After parting ways with Six-One and the others, Shen Zhizhao sat on the ground, staring at the floor. He seemed to be in a daze, or perhaps deep in thought.
When Shen Yi looked over, the boy flashed a bright smile and took the initiative to speak up, "Sister, you guys should run away together when the time comes."
"Leave those gunmen to me."
He could guess that Shen Yi was planning to act alone.
But Shen Zhizhao didn't want her to go.
The boy's voice grew slightly tight. "I know you don't belong here. It's like you appeared out of thin air."
"You are different from us."
"Sister, there's no need for you to do anything for us."
"I've never left home since I was little. The only time I've ever been out is for this training." He sat on the ground, tilting his face up. The sunlight fell upon his gentle features. "The outside world is free."
"So you should be free, too."
This was his burden.
He didn't want this slaughter to start or end because of him.
He didn't want his companions to die.
He didn't want to follow his grandfather's wishes anymore.
He wanted to make his own choice.
Even if it was just this once.
Shen Zhizhao said a lot in one breath: "I've met many people in the past."
"Many people around me have died, too. Every time someone I know dies, I cry, and after crying, I choose to forget."
Shen Zhizhao had been surrounded by all kinds of people, whether they were teachers, attendants, or playmates acting as friends. After knowing them for a while, they would always disappear or die for various reasons.
He was always the one left behind.
Shen Zhizhao lowered his head and gripped the gun he had scavenged from the gunman.
He reiterated, "You have to leave with them, Sister."
"Go hide now. Leave the rest to me."
He knew how to shoot.
He wasn't the good-for-nothing loser his elders claimed he was.
Shen Yi hadn't expected him to have such resolve. Mildly surprised, she observed the boy's trembling shoulders and the hand tightly gripping the gun. Her voice softened, "So you're going to play the hero, send us away, and stay behind yourself?"
"Shen Zhizhao, even if they were hired by your grandfather, they won't hold back when it comes to life and death."
"You're still a child. There are six of them left, and only one of you. Are you sure?"
Excluding someone like Shen Yi who had a cheat-like advantage, the difficulty level was simply too high for a child like Shen Zhizhao.
Going over there all by himself was no different from a suicide mission.
Shen Zhizhao smiled. "Yeah."
"So, before we part, can you tell me your name?"
The corners of her lips twitched, and she answered honestly, "My name is Shen Yi."
"Okay, Yiyi."
Shen Zhizhao immediately changed how he addressed her. He pursed his lips, his expression betraying an uncontrollable hint of shyness. "Actually, in my original plan, you were supposed to come with me. I was supposed to take you home."
"What a pity."
"If I can see you again next time," Shen Zhizhao hugged her tightly, leaning close to her ear, and smiled faintly, "I will definitely take you home."
Shen Yi gently pinched his cheek in dissatisfaction. "But Little Zhizhao, the next time we meet, not only will you not remember me, but you will also threaten me."
Having his cheek pinched, Shen Zhizhao shook his head vigorously. "I would never..."
"Alright, alright, don't worry," Shen Yi said gently. "It doesn't matter even if you don't remember me."
"I will always remember the first time I saw you."
This sincere crybaby before her would forever remain in her memory.
Shen Yi asked the system to make him slowly fall asleep.
This would prevent him from getting in the way later.
"Grow up well, Little Zhizhao."
"The future is bright, and it was wonderful meeting you."
Shen Zhizhao looked at her. His eyelids suddenly grew incredibly heavy, and his consciousness began to blur. Shen Yi's voice became fainter and fainter.
She steadily caught the sleeping boy in her arms and said softly:
"Goodbye, Shen Zhizhao."
"Goodbye, Little Zhizhao."
"Next time we meet,"
"You will be a brave adult."
