The Dark Nights [Slow Update]

11. The guardians and the stubborn boy

Little Wuxie was out of breath when he crossed the village gate. His head was overheated thinking about what happened at the lake, something way beyond his little brain. He understood he could have died today. But he didn't.

Dragging his weary self, Wuxie walked through the street. That's when an elder walked to him.

"There you are, you naughty boy. You are in real trouble this time." He said poking Little Wuxie's nose.

"Huh! But I didn't do anything." Wuxie whined. He looked at the elder with puppy eyes, which worked every time when he is in trouble.

"No, no... this time I can't help you. Lao Wu seemed very angry. I'm too old to take his anger, my boy. Maybe you can try these puppy eyes on your grandpa."

When the elder refused to help, Wuxie realized he is in trouble for real. He was sure to get scolded or worst, he may be grounded for who knows how many days. Now all he could do was walk back and face the wrath.

As he reached the gate, Wuxie saw his grandpa yell at two men. "Are you sure you looked everywhere? He is just a child. He won't be gone too far. If I was able to run everywhere, I would have looked for him myself."

Wuxie could sense the worry hidden in that yells. Probably those men also knew this as they stood patiently in front of Lao Wu.

Wuxie fondling with his hands walked in. As Lao Wu saw the young boy, he almost ran to Wuxie and then wrapped him into an embrace. Wuxie was too scared to get scolded but he never expected this. "Thank God! Thank God you're here."

Lao Wu let out a breath of relief as he pulled back from the hug. He led Wuxie to the chair in the middle of the courtyard and both took seats.

"Wuxie... Where did you go? I have told you not to wander alone, right? If something happens, how can I answer to- Anyways... You're okay. Right?"

Seeing how worried his grandpa was, Wuxie felt bad about sneaking out. Suddenly he breakdown into tears. "I'm...I'm sorry Wu grandpa. Wuxie didn't go anywhere. Wuxie is okay."

Wuxie only knows Wu grandpa, the only family he left. Growing up without parents, you may find people ridicule such kids making their life more miserable. But in this village, not a single soul speaks ill of Wuxie. Moreover, they all treat Wuxie as their own.

Now you may think it's because Wuxie is Lao Wu's nephew. But the truth is... He is not. After becoming the village head at such a young age, the only thought Lao Wu had was to honor the death of his ancestors. Serving for that cause, Lao Wu never got married. He didn't care about carrying the lineage. Because he wanted his family legacy can grow beyond his family line. Wuxie was a responsibility that was vested upon him while he worked for it.

Not only to him, but to the entire village.

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.

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Even though Wuxie escaped from scolding that day, he couldn't escape from his punishment. Little Wuxie was grounded and he was only allowed to play with Jian in Lao Wu's home. But then considering Wuxie's best behavior for a week, Wuxie was allowed to play in the street side where all children gather. Now, that was what Wuxie needed.

One day, when Jian and all others were too immersed in the game, Wuxie decided to sneak out. He didn't stop anywhere but near the lake. Panting heavily, he looked into the depth of the lake.

"I know I drowned. And I know you saved me. Now show yourself or I'll bring all the villagers here."

Well, that was a threat. Wuxie even managed to make a smug face. But it was Little Wuxie. So, nothing came out of the lake. After some time when he was sure threatening wasn't an option, Wuxie decided to him. The stubborn brat.