TSFLIP Chapter 552

“That’s going to worry your mother.” Feng Guang said this as she patted his head.

You’er gave a mischievous smile. “My mom is napping right now. She doesn’t know I sneaked out. Don’t worry, sis, I’ll be back soon.”

“So you chose just the right time to sneak away and play.”

“Of course.” You’er looked quite proud of himself for a moment, then glanced at the calm river and said, “Sis… you shouldn’t go boating.”

Feng Guang was confused. “Why?”

“It’s a legend… a legend says there’s a monster that lives in the water. It drags people under and eats them. It’s terrifying. Sis, please… stay away from the water.” You’er tugged on Feng Guang’s hand, fear and concern clear on his face.

Si Jia, who hadn’t said a word in a while, suddenly asked, “Where did this legend come from?”

You’er remained silent and pressed closer to Feng Guang. Feng Guang sighed and said to Si Jia, “Don’t be so stern when you talk to kids. You’re scaring him.”

Si Jia paused. He didn’t like children and hadn’t gotten close to them in a long time. Naturally, he didn’t know how to deal with them.

Feng Guang patted You’er’s head. “Don’t be afraid. He’s my friend, not a bad person. You’er, can you tell me… how this story about a monster in the water came to be?”

“Everyone… everyone says it.” You’er thought for a moment and then said, “Anyway, sis, you just shouldn’t go into the water. The monster is dangerous. You’re no match for it.”

A gravelly voice called from nearby. “You’er.”

You’er stiffened. “Sis, just remember what I said. Stay away from the water.”

With that, he darted away in a flash.

Across from them, an elderly man walked over slowly. “Two guests… You’er is young and naïve. Did he offend you in any way?”

“No, not at all. He’s a good kid.” Feng Guang stood up and recognized him as the coachman who had brought her and Si Jia into town last night.

The elderly man sighed in sympathy. “Ah… You’er’s father died when he was little, and his mother raised him all by herself. Naturally, the boy is a bit wild, and sometimes, to get attention, he talks nonsense. If he has done anything to offend you, please be understanding.”

“Don’t worry, grandpa. You’er is a clever kid.” Feng Guang smiled warmly, signaling the elderly man not to dwell on it.

He nodded. “That’s a relief. Oh, by the way, have you two gotten used to staying here? Our town isn’t as grand as the imperial city — it’s a poor place. I hope we’re not neglecting you in any way.”

Si Jia said quietly, “We appreciate your kindness. We’re comfortable here.”

“Good… that puts me at ease.” The elderly man nodded warmly. “I need to prepare goods to take to the imperial city tomorrow, so I’ll be on my way now.”

“Take care, grandpa.” Feng Guang called after him with a wave.

Once the elderly man was a fair distance away, she turned back, grabbed Si Jia’s hand tightly, and said in a serious tone, “I think there’s something strange about this town. Si Jia, stay close to me. I’m afraid I might not be able to protect you.”

Si Jia was about to agree, but when he heard the last part, he fell silent. Did she… get it backwards? She was going to protect him?

It was much later that Si Jia realized she hadn’t been speaking carelessly.

Feng Guang’s intuition was usually accurate. “Maybe we should get out of here.”

“No.”

“Why?”

Si Jia’s gaze grew deep and piercing. “Because the path out of town is gone.”