Ye Yunian and Apple Bear lived in a territory located at the top of a mountain. Not only was the altitude high, but the path down the mountain was also steep.

Apple Bear was already injured, and any sudden movements would tug at his wounds, causing him to bleed again.

To prevent further injury, Ye Yunian carefully chose the flattest and easiest paths for Apple Bear as they made their way down the mountain.

However, there were still occasional steep slopes they had to cross.

At those moments, Ye Yunian would press closely against Apple Bear, using his own body as a crutch to support him.

At first, Apple Bear was reluctant to put his full weight on Ye Yunian, knowing he was heavy and afraid Ye Yunian wouldn’t be able to handle it.

But Ye Yunian didn’t care whether Apple Bear wanted to lean on him or not. If Apple Bear hesitated, Ye Yunian would unleash a string of fierce-sounding “chirps and growls.”

His tone was super stern!

Realizing he had upset the little bear, Apple Bear reluctantly accepted Ye Yunian’s offer of support.

Thanks to Ye Yunian’s care and assistance, despite Apple Bear’s severe injuries, their journey went relatively smoothly. The wounds, now stopped bleeding and hadn’t reopened.

Even so, Apple Bear was still injured, and the pain in his abdomen was hard to ignore. After walking for a short distance, he would have to stop and rest, panting heavily.

By midday, they had only covered about a quarter of the distance.

Ye Yunian mentally calculated how long it would take to reach the river.

Two days.

That is, if Apple Bear wasn’t hurt and they could move at full speed.

But with Apple Bear injury, and at their current slow pace, it would take at least four days to reach the river.

After reaching the river, they would still need to find the base, which would likely take another day.

Ye Yunian glanced at Apple Bear beside him, exhausted and leaning against a large boulder, breathing heavily.

There’s no rushing this.

If they pushed too hard and worsened Apple Bear’s condition, the consequences would be disastrous.

Ye Yunian checked Apple Bear’s wounds again, confirming that there was no bleeding, and then stood up to lick Apple Bear’s head gently.

He needed to find food and, while he was at it, look for some dandelion and thistle to help treat Apple Bear.

Both dandelions and thistles have cooling, detoxifying, and blood-stopping properties—exactly what Apple Bear needed in his current state.

And they needed protein-rich food as well.

Ye Yunian made a soft sound to let Apple Bear know he was leaving to search for food and then headed towards the nearby forest.

Apple Bear, slowly rising to his feet, tried to follow.

But Ye Yunian came back and nudged Apple Bear with his head, gently forcing him to sit down again.

He let out a series of soft, grumbling sounds—another long stream of “chirps and growls.”

Sick bears should rest!

Let the reliable Ye Yunian handle the food.

Apple Bear didn’t understand the exact meaning of Ye Yunian’s chattering, but he got the gist: the little bear wanted him to stay put and wait for his return.

In response, Apple Bear licked Ye Yunian’s face. After a night of rest, he was feeling much better than when he first got injured. He wanted to tell the little bear that he had enough strength to go hunting with him.

But Ye Yunian refused, pressing his head firmly against Apple Bear’s fur, making it clear that he wasn’t letting him go anywhere.

After a few failed attempts, Apple Bear finally gave in.

Ye Yunian was delighted and affectionately rubbed his face against Apple Bear’s neck.

He’d be back soon, and Apple Bear just needed to wait patiently.

Ye Yunian lifted his head, sniffed the air, and trotted off towards the forest.

It was autumn, food in the forest was becoming scarce, and there were fewer animals roaming around.

Finding bamboo shoots to fill their bellies was easy, but tracking down other animals required some skill and patience.

Fortunately, Ye Yunian had learned some valuable tracking techniques from Apple Bear over the summer. It wasn’t long before he picked up the scent of a nest of wild rabbits.

He crouched low in the bushes, waiting patiently.

As soon as a rabbit poked its head out of the burrow, Ye Yunian sprang into action.

Success.

Ye Yunian was immensely grateful that he hadn’t been lazy over the summer and had diligently learned hunting skills from Apple Bear.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to take care of the injured bear now.

The rabbit he caught weighed around three or four pounds—enough for Apple Bear.

Ye Yunian carried the rabbit back, along with some tender bamboo shoots, and returned to Apple Bear.

After dropping the food in front of him, Ye Yunian didn’t rest. He went off to dig up some dandelions.

Thistles were harder to find than dandelions, and after a quick search, Ye Yunian came up empty. He returned with what he could gather and gave the dandelions to Apple Bear to eat.

Once he made sure there was no danger in the surrounding area, Ye Yunian finally relaxed and returned to Apple Bear.

