The two large animals, seeing their master had returned, wagged their tails furiously and rubbed their heads hard against Yang Qi's hand.
After comforting his grandmother, Hu Zi, and Leopard, Yang Qi stood up and looked toward the woodshed at the back of the house, where they stored miscellaneous items.
The woodshed door was closed, but through the crack at the bottom, a pair of wary, downcast eyes could be seen.
Yang Qi walked over and gently pushed the door open.
Light flooded into the dim woodshed.
Bai Wan was curled up on a pile of dry hay in the corner. Hearing the sound, it lifted its head. When it saw Yang Qi, its eyes instantly lit up, only to dim again just as quickly. Its ears drooped, its tail hung limply on the ground, and a low, mournful whimper rumbled in its throat.
Full of apprehension, it padded over to Yang Qi's feet, lowered its head, and gently nuzzled his leg. Simultaneously, a clear thought was transmitted through their bond.
'I'm sorry, Master.'
