Blood Bonds And Golden Ties

Chapter 18: The Wait

[Shi Han Jun]

Han Jun blew on the product in his hand and sawdust flew off the stick. Running his hand over the smooth stick, he smiled. Yes, this will do. Han Jun got up from sitting in front of the apothecary shop and headed inside.

He paused in front of the door where they both stayed. A sudden crash came from inside. He quickly pushed open the doors and rushed in. Xiao Zhao was on the ground, curled up in a ball, eyes closed, and shaking violently. Han Jun appeared at his side and put a pillow underneath him. He glanced at Xiao Zhao, whose face was grimaced in pain. He hesitated. Am I sure I want to do this? He looked at his twisting form. It doesn't matter. Human life is more important. He held out his hand toward Xiao Zhao's head , singing gently.

After a couple minutes of his singing, Xiao Zhao's shaking stopped. Slowly, Xiao Zhao's clenched fists relaxed and his eyes fluttered open. He quickly sat up.

"Do you feel a bit better now?" Han Jun asked, concerned.

Xiao Zhao looked into Han Jun's eyes as if he were searching for answers. "You..." Xiao Zhao sputtered.

"I?" Han Jun asked.

"H-how did you...?"

"What do you mean how did I?"

"I feel amazing! How did you heal me?"

"Oh. Yeah, since I was young, I found out I could heal people, but only some people. For some, I could heal but for others I couldn't. Anyway, Father banned me from using my healing powers."

"Why did you save me?"

"Human life is precious. It's more important to save people than to care about my own well being. Unfortunately, you are temporarily healed. If you want to be fully healed you need to--

"Yeah, yeah. I know," Xiao Zhao replied as he waved his hand.

There was a short pause then Han Jun said, "I know that your leg is mostly healed, but I made this in case your leg needs extra support because it's still weak. Here," and handed Xiao Zhao the stick he had carved out.

Xiao Zhao received it hesitantly. "Th-thank you?"

Han Jun smiled. "Why are you thanking me? It's what friends do!"

There was a short pause. Han Jun looked at Xiao Zhao curiously. "Have you...never received a gift?"

Xiao Zhao looked away before slowly shaking his head.

Han Jun slapped Xiao Zhao hard on the arm. "Well! You finally received your first gift! Trust me," he said as he rested his arm on Xiao Zhao's shoulder. "With me as your friend, you'll receive more gifts later!"

Xiao Zhao smiled. If I can do only a little good in this life, then I will die without regret. If only I could have saved her... Han Jun thought to himself. He shook his head.

"Li Qing should be here soon," Han Jun informed Xiao Zhao.

Xiao Zhao nodded.

The doors flew open. In the doorway, stood Li Qing, arms crossed as he held his scabbard in his right hand. He stood straight and tall as he glared at Xiao Zhao and Han Jun.

"Shuō cáo cāo cáo cāo jiù dào," muttered Xiao Zhao. Speaking of the devil, he has arrived.

"Zǒu," Li Qing said as he turned away.

Xiao Zhao moved to stand but wobbled.

"Are you sure you can walk like this?" Han Jun asked.

Xiao Zhao nodded. "It just might take longer to get there."