earlier; don’t take it to heart."
