He paused, then corrected himself. "I'm pretty lucky I met you."
Without Gu Ning, he never would have been able to return to the Upper District, no matter how hard he tried. Not that he wanted to go back anyway.
But what Gu Ning had given him was something no amount of wealth or status could ever buy—the most precious thing in the world.
With Xiao Ning, he had a home no matter where he was, a place where his body and soul belonged.
"I'm lucky, too." Gu Ning reached out and scratched the little fox's chin. "Meeting Cook and you."
If she hadn't met Cook and the little fox first, she couldn't bear to think what would have become of her in a place like Zone 19.
Barto revealed a rare, gentle smile. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her into his embrace. He bent down to hold her, each of them drawing in the other's warmth and scent.
