Shajin leisurely strolled along the mountain path, enjoying the rare tranquility.
Along the way, he had tidied himself up, changing into a somewhat presentable outfit he had taken from the treasure hunters, along with all their Mora—about 200,000 Mora, stored in the space of his Vision.
The buzzing of Insects and the chirping of birds around him made him feel completely at ease, as if his soul had melded with the beautiful nature around him.
He walked aimlessly, without a hint of fatigue. When hungry, he would start a fire and hunt some wild animals. When thirsty, he drank the cool, sweet mountain spring water.
Before he knew it, he had wandered far from his starting point and had arrived near a strange village.
"Big brother, would you like to buy a grilled fish?"
Suddenly, a crisp and pleasant voice shattered Shajin's peaceful thoughts.
His gaze was swift and sharp, like lightning, scanning the source of the voice.
He saw a small, delicate girl with silver hair and red eyes, timidly looking at him. Her large, lively eyes shone like the brightest stars in the night sky, emitting a mesmerizing glow.
"I… my grilled fish tastes really good! My mom always praises me for it."
Shajin followed her gaze and saw a little girl, barely younger than him, standing barefoot on the ground, her feet covered in dirt. It was a sight that tugged at his heart.
But her gaze was incredibly clear, like two sparkling red rubies set into her cute face.
Shajin couldn't help but take a few more glances at this little girl. On her back was a bamboo basket full of golden grilled fish, wrapped neatly in large leaves, exuding a tempting aroma.
The grilled fish looked quite exquisite, making one's mouth water.
"This grilled fish looks really good!" Shajin said, giving a compliment.
Hearing this, the little girl beamed with a smile, her face blossoming like a fresh flower.
"Big brother, if you like it, you can buy one for just one Mora!"
Shajin smiled and took a Mora from his pocket, handing it to the little girl. He then took the grilled fish and took a bite. Indeed, it was delicious—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with juicy, fresh fish meat, perfectly grilled.
Seeing Shajin enjoying it, the girl laughed happily.
"Big brother, is it delicious? If you think it's good, you can come back and buy some more!"
Shajin nodded with a smile.
"Thank you very much. Goodbye, little one!" The girl rushed off, clearly eager to find her next buyer.
Shajin sat on a nearby rock, continuing to enjoy the grilled fish, watching the sky turn dark. It seemed like he would need to find somewhere to stay for the night.
"Hey, give me back my grilled fish!!!"
Suddenly, Shajin heard the voice of the little girl, now filled with distress.
He quickly went to check what was going on.
He saw a man kick the little girl aside, while a woman hurriedly covered her mouth. The adults' strength left her unable to break free.
"This little girl has quite a loud mouth. If she attracts the Millelith, it'll be troublesome."
The man looked around cautiously, then sighed in relief, and glared at the girl.
"Shut up, or I might just end your life here."
The little girl shook her head, struggling to break free from the woman's grip, her eyes pleading.
"Please, give me back my grilled fish! My mom needs me to sell it to treat her illness!"
"Haha, what does that have to do with us? I've been starving for two days. After barely escaping from that strange little bastard, there's no way I'm passing up the chance to fill my stomach!"
Upon hearing this, Shajin finally realized that these two were stragglers from the treasure hunting group.
Without hesitation, two Mora coins shot through the air like shooting stars, taking the lives of both the man and the woman instantly.
"Are you okay?" Shajin stepped out from the shadows, his presence ghostly, making one feel a chill.
The little girl stood frozen, staring at the blood splattered on her, as if she had just witnessed the fangs of a demon.
Naturally, this was the first time for a little one like her to see such violence, though she was no stranger to hardship.
Shajin took a step forward, and only then did the little girl snap back to reality. Instinctively, she took a step back, like a frightened fawn.
Shajin froze for a moment, then chuckled self-deprecatingly, preparing to leave.
But suddenly, a small hand grabbed his arm.
"Big brother, I'm sorry! You saved me, and yet I…"
Shajin waved his hand, signaling that he didn't mind. However, his eyes twinkled with a sly gleam, like a cunning fox.
"There's a reason I saved you. I hope to stay at your house for the night. I'll leave first thing in the morning."
"…Sure, you can!"
The little girl, who trusted the boy who had saved her, smiled warmly at him. Her eyes were like the spring sun, gentle and kind.
"Thank you. I'll buy all your grilled fish," Shajin said with a formal smile, handing her a small bag filled with Mora.
The girl didn't take it right away but instead said seriously, "Big brother, I don't need pity or charity. I can earn money with my own hands."
Shajin shook his head.
"You've seen it. I have a Vision, and its space allows me to store food for a long time. I'm not pitying you. I'm just buying some dry rations for the road."
The girl then believed his explanation.
After their exchange, the little girl led the way while Shajin followed behind.
"By the way, big brother, I still don't know your name," the girl said.
"My name is Shajin. And yours?"
"Shajin, big brother? My name is Ningguang~"
"Ningguang? That's a beautiful name."
"Hehe, you have a nice name too, Shajin."
"How old are you, Ningguang?"
"I'm 17 this year."
"I'm 18~"
…
Time passed quickly as the two chatted casually along the way. Before long, they arrived at a wooden house.
"Mom! I'm home!"
"Sorry to bother you."
Once inside, Shajin saw a woman lying on a cotton quilt, looking frail, as though she had been ravaged by a storm.
"Ningguang, you're back? Cough cough! Who is this?"
Ningguang slowly helped her mother sit up, patting her back, and introduced Shajin.
"Mom, this is Shajin, big brother…"
Ningguang then told her mother about the events of the day.
Upon hearing this, Ningguang's mother struggled to sit up and almost tried to kneel before Shajin, but he quickly stopped her.
"Please don't do that, Auntie. I saved Ningguang for a reason. I plan to stay here for one night, then leave in the morning."
"I understand. Please don't be shy, and make yourself at home. I'm in poor health, so Ningguang, you take care of things," Ningguang's mother said while gesturing for Shajin to sit.
Ningguang quickly went to the kitchen to prepare some food. It was simple, mostly vegetables or radishes, and the only meat dish was grilled fish.
"This is a simple meal. I hope you don't mind, Shajin, big brother."
Shajin thanked her and ate.
Ningguang watched him curiously, her eyes full of wonder, like a little deer just learning about the world.
After the meal, Ningguang's mother arranged for Shajin to sleep in the guest room.
Shajin was about to rest when he heard a knock on the door. He opened it to find Ningguang standing there, holding a blanket, like a shy little rabbit.
"Big brother, it's cold in the mountains at night. I brought you a blanket," she said softly, her head lowered.
Shajin took the blanket from her. "Thank you, Ningguang. Go to bed now. Good night."
Ningguang nodded.
"Mm, good night, Shajin, big brother."
She then turned and left.
_
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