By this time, Apple Bear was completely exhausted from the morning’s journey.

After eating his fill, Ye Yunian didn’t push him to continue walking. Instead, he let Apple Bear rest, leaning against him.

To heal properly, Apple Bear needed both nutritious food and plenty of sleep.

Ye Yunian made sure not to let Apple Bear overexert himself.

As the warm afternoon sun bathed them, Apple Bear soon drifted into a deep sleep while resting against Ye Yunian.

Ye Yunian dozed lightly, keeping an ear out for any sounds nearby, occasionally swatting away insects buzzing near Apple Bear’s wounds.

One of Apple Bear’s large paws rested on Ye Yunian’s arm. Ye Yunian glanced down, noticing how pale the bear’s paw pads looked—probably from the blood loss the day before.

It was clear that Apple Bear still needed plenty of nourishment.

Ye Yunian silently vowed to continue hunting diligently in the coming days.

When Apple Bear finally woke from his nap, they continued their slow journey.

Over the next two days, Ye Yunian and Apple Bear gradually made their way down from the highest peak to the valley.

Thanks to Ye Yunian’s constant care, Apple Bear’s wounds seemed to be healing well. Although there was occasional bleeding, they had avoided any serious infection or inflammation.

Ye Yunian was relieved but still cautious.

Exposed wounds were dangerous, and every morning and evening, Ye Yunian would search the forest for herbs.

If he found thistle, he used thistle. If not, dandelion would do. In any case, Apple Bear’s wounds had to be covered with herbs every day to minimize the risk of infection.

Finally, on the evening of the third day, Ye Yunian stood halfway up the mountain and saw the river where they had spent the entire spring.

At this pace, they would only need another day and a half before reaching the base!

Ye Yunian was thrilled. Overcome with joy, he ran over to Apple Bear, circling around him excitedly and rubbing his head affectionately against Apple Bear’s.

Apple Bear, having been walking all afternoon, was exhausted. He sat down to rest, watching Ye Yunian’s joyful antics with a bit of confusion. Apple Bear had already realized the day before that Ye Yunian was leading him toward this particular river.

The area surrounding the river was rich in food. Even in winter, when the water levels dropped, there were still plenty of fish in the river, making it a good place for them to settle for the season.

However, the river was too close to where the upright apes—humans—lived. Moreover, Apple Bear was still injured. If any humans approached, how would he protect Ye Yunian?

Apple Bear gazed at Ye Yunian with a hint of worry.

But Ye Yunian was too immersed in his own happiness to notice Apple Bear’s concern.

With the river just ahead, and Apple Bear seeming to be in relatively good condition, Ye Yunian decided there was no rush to move on immediately.

Having lived near this area for several months in the spring, Ye Yunian was quite familiar with the surrounding hills. He led Apple Bear to a bamboo forest and let him rest while he went to catch some bamboo rats.

The lower altitude near the river meant there were more bamboo rats here than at the mountain’s peak. It didn’t take Ye Yunian long to catch almost ten bamboo rats, which he brought back for Apple Bear to eat.

That night, they camped in the bamboo forest, planning to continue their journey at dawn.

As soon as the sun began to rise the next morning, Ye Yunian opened his eyes.

He glanced at Apple Bear beside him. Normally, the ever-alert Apple Bear would stir at even the slightest movement from Ye Yunian. But this time, Ye Yunian got close enough to check his wound, and Apple Bear remained fast asleep.

He must be utterly exhausted after three days of traveling.

Deciding to let him sleep a bit longer, Ye Yunian gently began cleaning the herbs off Apple Bear’s wound with his tongue.

It was then that Ye Yunian noticed something wasn’t right.

Last night, Apple Bear’s wound had looked red and fresh, with a thin scab forming over it. But now, the wound had turned pale.

Ye Yunian’s heart sank.

Could it be infected?

He quickly sniffed the wound and detected a faint but unmistakable smell of decay.

Panic gripped him as he let out a distressed cry, hurrying over to feel Apple Bear’s ear with his tongue.

Not only was Apple Bear’s wound infected, but he was also running a fever!

No wonder Apple Bear hadn’t stirred—he was burning up!

Ye Yunian’s commotion eventually roused Apple Bear from his sleep.

He lay on his back, looking at the little bear in front of him with bleary eyes.
He was a little confused.
Why did the little bear look so distressed? Why were his eyes misty with concern?

Apple Bear tried to sit up to comfort Ye Yunian, to lick away the worry from his eyes, but as soon as he moved, a wave of weakness swept over him. His limbs felt impossibly heavy, something Apple Bear had never experienced before. A flash of uncertainty crossed his gaze.

