Chasing You (Arc 8+)

Beneath the Heavens (XX)

Fe You looked at the small boy, "What is your name?"

An Zhangyi immediately recognized the figure. How could he not, when it was the younger version of himself?

The timid boy kept his eyes locked on the ground as he responded, "A-An Zhangyi."

Fe You scrutinized him, "Where's your older brother, An Qingfeng?"

Fumbling with his hand, he meekly answered, "Please don't blame him. Older brother isn't feeling well... So, So I came in his stead."

A smile appeared on Fe You's lips. Lowering his eye level so that it could match with 'An Zhangyi', he rubbed the top of their head, "Haha. You don't have to be so nervous, I won't find any trouble for your older brother."

'An Zhangyi' looked up with starlit eyes and his cheeks flushed, "Th-Thank you, Sect Leader Fu."

Looking at the scene, Fu Yemu felt like this was good timing and was about to step out when his arm was pulled on. He turned his head cutting off what was happening between his younger self and the sect leader. When he saw who it was, he shrank his neck back and sheepishly laughed, "Hehe. Mother."

Xiong Yanzi frowned. Putting her hands underneath his armpits, she picked him up, "Xiao Ye, what did mother tell you?"

He forced a smile out, "Sorry, I won't do it again."

Xiong Yangzi quietly brought Fu Yemu out of the main hall as to not disturb her husband and the guest, and brought him back to his room. She reprimanded him harshly when they arrived, "I don't want to see this ever again. Do you understand me, Fu Yemu?"

Looking down dejectedly and nodded his head, "Yes, mother."

He knew that this time, he had greatly upset Xiong Yanzi because she only said his full name when she was serious. Seeing him so glum, she sighed. Patting his head, she consoled him, "I am saying this for your own sake, Xiao Ye."

He bobbed his head and spoke in a voice that was as loud as a mouse's squeak, "I know."

She tried to reassure him with a smile but it came out looking unnatural and rigid. Her hands were also shaking inside of her sleeve as if she was trying very hard to repress her emotions. It was unfortunate as he would've noticed his mother's abnormal actions if he had looked up, but Fu Yemu was too busy looking at the ground. So for An Zhangyi, he could only see the flooring and Xiong Yanzi's feet as Fu Yemu could, but he picked up on the strange tone she tried to conceal.

The two of them sunk into silence and the atmosphere became rather stuffy. Rubbing her forehead, her eyebrows creased together forming a '川' in the middle of her eyebrows. A troubled look surfaced on her face, as Xiong Yanzi fell into contemplation. Feeling his mother's eyes constantly on him, Fu Yemu lowered his head even more.

Just as the estranged atmosphere was at its peak, a disciple's voice broke in from the outside. This spared the two of them from the awkwardness that had developed between the two of them.

"Madam, I have brought young master Aozi here."

Xiong Yanzi hurriedly answered, "Bring him in."

The door opened and in came a little young boy dressed in blue robes. The young boy had a cheery smile on his face as he hopped in. An Zhangyi observed the young boy, he (AZY) noticed that he had his mother's hooded eyes and the rest of his features came from his father. His cheeks were still a little chubby at the age of six and his hair dark brown hair was held up by a jade crown. Fu Aozi came running over and hugged Xiong Yanzi's leg, "Mother~!"

She carried him into her arms, "Zizi, you must be a good boy, okay? Listen to your older brother and stay by his side at all times."

He bobbed his head in a cute and obedient manner, "As mother says."

Xiong Yanzi smiled and set him back on the floor. She took out a rather large satchel and handed it over to Fu Yemu, "Take care of your younger brother and make sure that the two of you do not leave this courtyard until I come back for you."

Taking in a deep breath, he agreed, "Okay."

As he held his younger brother's hand, he watched his mother's back become smaller and smaller. The feeling of trepidation flooded his chest and rooted itself deep in his heart. An Zhangyi naturally could feel his feeling apprehension and mentally touched his chin. His mind had already pieced together sixty-five percent of the story already. The remaining thirty-five, he only had his assumptions to go off on but he was sure that it wasn't far off from the truth.

The rest of the afternoon, Fu Yemu kept his younger brother accompanied until it was time for lunch. Sitting inside of his room, Fu Aozi messily ate his food and complained, "Older brother, can we go out? I feel so bored here~"

Fu Yemu shook his head and continued to eat his food, "Mother said you have to be a good boy. Older brother will play with you some more after."

Fu Aozi shoved another piece of meat into his mouth and pouted. This afternoon, they had already played all of the games that they knew of, even creating some nonsense to pass time. He did not want to play with his big brother anymore, as he felt very ennuied and wanted to go explore. He sighed deeply to catch his older brother's attention but the lad pretended that he didn't hear anything.

After they finished eating, Fu Yemu and Fu Aozi waited for the disciple who was supposed to come and grab their empty trays. An hour went by but still, they showed no signs of arriving. Fu Yemu thought that it was a little strange but brushed the idea away. Maybe the kitchen was just a little busy and they were caught up at the moment. Fifteen minutes went by, and they have yet to spot a speck of their shadow.

Fu Yemu stared at the two trays of empty plates and rubbed his chin. He had always been taught to clean up after himself and to conduct himself in a responsible matter. So, leaving the tray here felt wrong, as usually, it would have been returned by now. He glanced at his younger brother and hesitated. Could he trust that they will stay in the courtyard if he left? Fu Yemu quickly shook his head. No, they were too naughty and could not be left alone. Thinking about the distance between his courtyard and the kitchen, it would only take seven minutes for him to go there and get back. It wasn't long, but this little monkey beside him would definitely break out before he could even get back.

Then he suddenly remembered the satchel his mother gave to them and hurriedly went back to his room. Rummaging around his room, he finally came across the green satchel that smelled of cherry blossoms. He opened it and peeked inside.

Seeing that it was what he thought it was, he bobbed his head and turned to Fu Aozi who had followed him in. They tilted their head as they gazed at the satchel.

Fu Yemu squatted down before his younger brother and put on his most serious face, "I will give you what is inside of this satchel if you can promise me that you will not take one step outside of this courtyard."

Fu Aozi twisted his body cutely, "Umm... What's inside of the bag?"

Putting his hand in, Fu Yemu pulled out an osmanthus cake and a couple of hawthorn candy. "Mother gave us some snacks."

Reaching out, he opened his hands. "Older brother, please give it to me."

Fu Yemu shook a finger in the air, "Not yet. Can you be good and promise me first?"

Holding three fingers in the air, Fu Aozi tried to put on the serious stance of swearing an oath, "I promise."

He smiled and handed two osmanthus cake and a handful of hawthorn candy. "Remember to keep your promise! Older brother will be right back."

Fu Aozi waved goodbye at Fu Yemu as he munched on the goodies, "Bye Bye."

An Zhangyi could already foresee the misfortune that was about to occur even without his divination skills. When Fu Yemu returned, the door to his courtyard was slightly ajar and his younger brother was missing.

With a racing heart, he shouted for him, "Zizi!"

"Zizi, where are you?!"