“Since you know that I won’t be comfortable staying in the same space as you, then shouldn’t you get lost yourself?” Gu Mengmeng saw no need to be courteous towards Cole.
Cole gazed meaningfully at Chixuan. “But if Little Xuan can’t find me when he awakes, he will rush out in a frenzy again. It’s snowing so heavily outside now, and he is just a first-level beast… I am afraid he can’t withstand it. It’s too dangerous.”
Gu Mengmeng clenched her fists. Chixuan’s last look at her right before he vanished into the snow the other time was like a knife piercing into Gu Mengmeng’s heart.
She was unable to deny the truth behind Cole’s words. If Cole was not around when Chixuan awakes, he would definitely head out to find him again.
Taking a deep breath, Gu Mengmeng ignored Cole and just nestled in Elvis’ arms, quietly watching the unmoving Chixuan with worried eyes.
“Wooo…”
After a long time, Chixuan appeared to be waking up. He moved his neck before propping himself up into a sitting position.
“Chixuan.” Gu Mengmeng’s heart finally settled down.
Chixuan was startled by Gu Mengmeng’s voice. He turned around and stared at her in surprise, as if he never thought Gu Mengmeng would actually be here.
After a half-second pause, he finally opened his mouth and said, “Mother.”
Gu Mengmeng leaped out from Elvis’ arms towards Chixuan and hugged him tight. She kissed and nuzzled against his forehead. “My good baby. As long as you are fine. You scared Mummy to death…”
Chixuan hesitated before reaching out to stroke Gu Mengmeng’s back, as gently as she herself had once done to coax her sons to sleep. His voice was mild but held a trace of cajoling. “I am sorry to have made you worry.”
Gu Mengmeng shook her head and wiped away her tears. “It’s alright. As long as you are well, Mummy will be fine.”
Chixuan didn’t say anything more and just tied the animal hide around his body to make a simple dress. He then took two steps back. “Mother, I am fine now. You two… should return soon.”
Gu Mengmeng was stunned. She looked at Chixuan expectantly. “You… are not going back with us?”
Chixuan couldn’t bear to see the tears in Gu Mengmeng’s eye. He turned his head. “I am already a grownup and need to be independent.”
“But you are my son,” Gu Mengmeng said.
Chixuan remained resolute. His voice was calm and steady. “I can live independently and still be your son.”
Gu Mengmeng stood up and walked forward. But as she approached him, Chixuan back away. His rejection was clear.
“Chixuan, are you blaming Mummy for not protecting you?” Gu Mengmeng’s heart was grieving but didn’t know what to do. She didn’t know if all parents felt so helpless before their own children. She only knew… she didn’t wish to lose this son.
Chixuan twisted his lips and shook his head. “Mother, I am a wolf.”
Gu Mengmeng looked at Chixuan with a lost expression. She didn’t understand his meaning.
Chixuan returned Gu Mengmeng’s gaze and explained slowly, “Wolves do not need protection.”
Gu Mengmeng nodded agreeably. “Good, since you don’t blame Mummy, come back with me. If you want independence… at least wait till after the winter season is over.”
Chixuan shook his head as his gaze landed upon Cole. “I cannot leave him all alone.”