Ye Yunian, seeing Apple Bear’s condition, became even more anxious.

What should he do now?

If he continued forward with Apple Bear, they would need to cross the river. But Apple Bear’s wound was already infected. What if the water made the infection worse?

Even if they managed to cross the river, they still wouldn’t have reached their destination. At the very least, they would need another half-day of travel to reach the base.

Should he leave Apple Bear here and go get help from the base? But would the humans at the base understand his intentions?

Ye Yunian hesitated but quickly made up his mind. Whether or not the humans understood, he had to bring help back.

He let out a series of urgent calls, signaling to Apple Bear that he was going to find help, and turned to leave.

But, to his surprise, the usually weak and feverish Apple Bear struggled to his feet and stumbled after him.

“Raaaarrr…” Apple Bear growled weakly, trying to get Ye Yunian’s attention. His gaze was firm, silently telling Ye Yunian that he disagreed with the plan.

The area was too close to human territory, and with his current condition, it wasn’t safe. Instead of moving forward, Apple Bear wanted them to leave the area and retreat somewhere safer.

But Ye Yunian had already made up his mind. He growled back at Apple Bear, telling him to stay put and wait for him to return with help.

Under normal circumstances, Apple Bear would have obeyed Ye Yunian, trusting him to make the right decision. But today was different. Despite his fever and wavering legs, Apple Bear stubbornly tried to follow Ye Yunian, his large frame swaying unsteadily with each step.

What are you doing? Stay here and wait for me! I’ll go get help!

Ye Yunian’s heart ached as he barked urgently at Apple Bear, trying to make him understand. Apple Bear’s condition was clearly worsening. His fever had sapped him of his strength, and his steps were unsteady.

But despite all this, Apple Bear was still determined to follow, his eyes filled with concern for Ye Yunian.

Ye Yunian realized in that moment that Apple Bear wasn’t worried about himself—he was worried about Ye Yunian.

You’re the one who’s sick! Your wound is infected, and you’re burning with fever. Why are you worried about me when you should be taking care of yourself?

Stubborn bear! Apple Bear is just a silly, stubborn bear!

Ye Yunian felt a lump rise in his throat, his eyes growing wet with tears. Apple Bear continued to walk toward him, but his body was clearly struggling. His legs gave way beneath him, and he started to collapse.

Without thinking, Ye Yunian darted forward, positioning his body beneath Apple Bear to cushion his fall.

Apple Bear blinked in surprise as he landed on top of the little bear. Realizing what had happened, he quickly scrambled to get off, using his last bit of strength to push himself up and relieve Ye Yunian of his weight.

Seeing Apple Bear’s exhausted state, Ye Yunian’s worry deepened. There was no way he could leave Apple Bear here alone—not like this.

No, they would have to cross the river together. He couldn’t leave Apple Bear behind in this condition.

Ye Yunian wasn’t hurt from breaking Apple Bear’s fall. He stood up, nuzzling Apple Bear’s neck affectionately, licking his nose in reassurance.

Let’s go, we’ll do this together.

He looked Apple Bear in the eyes, pressing his head gently against Apple Bear’s face, silently telling him that he wouldn’t change his mind. Ye Yunian stood close, using his body as support for Apple Bear.

Apple Bear seemed to understand. Despite his fatigue and confusion, he trusted Ye Yunian. Though he didn’t agree with the plan, he didn’t have the strength to argue or resist. And deep down, he didn’t want to leave Ye Yunian’s side.

So, despite his faltering steps and fever-ridden body, Apple Bear allowed Ye Yunian to guide him down the steep mountain path, heading toward the river.

It was a slow and painful journey.

The fever was making Apple Bear’s head spin, and his limbs felt weak and unsteady. If not for Ye Yunian’s constant support, he would have stumbled and fallen countless times.

Apple Bear’s eyes were filled with apology. He knew he was a burden, slowing them down and making things harder for Ye Yunian.

But Ye Yunian remained steadfast, determined not to give up on his injured friend.

By midday, after hours of slow progress, they finally reached the riverbank.

Ye Yunian guided Apple Bear to rest against a large rock before hurrying to inspect the water.

Though it was October and the river’s water levels had receded, the current was still flowing steadily. Ye Yunian wandered along the bank, searching for a shallow, calm spot.

After some searching, he found an area where the water was relatively shallow and slow-moving, with the deepest part only about two meters. It seemed like the best place to cross.

Without wasting any more time, Ye Yunian returned to Apple Bear and nudged him to get up.

Apple Bear, though visibly worse than he had been that morning, managed to stand, swaying on his feet. He was ready to follow Ye Yunian, no matter what.