Never Again 28 Leaving Again 4

Thankfully, the rest of the night pa.s.sed by peacefully and soon the sun rose. Currently, the sun is high in the sky and the heat is bearing down uncomfortably on all of the villagers. The ever constant sound of chirping birds and buzzing bugs filled the background. That morning, Xi Rin left early to help out in the wheat field with the other villagers, leaving Qiu Zhi home alone.

Soon after she left, Qiu Zhi's eyes shot open and he jumped off his bed. Pulling a sachet out from under his bed, he began packing his stuff and anything that spoke of his existence. Soon, his room became bare and he does one last sweep around the house before leaving.

Trekking down an empty path, he made sure to avoid any villager and soon, he arrived at a house bigger than the rest. Although luxurious, it held an air of humbleness which is quite befitting of its owner, the village's chief. He knocked three times before the door open to reveal a surprised woman. A flash of recognition flashed through her eyes and she began smiling wildly.

"Qiu Zhi, to what do we owe the pleasure? Come, come. Have a cup of water." She ushered him inside with a welcoming smile on her face. "Are you looking for the chief?"

"Yes. Can you please call him for me? There's something I need to tell him."

She replied with a "Sure", before disappearing into the back of the house. Not before long, an old man emerges and replaced her place.

"Qiu Zhi!" The village's chief greeted with a smile. "To have the village's troublemaker visit me personally? What an honour."

Qiu Zhi laughed drily before getting straight down to business. "Chief... I'm leaving."

"...When?"

"Tonight."

Qiu Zhi's answer made the old man sighed. "Leaving so soon eh? Have you say your goodbyes yet?"

At that question, Qiu Zhi remained quiet, silently telling the chief his answer. The old man simply sighed again, turning the light mood into something sombre. Although this boy has always been quite the troublemaker, he has never really harmed anyone. Besides, his little antics have always brought joy to the village's simple, yet boring lifestyle.

Deciding on something, the chief said, "We'll throw a party tonight."

"Chief, You can't-" Qiu Zhi start to object but the chief raised a hand to silence him.

"No one will know. We also have a guest from the city, so this party won't be in your name." The chief said while Qiu Zhi visibly relaxed.

"Well, Chief, that's all I wanted to tell. I'll get going now." Qiu Zhi said as he started to walk out the door, but the chief's voice halted his footsteps.

"Boy... Are you really leaving like this?"

"..... Take care of yourself chief."

Then, he walked out, leaving the old man to stare at his silhouette. The old man shook his head. A year ago, this boy suddenly appeared at this village, seeking for shelter. And just like how he appeared, he decides to abruptly leave.