eighty-nine

“Then, teacher, please rest. I'll take my leave now.” With those words, Wang Bo turned and departed. Watching his retreating figure, the elder of the village felt his eyes grow moist. He shook his head helplessly. “Growing older, yet living life as if turning back time—almost shed tears just now. Work hard, the world is changing, and the future belongs to you.”

After bidding farewell to the village chief, Wang Bo was filled with sorrow. Unlike last time, this departure meant he did not know when he would return, or even how long he could stay when he did. “Teacher will be all alone; who knows what awaits him. Enough, don’t dwell on it. I will visit him often when I have the chance. Now, I should go say goodbye to Brother Feng, and ask him to visit Teacher in my stead.” With his mind made up, Wang Bo walked towards Wang Feng’s home.

Arriving outside Wang Feng’s courtyard, Wang Bo found the gate open. Without calling out, he entered directly, just as Wang Feng emerged from the house. “Brother Feng, are you heading out?”

“Oh, it’s Bo. You’re back so soon—I was just about to visit your house. Seems I won’t need to now,” Wang Feng said, surprised at Wang Bo’s arrival.

“It’s like this: I was lucky today, a shop bought my grain at a high price, so I returned early.” Speaking of it, Wang Bo was genuinely happy; he had sold his grain and found a good job.

“That’s good. So, is there something you need?” Wang Bo walked into the courtyard, found a place to sit, and gestured for Wang Bo to join him. Wang Bo sat down beside him without ceremony.

“Brother Feng...” Sitting next to Wang Feng and seeing his kindly face, Wang Bo’s mood grew more melancholic.

Sensing Wang Bo’s sadness, Wang Feng pulled him close, “What’s wrong? Why do you look so sorrowful?”

“It’s like this, from now on, I might not be able to come visit you anymore.” Hearing this, Wang Feng grew agitated and wrapped his arm around Wang Bo’s neck. “What did you say, Bo?” he shouted.

“Wait, wait, Brother Feng, you’re too strong, I can’t breathe!” Wang Bo struggled for breath, and Wang Feng quickly released him, realizing he’d overdone it.

“So what exactly is going on? Why say such things? Are you planning to leave?” Though Wang Feng let go, his worry was palpable.

Seeing Wang Feng’s concern, Wang Bo felt reluctant and unwilling. He bit his lip and said, “Brother Yun, you misunderstood. I’ve promised the tavern keeper to work for him in the city, so I won’t be able to keep you company anymore.”

After Wang Bo finished, Wang Feng’s face showed a hint of bitterness, but he quickly concealed it. “Heh, going to the city is good—the environment is better than here. Besides, you practice the Five Beast Fist every day, you don’t need me to guide you anymore.”

Noticing Wang Feng’s forced smile, Wang Bo didn’t know what to say. “Alright, don’t be so sad, it’s not as if we’re parting forever. I have hands and feet; if I miss you, I can visit you in the city—it’s not far.” Before Wang Bo could comfort Wang Feng, Wang Feng comforted him instead.

“I knew you’d be upset, wanted to cheer you up, but instead you’re cheering me up.” Wang Bo gave a bitter smile.

“Haha, silly boy, you think you can comfort me? Take care of yourself first. I have nothing to be unhappy about—no feast lasts forever, parting is inevitable. You’ve kept me company for so long, I’m satisfied.” Wang Feng patted Wang Bo’s shoulder with a smile. “Work hard in the city. If you don’t achieve something, I won’t acknowledge you as my brother.”

“Don’t worry, Brother Feng, I will.” Hearing Wang Feng’s words, Wang Bo regained his confidence. Seeing the sorrow of his teacher and parents, he had wanted to give up. Wang Feng saw through his feelings and comforted him first. Wang Bo’s expression was resolute; he nodded firmly at Wang Feng.

“I knew you’d make it. Alright, go home now. You’re heading to the city tomorrow, there’s much to do. Go on.” Wang Feng patted Wang Bo’s shoulder and back.

“Then, Brother Feng, I’ll be going now.” Wang Bo waved and left.

When he returned home, the atmosphere was heavy with the sadness of farewell. Wang Hu stood alone in the courtyard, gazing forlornly into the distance. “Father,” Wang Bo called, feeling his own spirits sink.

Hearing the voice, Wang Hu returned to himself. “Oh, Bo, you’re back. Your mother’s inside, go in.”

“Alright.” Wang Bo said nothing more, nodded, and walked inside. There, Li was wiping her tears as she packed Wang Bo’s things, folding each piece of clothing with care. Duo’er stood beside her, her face sorrowful and seemingly tear-stained. “Mother,” Wang Bo almost choked out.

“Ah, Bo.” Li hurriedly wiped her face and forced a smile. “Why are you home so early? Your father didn’t tell me.” But Duo’er was not so restrained; she threw herself into Wang Bo’s arms, sobbing. “Brother, don’t leave, Duo’er will miss you.” Hearts are made of flesh; Wang Bo was deeply affected by her tears. He stroked Duo’er’s head gently. “Be good, Duo’er, don’t cry.”

Perhaps moved by Duo’er’s sorrow, Li began to cry again. Seeing his mother in tears, Wang Bo could no longer hold back his own. Hearing the commotion, Wang Hu entered and shook his head at the sight of the three crying. “Enough, all of you. Why so much crying?”

At Wang Hu’s words, Wang Bo quickly wiped his tears, and Li tried to compose herself. Only Duo’er continued sobbing in Wang Bo’s arms.

“All this crying—what does it look like?” Wang Hu’s tone was stern, but his expression betrayed his own struggle. “It’s not as if you’ll never see him again. Bo working in the city is a good thing. The city isn’t far—if you miss him, he can come home, or you can visit him. What’s there to cry about?”

