Chapter 15: Earning Esteem

Jon's mother hurriedly ran out of the cottage when she saw Melissa and Jon in the distance through the window.

"What happened to him?" she gently asked Melissa while helping her support Jon.

Melissa briefly explained the situation as she did not want to alarm his mother, "He fainted from fatigue."

After hearing what Melissa had said, Jon's mother shook her head.

"Our poor son is working too hard and not getting enough rest," she lamented. She then lovingly looked at her son and sighed, "I feel so sorry that he has to bear so much at such a young age."

Melissa immediately felt a pang of guilt.

Before long, they arrived in the tiny cottage and gingerly laid Jon on his bed.

Jon's mother then fussed over Melissa.

"Dear Mel," Jon's mother brought her to a chair in the living room and settled her down. "Thank you for bringing Jon home."

She beamed as she went to the kitchen to pour her some green tea. Meanwhile, Master Ye walked out of his room to chat with his guest.

"Please do not be