Chapter 365: Chapter 363: Old Turtle Guards the Little Boat_1
“Don’t worry, you guys can sleep peacefully at night with Yin’er around. No water beast would dare to attack us,”

“Chirp chirp.”

Little Kingfisher perched on the cabin roof, calling out as if on cue. It cast a disdainful glance at Shitou, not bothering to hide its contempt.

“Do we really have to spend the night on the boat?”

Shitou was distinctly aware of Little Kingfisher’s disdain. His ears turned red in embarrassment as he gripped the boat rail tightly, trying to suppress his fear.

“Shitou, you sleep tonight, and I’ll take the helm.”

Wang Meng, two years older and more reliable, took it in stride when he heard from their little Master that they couldn’t rest ashore at night. He accepted it without any objections.

“Brother Meng, you should sleep too. Yin’er will take care of the boat. We don’t need to stay awake at night.”

Without explicitly saying so, Su Qingluo mentioned that there was a ten-thousand-year-old turtle following the boat under Little Kingfisher’s command. It had been protecting their boat, guiding it through undercurrents and whirlpools smoothly.

“Alright, let’s all rest up and continue tomorrow.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Meng happily nodded. Seeing Shitou still looking pale, he tried to comfort him with a smile.

“Shitou, Master is right. It won’t be as comfortable as home, but just bear with it for one night. Close your eyes and doze off, and it’ll be morning in no time.”

“Mhm, okay.”

Shitou agreed verbally, but in his heart, he was still somewhat afraid. He glanced at the cabin subconsciously.

The cabin was small, barely enough to sleep three people. With four of them, how should they arrange the sleeping space?

“You sleep in the cabin, I’ll sleep outside.”

As the eldest brother, Wang Meng unhesitatingly embraced his responsibility and volunteered to give up his spot for his younger siblings.

“Brother Meng, let’s squeeze in the cabin, it should be okay.”

Su Qingluo glanced at the cabin and estimated the size.

“No need, I’ll just sleep at the stern. It’s fine if I can’t stretch out my legs, I’ll just prop them on the side of the boat.”

Wang Meng casually sat back against the cabin, his long legs propped up on the side of the boat as he had said. He hummed a tune from their hometown comfortably, enjoying the cool evening breeze.

“Alright then, just bear with it for one night and catch up on sleep tomorrow morning.”

Su Qingluo smiled, knowing that Wang Meng intentionally gave up his spot for their siblings, and felt a warm current surge in her heart.

The cabin was barely big enough for four adults to sit.

Su Qingluo, Little Prince, and Shitou were all children of short stature. It was actually fitting for them to sleep inside and not as cramped as imagined.

She took quilts, pillows, and a cushion from the storage ring and laid them out in the cabin. She also gave Wang Meng a soft backrest so he could be more comfortable.

As the night deepened, the number of boats on Weishui River gradually dwindled, leaving only sparse lights flickering on the water’s surface.

Under the protection of the old turtle, the black awning boat drifted downstream with barely any detectable motion.

Little Prince, holding the cub, fell asleep from exhaustion.

Su Qingluo couldn’t sleep either and leaned against the cabin, chatting with Wang Meng while enjoying the cool and comfortable night breeze.

It was the first time the little master and her apprentice had taken a boat trip together. They were both slightly excited by the sight of the ceaseless flowing river and the dazzling starry night sky.

The two laughed and chatted, reminiscing about their time together since they had first met and enjoying themselves immensely.

Shitou was lying on his side in the cabin, not asleep yet, his ears red as he listened to their conversation. His heart ached with bitterness and remorse.

He and Niuniu had suffered a lot since losing their elder’s protection. The year and a half they spent living with the Beggar Gang was like a nightmare.

Occasionally, when he closed his eyes, he couldn’t help but recall those terrifying memories. Even his sleep was restless.