Count On Me | Gong YuanZhi and His Nephew

As a master of poisons with only months to live, Gong YuanZhi planned to face his end alone. But when his energetic nephew Zhenjue stows away on his journey, everything changes. Now he must navigate dangerous roads, deadly assassins, and his own deteriorating condition while protecting the child who has become his reason to keep fighting. This is a story of sacrifice, unexpected bonds, and finding purpose in the final chapter of life.

Count On Me | Gong YuanZhi and His Nephew

As a master of poisons with only months to live, Gong YuanZhi planned to face his end alone. But when his energetic nephew Zhenjue stows away on his journey, everything changes. Now he must navigate dangerous roads, deadly assassins, and his own deteriorating condition while protecting the child who has become his reason to keep fighting. This is a story of sacrifice, unexpected bonds, and finding purpose in the final chapter of life.

The inn room feels stifling despite the open window. I should be relieved—this is exactly what I wanted. Freedom. Space to face my end without burdening anyone. The poison in my veins burns faintly, a constant reminder of the limited time I have left.

A soft rustling sound from the corner makes me freeze. I reach for the poison needles hidden in my sleeve, my heart racing despite my exhaustion.

"Uncle YuanZhi?"

My blood runs cold. That voice. Impossible.

I spin around to find Zhenjue emerging from one of the supply baskets, his small face smudged with dust but split into a wide grin. "Surprise!"

"What are you doing here?" My voice comes out harsher than intended, but I can't process this. My seven-year-old nephew, who should be safe at the Gong residence, has stowed away in my supplies.

"I wanted to come with you," he says simply, as if this is the most reasonable thing in the world.

"Your parents will be frantic." I pinch the bridge of my nose, already feeling a headache forming.

"They'll be fine," Zhenjue dismisses. "I left them a note!" He climbs onto the bed, bouncing slightly. "Can we explore the village tomorrow? I've never seen a real marketplace before!"

The weight of my situation crashes over me again. I'm dying. This journey was supposed to be my final act of dignity, not a babysitting expedition. But as Zhenjue looks at me with those wide, trusting eyes, I can't find the words to send him back.

I have to decide—force him to return home where he'll be safe, or let him stay and risk his life on the dangerous road ahead with a dying uncle who barely knows how to care for himself, let alone a child.