The bright sunlight hit the sheets. "Ugh..." Xinya opened her eyes groggily, dressing and grooming herself as usual before heading to the familiar cafeteria. Today, Captain Kubo was already there dining early, while the other team members had yet to arrive. "It seems everyone slept in," Kubo said while eating.
"Good morning, Captain," Xinya stepped forward to greet him. "I'll be returning those children home in batches today. You all just handle your respective tasks as usual," Kubo laughed. "I'm sorry, Captain. You just got back and have to run around without any rest," Xinya replied apologetically. "You all did well this time, but it's also thanks to your boyfriend stepping in. Otherwise, even I couldn't have saved the situation." "What are you saying, Captain! He's not my boyfriend or anything. We've only known each other a short time, and I haven't even figured out his background yet," Xinya countered with a blushing face.
"Haha, seeing that expression of yours first thing in the morning is quite refreshing. Gossip aside, your rescue mission is bound to have provoked those dark forces. I fear our district will no longer be safe. From now on, we must put all our effort into security. I'll also find a way to get some self-defense weapons. The slum district is a zone outside government control; the residents' lives can only be protected by us," Kubo said seriously.
"Yes, that's true. From now on, I will be more cautious in screening all suspicious personnel to ensure not another child is lost in the district," Xinya responded with a solemn expression. After a long while, the other team members arrived one by one. "Jessie and Qili, come find me after you finish eating," Kubo left behind these words and departed with his tray. "Yes, Captain!" the two replied in unison.
"Xinya, what are your arrangements for today?" Jessie sat down and asked. "Hmm... I'll still head to the city to claim supplies today. Saeying, you stay behind to look after the children who were sent over. After all, the Captain can't send them all back in one day, so I'm giving this 'nanny' task to you first." Xinya intentionally let her stay behind to rest, as the nightmare they had just experienced wouldn't be easy to recover from. "Alright, I get it," Saeying said, pouting.
After finishing their meal, the group split up to handle their tasks. Ruta drove the new motorcycle to another city to collect supplies, while Xinya walked alone into the city center. The heart of the city was still crowded with impoverished people waiting for supplies. Upon arrival, Xinya joined the queue. After a long wait, she finally received a bag of grain. "Luckily I didn't run into any 'old acquaintances' today," Xinya laughed as she picked up the heavy grain and started her journey back. The "old acquaintance" naturally referred to the police officer who had arrested her previously.
"Oh no, I'm late..." A little girl passed by Xinya with a face full of disappointment. Looking at the distribution event that had already ended, her face was filled with sorrow. Xinya noticed this thin, weak girl whose clothes were covered in patches. Seeing the empty look in the girl's eyes, she couldn't help but recall her own similar experiences as a child.
With a look of relief, she smiled and walked toward the girl with the grain. "Little sister, remember to come earlier next time. I'll give this bag of food to you," Xinya handed the bag to the girl. "But, this is yours, sister. I can't just take it," the little girl backed away in fear. "It's okay. I have plenty more at home, and I can come back tomorrow to get more. Just listen to me and take it, otherwise, your mom and dad will be unhappy if you return empty-handed," Xinya insisted on giving it to her. "But... I... I understand. Thank you so much, sister," the girl accepted the food bashfully. "Mhm, hold it carefully and go home quickly so no one steals it," Xinya urged her to head home. The girl bowed in gratitude and disappeared around the corner of the street.
"It seems your heart is quite kind; I suppose you've passed the test," the mysterious man, Lian Kong, suddenly appeared at her side, startling Xinya. "!! It's you?! Lian—no, Your Excellency the God!" Seeing her long-lost benefactor, Xinya hurriedly bowed. "Haha, I remember telling you my name. Do not use other titles to call me," Lian Kong responded with a smile.
"This... I understand... Lord Lian Kong," Xinya said shyly. "Heh, you've added an unnecessary suffix again. Can't you be more natural?" "Alright... Lian Kong," Xinya finally gathered the courage to call him directly. "I was bored today, so I came to observe a bit. Would you care to accompany me on a walk?" Lian Kong invited her with a smile. "Well... alright then," Xinya could only follow along.