Chapter 144: Back to Mother’s Side

Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Back to Mother’s Side

Early the next morning, Fu Xiaoxiao personally set out with the four kids and a wolf cub for Upper River Village. The four kids and the little wolf were chattering all the way, excited to soon reunite with their mother. Li Lei and Li Sen were delighted by everything they saw, in stark contrast to the dejection they felt a few days before.

Fu Xiaoxiao looked at the rising sun, the warm sunlight falling on her, feeling very comfortable.

The group laughed and walked towards Upper River Village, when suddenly, the wolf cub walking in front let out a threatening growl.

"What’s wrong, little wolf?" Lu Chen asked curiously.

Fu Xiaoxiao hurriedly pulled Lu Chen back and shielded the four children behind her.

From the nearby bushes, a sleek, gray-yellow wolf leaped out, landing steadily on all fours, its body taut, and its fur bristling with anger and alertness.

The wild wolf’s eyes glowed with a fierce green light, staring fixedly at Fu Xiaoxiao and the others, baring its sharp fangs and letting out a menacing growl.

Confronted with the vicious wolf, the wolf cub dashed out without hesitation, standing in front of Fu Xiaoxiao and the others, growling deeply at the she-wolf.

The mother wolf’s raised front paw froze mid-air, her fierce gaze darting between the wolf cub and the humans.

The wolf cub sensed the change in the mother wolf’s mood but did not let down its guard, continuing its low growl, warning the mother wolf not to approach.

Fu Xiaoxiao stood nervously behind the little wolf, noticing the wild wolf’s hesitation and guessed that this must be the little wolf’s mother, who had come looking for it.

Even though she recognized it, she dared not relax, her heart racing, eyes fixed tightly on the mother wolf, her arms holding the four children behind her, fearful it might suddenly attack.

Time seemed to freeze. After a long while, the mother wolf slowly lowered her front paw, and the bristling fur gradually smoothed down.

She lowered her head slightly and whimpered softly at the little wolf, as if asking what had happened.

The little wolf, seeing this, also relaxed its defensive posture. It turned to look at Fu Xiaoxiao and the others, its eyes full of trust and dependence, then slowly took a few steps towards the mother wolf.

Upon reaching the mother wolf, the little wolf nuzzled against her body, then turned back towards Fu Xiaoxiao, barking softly twice, seemingly introducing the humans as its saviors to the mother wolf.

The mother wolf seemed to understand the little wolf’s message. Raising her head and looking at Fu Xiaoxiao again, the fierceness in her eyes was gone, replaced by a sense of gratitude and gentleness.

Once the mother wolf confirmed that the little wolf’s leg was healed, she gently licked the little wolf’s head a few times, signaling it was time to leave.

However, the little wolf seemed rooted to the spot; it looked back at Fu Xiaoxiao and the others, its eyes full of longing, its throat emitting light whimpering sounds, as if voicing its reluctance.

Lu Lin and Lu Chen stepped out from behind Fu Xiaoxiao, looking at the little wolf with mixed emotions.

Lu Lin knew that someday they would part ways, but didn’t expect the day to come so suddenly.

Lu Lin slowly crouched down, stretched out his hand towards the little wolf, and said softly, "Go back with your mother, take care of yourself in the future, and don’t step into traps again."

The little wolf seemed to understand Lu Lin’s words. It slowly walked over to Lu Lin, rubbed its head against his hand, and even stuck out its tongue to lick it, as if responding to his advice.

The mother wolf waited patiently in the distance, once again making a sound to call the little wolf.

The little wolf gave Lu Lin one last deep look, then began to walk towards the mother wolf, turning back every few steps, its eyes filled with nostalgia.

Lu Lin stood there, watching the little wolf’s departing figure, tears blurring his eyes.

Even after the little wolf and the mother wolf’s silhouettes disappeared into the dense bushes, Lu Lin stood there motionless, unwilling to leave, his mind replaying the moments spent with the little wolf.

Fu Xiaoxiao sighed softly. Of everyone who cared most for the little wolf during this time, it was undoubtedly Lu Lin, who would immediately tend to it after finishing his homework.

The fact that the little wolf healed so quickly was largely thanks to Lu Lin.

Li Lei and the others sensed Lu Lin’s sadness and the three little ones approached to hug him.

"I’m okay, I know it belongs to the forest." Lu Lin wiped the tears from the corner of his eyes, speaking with resolve.

Lu Feng had long told him that the little wolf might be the offspring of the Wolf King, and could potentially be the new Wolf King. Such a wolf could not stay with the troops; the pack would eventually come searching for it.

That’s why he didn’t name the little wolf, because Fu Xiaoxiao had said that naming it would make it harder to let go.

Lu Lin had been prepared, so he wasn’t sad; he was happy for the little wolf that it could return to its mother’s side.

Though he said that, he still felt a little down. Fu Xiaoxiao ruffled his hair. "You did great. I believe you will see each other again in the future."

"Mm." Lu Lin nodded hopefully at Fu Xiaoxiao’s words.

Arriving at school, Fu Xiaoxiao explained the situation of Li Lei and Li Sen to Zhao Qing, who understood and refunded the remaining tuition to Li Lei and Li Sen.

Today was the last day of classes, and when Niuwa and others heard that Li Lei and the others were leaving, they all gathered around them.

"Where are you going?"

"Why are you not going to study here anymore?"

"Did your parents run out of money?"

"Are you coming back?"

Li Lei listened to their questions and shook his head. "I don’t know, but I will miss you!"

"Alright then, you have to write to us, we all agreed to be lifelong friends." Niuwa patted Li Lei on the shoulder with a commanding air.

"Mm, we will miss you." Li Lei and Li Sen replied with a smile.

"You’re not leaving too, are you?" Niuwa turned back to Lu Lin, staring at him.

"I’m not leaving." Lu Lin wondered why Niuwa thought he would be leaving too and rolled his eyes at him. "Unless my mom leaves too, then I’ll go with her."

"If you’re leaving, take me with you. I want to see the outside world too. I’ve never been to the city! What does it look like there?" Niuwa asked curiously.

"When there’s a chance in the future, I’ll take you." Lu Lin replied helplessly.

"You said it! If you lie, you’re a little puppy." Niuwa’s eyes brightened and he immediately extended his pinky to make a promise.

"...Childish." Lu Lin ignored him, turning his head to return to his seat.

"...Hey! Did you lie to me? No way, you have to promise me with a pinky." Niuwa pestered Lu Lin, insisting on the promise.

"Alright, get ready for class!" Zhao Qing clapped hands, and all the children quickly returned to their seats.

Li Lei and Li Sen had never been so diligent; today was their last day of school here, and they weren’t sure if they’d get another chance to study, but they could return to Chen Xiu’s side.

As long as they’re with their mom, they’re not afraid of anything.