Zhan Qing was waiting outside. When she saw Ji'er come out, she quickly approached her.
She noticed that Ji'er's eyes were as red as a rabbit's.
One glance was enough to tell that she had been crying.
However, Zhan Qing did not make any comment. Wrapping an arm around Ji'er, she led her back the way they came without alerting anyone.
On the way back, Ji'er muttered in Zhan Qing's arms, "Big Sis Zhan Qing, I'll be ten years old after the New Year."
"Yes. You'll be one year older, Your Highness," Zhan Qing said wistfully—she would be one year older too.
Ji'er clung to her waist without another word.
She would get to see Lil Qi in another five years, right?
What if he did not come back?
Her brow furrowed, then it smoothed out again. If he did not come back, she could always go to him.
How stupid of her!