Chapter 46: Will We Ever Meet Again?

"Sister Lan, thank you for saving my life. I, Ling Xiao, have nothing to offer in return."

These days, Ling Xiao had been calling Zhang Xiaolan "Sister Lan." Zhang Xiaolan always insisted that Ling Xiao address her as elder sister, so he settled on the name "Sister Lan."

"If you have nothing to offer, then tell me your story—how you ended up in this line of work," Zhang Xiaolan said, seeing how polite Ling Xiao was today and teasing him a little. Deep down, she knew Ling Xiao would not tell her the truth.

"I have nothing to disclose, Sister Lan. It’s better that you know as little as possible," Ling Xiao replied, for her own sake. Organizations like the one he belonged to were tightly knit; if outsiders learned their secrets, it could mean a death sentence.

"Heh! I knew you wouldn't want to talk. I won't ask you about it again. But why are you thanking me today?" Zhang Xiaolan could tell from his reaction that there was no hope of prying the truth from him. Yet, seeing him dressed and speaking so politely, she felt as if he were saying goodbye.

"I wanted to bid farewell to you, Sister Lan," Ling Xiao said, feeling that his injuries were no longer serious. He intended to leave, to report back and accept whatever punishment awaited him. He had delayed so many days; if his organization found this place, it might endanger Zhang Xiaolan.

"Leaving so soon? But your wounds haven’t fully healed!" Zhang Xiaolan had already guessed as much, but she was still worried about his injuries.

Though the wounds had closed, his body had not fully recovered. She wondered whether he would get proper rest and treatment after returning. Now, Zhang Xiaolan regarded Ling Xiao almost like a younger brother.

"These wounds are nothing. I’ve already delayed here for days; when I return, I still have... I must go," Ling Xiao said indifferently. He had endured injuries before, always pulling through on his own. Now, he had received excellent care and was mostly healed. He had to return, no matter what punishment or confinement awaited him.

"Are you going to be punished when you go back? Then don’t go," Zhang Xiaolan said, sensing something hidden in his words. She suspected he would face some form of retribution; rules in secret societies were always harsh.

"I have reasons I cannot avoid. Today, I must bid you farewell, Sister Lan," Ling Xiao said, unwilling to say more. Telling her would only increase her worries, and perhaps they would never see each other again.

"Will we ever meet again? I feel as if you’re my younger brother. Now that you’re leaving, I really can’t bear it," Zhang Xiaolan said softly, her attachment growing after learning about Ling Xiao’s past. She, too, had ended up alone in this place, without family or friends, so similar to his plight.

"I fear there won’t be another chance. And I wouldn’t want you to see me then—when I might be under orders to take someone’s life," Ling Xiao said, knowing from these days spent together that Zhang Xiaolan was a good person. He was grateful for her kindness. Though he was an assassin, he was not so cold-blooded as to confuse right and wrong; his gratitude toward Zhang Xiaolan was sincere.

"I’m not from a wealthy family nor do I bear grudges—I doubt anyone would hire an assassin to kill me," Zhang Xiaolan joked, though Ling Xiao’s words made her reflect.

"That’s good. Sister Lan, Ling Xiao takes his leave now." Ling Xiao said no more, clasped his hands in farewell, then turned and vaulted over the wall, vanishing from sight.

"You didn’t even say goodbye properly—just 'flew' away," Zhang Xiaolan ran out, catching only a glimpse of his shadow as he crossed the wall, feeling a pang of lost family.

“Miss, the master has returned!”