Then... It happened.
A sudden burst of multicolored light emitted from the stone, temporarily blinding Xie Ra. He was astounded by the unexpected occurring. Yet before his brain could comprehend what did just happen, A vision formed before his eyes.
It was... A place. Somewhere deserted. It has a gloomy atmosphere and ashen landscape, where no plants were visible. Dead trees marked a circular boundary around the area. Oddly, Xie Ra felt familiar with this place. Something seemed to poke into his mind but, but he couldn't remember what it was.
The vision faded away along with the slowly disappearing surrounding radiance. Everything returned to normal, leaving poor Xie Ra's mind in a jumble. The cold night wind kissed his cheeks, making him shudder unintentionally
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All done! Xie Ra prepared his stuff so he could leave the village tomorrow morning.
He felt his heartthrob as he remembered all those happy days spent under this roof. All of them came to an end so quickly. But he knew he took the right decision so, he stepped out to walk around the village for one last time.
He paced slowly towards the eastern border of the village, where he used to work. He quit his job a week ago, but he never told anyone about his leave. He had never been a talkative person among them, yet, he wanted to bid a proper farewell to them. He didn't forget how much they helped him the past few weeks.
After saying a proper goodbye to them, he headed to Yan's residence. He wasn't a stranger to them so, he could go straight inside without waiting at the front door. However, today he felt awkward doing, so he asked the helper boy to call Yan Yi, Ning Bo, and Madam Yan for a moment.
It was Ning Bo who got this message first. He felt angry. He dismissed the messenger and went straight to meet Xie Ra, to grab him into the house. It was funny how he used to hate this white-haired kid back then. Now He was grieving over his soon-to-be departure.
Xie Ra knew he was in trouble as soon as he saw the look on Ning Bo's face. He scratched his head awkwardly.
"Come in," Ning Bo *commanded Xie Ra and went inside. (Yes...commanded. Angry Ning Bo is scary. Like an angry cat. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) )
As they went inside, they met Yan Yi, who was busy treating a patient... On the same bed, his Bàba used to be. His mood changed.
Yan Lou felt the change in Xie Ra's demeanor. He realized the source of the trigger. Therefore, he told his helper boy to look after that patient until he returns and headed to his library, followed by the other two boys.
They talked for a long time. Hours passed, But no one seemed to stop their conversation. They were scared. They knew once they stopped their discussion, they have to separate for a long time. Maybe never again.
There is nothing that doesn't reach an end. Once again, proving this hard truth, the separating moment arrived.
Ning Bo hugged Xie Ra. He was trying his best not to break down. So he didn't talk but patted Xie Ra's back wishing him good luck without verbal communication. Xie Ra verbally said goodbye to both of them and turned to go back.
But, something else seemed to bother Xie Ra's mind. Not the sadness... He suddenly had a deep urge to ask Yan Yi about the place he saw last night by the vision.
He turned his head and asked, "Yan Yi, Is there any deserted place in Yulong forest where no plant grows? Someplace that looked haunted?"
Yan Yi thought for a moment. "Yeah, I heard about such a place is in the north part of the forest. I think people were warned not to go there as many dangerous accidents occurred in that area. Why are you asking?" Yan frowned.
"No, I think someone asked me one day. Yesterday night I got reminded of this again. Well, even I know it's too late to tell them now." Xie Ra chuckled. Then, he said Goodbye.
Xie Ra felt guilty for lying to them on a day like this. But if he told them the truth, they might try to stop them. Finally, he found a clue that might have a relationship to his past.
So he didn't have any choice but to lie. At least, if something happens to him tomorrow, they won't know. Xie Ra smiled as he paced towards home.