Jing Qi smiled and nodded emphatically. "Definitely, so you have to listen to Nanny Qiu. Don't pay attention to what other people say. It does nothing but make you sad and us worried...
If they're really mean, you just cry and make a fuss. Bring up Father's name. So what if they call you a jinx? Father truly sacrificed himself for the tribe!"
Jing Lin hummed in agreement, but his gaze shifted down to the new silver-white metal ring around his brother's neck. "Is this from that Traveling Merchant Team, for you, brother?"
Jing Qi's body stiffened. He forced a smile. "Yeah. They said it's carved with our local Water Monster and can keep me safe."
Afraid he would start crying, he hurriedly poured his brother a cup of water. "I... the uncles in the Traveling Merchant Team are waiting for me. They have everything there. Little Lin, once I leave, I don't know when we'll see each other again.
You have to remember, I'll be back. You absolutely have to wait for me!"
