Chapter Seventeen: Always Fragile

When Lie heard that they were going to fetch shaman medicine for Brother Bai, his eyes lit up as if he wanted to say something. But upon noticing the look on Li Le’s face, he swallowed his words and simply uttered, “Oh.”

The journey was not long; even after Li Le led Lie through the damp alleyways to the Barter Hall, only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn had passed.

Standing before the trading hall, Lie’s expression was one of surprise and doubt, quite different from Li Le’s slightly grave demeanor. He scrutinized the shabby, secluded entrance with wary, dark eyes and tugged at Li Le’s sleeve, whispering, “Sister, isn’t this place a bit too out of the way? I’ve never been here before… Why don’t we go to the market a bit later?”

Lie stared fixedly at Li Le, clearly ready to drag her back by force if she didn’t give him a satisfactory explanation, utterly disregarding her feelings.

Li Le returned from her thoughts to find Lie’s cautious gaze, which made her relax a little. Bowing her head, she explained carefully, “Don’t worry, Brother Bai brought me here before…”

Hearing her words, Lie relaxed, and much of the alertness faded from his eyes, which regained their clear, harmless luster. He smiled at Li Le, revealing a canine tooth. “So that’s it, Sister… Let’s go in quickly, then. I want to see what’s inside… Father has never brought me here before…”

As he spoke, Lie blinked eagerly, unable to hide his impatience. No one would have connected this bright-eyed child with the wary young beast of moments ago.

Such vigilance must surely be the product of a dangerous world. To be born in hardship and die in comfort—the ancients did not deceive us.

Li Le couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Composing herself, she spoke with a mix of helplessness and seriousness, “Lie, never mind for now. Once we’re inside, stay by my side and don’t make a sound… Can you promise me that?”

Lie frowned slightly, glanced at Li Le, and reluctantly agreed. But he added, “Sister, I’ll promise not to speak out of turn inside, but if you’re in danger, I’ll still step in…”

The boy looked at Li Le with utter sincerity—whether it was his brother’s instruction or the stories his sister had told, Lie would never disregard her safety.

Li Le was taken aback, then let out a soft laugh. Her slender hand emerged from beneath her cloak and pinched Lie’s serious face with mischievous delight. “Don’t worry, your sister isn’t that weak…”

Lie could have dodged, but he hesitated for just a moment and ended up caught. The pain was nothing to him, but it was enough to garble his words. He didn’t mind, but when he heard his sister’s words, his eyes shone with earnestness and confusion as he mumbled, “If you’re not weak, why pinch so hard…”

Li Le’s hand paused, her eyes narrowing as she tugged at his cheek and broke into a broad grin.

Her smile was lovely, but for some reason, Lie shivered, feeling a chill run down his back.

He heard Li Le say with a sweet smile, “So I’m just weak, am I?”

Lie wisely kept silent, gazing at Li Le with wide, black eyes, offering her a placating smile.

Little rascal!

Now you want to make amends?

Li Le rolled her eyes inwardly. Looking at the boy radiating innocence, she found her irritation fading, but she still scolded, “Don’t think you can charm your way out of this. I’ll settle accounts with you when we get home!”

With that, she strode toward the Barter Hall, not sparing Lie another glance.

After all this time together, Lie knew that meant she’d forgiven him. His eyes sparkled, and he followed Li Le inside.