Baby's Breath

Chapter 4

"Where do you live? I'll call your family to come pick you up." Even when the girl stood up, she was much shorter than Cheng Yu. A simple glance downward revealed the soft crown of her hair.

"I can walk back. It won't take long." Xue Youka underestimated the various complications following his procedure. It took him forty minutes to walk from home, yet the doctor had advised him to avoid walking as much as possible until his stitches were removed.

If only he had known, he would have never borrowed that money, even if it killed him!

Cheng Yu watched the girl's limping, slow walk, reminiscent of a tortoise's crawl, and felt a pang of pity. He frowned slightly and closed the door firmly behind him.

As Cheng Yu ascended the stairs, the wind grew stronger. He drew the curtains and peered down from the window once more.

Outside, darkness enveloped everything. Tonight, the moonlight was exceptionally dim, and within the dense forest, the child he had sent away had vanished without a trace.

After dark, Xue Youka was hesitant to take the shortcuts. The countryside was dotted with graves, and without even a flashlight, how could he dare to walk the paths alone?

As darkness completely fell, Xue Youka, clutching his dress, suddenly saw a dazzling light before him.

A car was approaching. He stood by the roadside, waiting for it to pass.

Wei Bo, eager to get home, was driving fast. From a distance, he saw a little girl walking ahead. He eased off the accelerator, slowing down to 10 mph as he neared the child. Wei Bo turned his head for a closer look.

"Huh."

He stopped the car and backed up a few steps.

"Little one, why is it you?" Wei Bo rolled down the automatic window. "Why are you out here all alone so late?"

Xue Youka, after experiencing a bright flash, had somewhat blurred vision. Squinting for a few seconds, he recognized the figure and exclaimed, "Ah! Uncle!"

"Ha ha ha, it's me. Why are you here by yourself? Do you live nearby?"

"No," he shook his head. "My home isn't around here. It's across the river. I came here to repay a debt."

"Repay a debt?"

Two other people were also sitting in the car, yet neither interrupted Uncle Wei's conversation with the kid by the roadside. From the back seat, Cheng Ziwei looked on with curiosity, giving a few more glances.

Xue Youka explained everything in detail. He had encountered an older boy yesterday afternoon, who asked him to repay a debt. He didn't have time yesterday and only managed to come today. Upon arrival, he found nobody at home and decided to wait for a while.

Upon hearing this, Uncle Wei opened his mouth in astonishment. He could easily guess what had happened. They had left after lunch, and this kid must have been waiting at their doorstep for who knows how long. Surely Cheng Yu must have returned, accepted the repayment, and then told the boy to leave.

"For just one dollar, you made such a trip?" Uncle Wei couldn't help but reassess this young boy, who appeared a bit younger than Cheng Yu.

"Of course, one must keep their word."

"Then get in the car. I'll take you home."

"No need, Uncle, I…"

"Get in," Wei Bo's voice had barely fallen when the car door at the back opened.