"How come there are only fourteen people? We're missing one."
"Who did we leave behind?"
"Ji Ran? Where did Ji Ran go? Xiao Song, weren't you looking after Sister Ji Ran?"
"She might be taking photos at the back…"
"I'll go check."
A group of people chatted noisily. A few uncles wiped their sweat and stood up, ready to go back and look for her.
Just as they turned around, they saw a petite figure emerge from the winding path below, concealed by grass and trees. She wore a fisherman's hat, had a fair face, and her hands were clasped on the straps of her backpack. She took small but steady steps as she calmly approached them.
The youngest boy, Xiao Song, asked loudly, "Sister Ji Ran, how did you fall behind?"
Baozi looked up but didn't speak.
It's too far; they won't hear me if I speak softly, and I don't have the energy to shout. I'll apologize when I get closer.
