Taking in the orphaned girl Xiaoxiao

When Qiao Wei awoke, she found herself no longer in the water, but on the bank of a pond in a village. Struggling to her feet, she was struck with terror at the scene before her—surrounded by people drenched in blood, all lifeless, their breath stilled. Blood pooled on the ground, streaming into the lake and staining its waters a deep crimson.

She stared at the gruesome sight, nearly screaming. Suddenly, a familiar figure flashed into view, worry etched deeply in his dark red eyes.

“Girl, are you alright?” Luo Chen rushed forward, pulling Qiao Wei into his arms. The anxiety that had gripped him eased at the sight of her.

“I’m… I’m fine,” Qiao Wei managed to find her voice with difficulty, the words emerging hoarsely. Trembling, she pointed to the bodies on the ground. “Them…”

Luo Chen shook his head. “I don’t know who killed them. The bottom of that lake connects to this village. We followed a girl here, then split up to look for you.” He eyed the bloodstains on Qiao Wei, his heart still pounding. “Girl, when I saw you covered in blood, I thought you were hurt. Thank goodness you’re safe.”

Only then did Qiao Wei notice the blood all over her, and a wave of fear washed over her. Before she could say anything, Luo Chen scooped her up and swiftly carried her away.

Luo Chen brought Qiao Wei to the entrance of the village, where Luo Xuan, Rhine, and the little girl were already waiting. Seeing Qiao Wei covered in blood, Luo Xuan hurried over. “Qiao Qiao, are you hurt?!”

Qiao Wei shook her head, unable to speak, only asking Luo Chen to set her down. Luo Chen obliged, explaining to Luo Xuan, “I found her by the lake. It’s the villagers’ blood on her.”

Luo Xuan breathed a long sigh of relief, his tone softening. “That’s good. Qiao Qiao, go to the farmhouse and take a bath.”

“Let big sister come to my house,” the little girl said timidly, her innocent eyes moving everyone.

Qiao Wei mustered a gentle smile for the girl. “Thank you, little sister.”

The girl led them to a larger house, its furnishings simple and spotless. After bathing and changing into clean clothes, Qiao Wei left the bathroom. Passing by a small room, she saw the little girl crouched in a corner, quietly wiping her tears. Qiao Wei hurried over, awkwardly wiping the girl's tears and asking softly, “What’s wrong, little sister?”

The girl sniffled, “My… my mother was killed by monsters… I have no family left…”

Thinking of the hunted villagers, Qiao Wei quickly comforted her. “Don’t cry, little sister. Be strong. My father passed away a few years ago, too. I was about your age then. I told myself he had gone to heaven, and would be happy there. So you mustn’t be sad. If your mother saw you so unhappy, she wouldn’t want that.”

The girl was silent for a long time, her head bowed as she wept. Qiao Wei’s heart ached for her, and she gently hugged the child. After a while, the girl looked up at Qiao Wei, forcing a smile though tears lingered in her eyes. “Thank you, big sister. My name is Zou Xiaoxiao. You can call me Xiaoxiao.”

Qiao Wei stroked Xiaoxiao’s hair. “Xiaoxiao, would you like to come with me? Though the road ahead may be dangerous, I’ll take care of you.”

Xiaoxiao nodded and gave her a wide, brave smile.

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