“I just worry about Bo. He’s never left the village before; I’m afraid he’ll be bullied outside.” Li’s concern was deep.

“Bo’s grown up; he can take care of himself. You can’t look after him forever.” Wang Hu spoke kindly to Li.

“That’s right, Mother, don’t worry. Father’s right. I’m not a child—I can’t always live in your and Father’s embrace. You’ve done so much for me. I’ll work hard, and someday bring you and Father to the city.” Wang Bo spoke with determination.

Wang Hu looked at Wang Bo with satisfaction, and Li fondly stroked his head. “You’re still young, don’t push yourself too hard. We can still work; you don’t need to overdo it.”

“Yes, Mother.” Wang Bo agreed, but in his heart he thought differently—opportunities must be seized. Suddenly, he remembered that graceful figure. Wait for me, I will strive, he repeated to himself. Unknowingly, his attitudes were changing; he was no longer seeking escape but choosing to pursue and fight.

“Enough, you’re going on and on,” Wang Hu reminded Li, earning a glare and a smile as he quickly changed the subject. “Have you finished packing Bo’s things? This departure is not like last time.” Before he could finish, Li’s eyes reddened again, and he quickly stopped.

“Mother, don’t cry.” Seeing Li’s tears, Wang Bo hastily comforted her, reaching to wipe her face, but accidentally jostled Duo’er, who had just cried herself into a nap in his arms. Duo’er rubbed her big, wet eyes and stared at Wang Bo, making him nervous.

“What is it, Duo’er?” Wang Bo asked, barely daring to breathe.

“Brother, Duo’er’s hungry. I want to eat,” she said pitifully.

Wang Hu looked at the sky—it was late. “That’s right, it’s getting late, time to cook.”

“Yes, Mother, Duo’er’s right, I’m hungry too.” Wang Bo used the opportunity to distract Li.

Li didn’t think much, nodded, and said, “Alright, I’ll go make dinner. You keep Duo’er company.” She went out, and Wang Bo cherished this last bit of time with Duo’er. Duo’er quickly forgot her earlier tears and played happily, her laughter echoing everywhere.

After lunch, Wang Bo lay in bed, unable to sleep, his mind restless. When morning came, he was still muddled. As usual, he prepared everything and checked his bundle. Soon, Wang Hu and Li came out, but Duo’er was nowhere to be seen—understandably, if she woke and cried, it would be hard to leave.

Li looked at Wang Bo, her eyes red again, and hurried to embrace him.

“Mother,” Wang Bo whimpered, unable to speak.

“Enough, it’s time to set out. If Duo’er wakes, it will be hard to leave,” Wang Hu said, his own eyes moist, yet reminding them.

“Yes, Mother, I’m leaving now.” Wang Bo wiped his tears and resolutely pushed his mother away. Li wiped her eyes, walked to Wang Hu, took a purse from him, and pressed it into Wang Bo’s hand.

“Mother, I can’t take this. The family needs money too,” Wang Bo protested, knowing what was inside.

Li glared at him. “Nonsense, listen to your mother. This time is different—you’ll need money in the city.”

“But, Mother—” Wang Bo began, but Wang Hu interrupted, “Do as your mother says. Take it. If you don’t, she’ll worry.” Seeing his father insist, Wang Bo stopped refusing, resolving to repay them later, and put away the purse.

“Keep it safe,” Li urged.

“We’ve delayed long enough, hurry up and set out.” Wang Hu checked the time and turned to Li, “Stay behind with Duo’er, I’ll see Bo off.” He winked at Wang Bo.

“Right, Mother, if Duo’er wakes and doesn’t see you, she’ll make a fuss.” Wang Bo understood and quickly persuaded Li. Li hesitated, but gave in after hearing him.

“Be careful out there,” Li said as she walked Wang Bo to the door, giving instructions. Wang Bo nodded repeatedly. Leaving the courtyard, Li held onto Wang Bo’s sleeve, reluctant to let go.

“Mother,” Wang Bo called, waking Li from her daze, who finally released him and stroked his head. “From now on, Mother won’t be by your side. Take care of yourself.”

“I will, Mother.” Unable to hold back, Wang Bo threw himself into Li’s arms, sobbing.

“Enough, don’t cry. You’re a man now, can’t cry all the time.” At this moment, Li was the one comforting him.

“Mother, I’m leaving.” Wang Bo steeled himself, turned, and left without looking back, Wang Hu hurriedly following. Li watched Wang Bo’s departing figure, her heart heavy with sorrow. Even though she was prepared, the pain of parting was almost unbearable.

As Li stared outside, Duo’er rushed out. “Mother, where’s brother?” Not seeing Wang Bo, she grew anxious.

Li stroked her head. “Your brother has left.” Before she could finish, Duo’er burst into tears. “I want brother! I miss brother!” She tried to run out and find him, but Li held her tightly. “Be good, Duo’er, brother has things to do. When he’s finished, he’ll come home to see you.” But her words didn’t comfort Duo’er, who kept crying, staring after Wang Bo. Li had no choice but to carry her back inside, Duo’er still sobbing and looking back.

Turning to Wang Bo, he left with clenched teeth, seemingly resolute, but his heart was anguished. He kept telling himself, “Don’t look back, don’t look back. If I turn now, everything will be lost.”

“Enough, Bo, slow down, you’re almost at the village gate.” Seeing his expression, Wang Hu’s heart ached. Noticing they were almost at the edge of the village, Wang Hu called out. Hearing his father, Wang Bo slowed his steps and looked around, realizing he had almost walked out of the village without noticing. “I didn’t expect to walk so fast,” Wang Bo laughed bitterly and shook his head.