Time passed quickly. One by one, the survivors on the street retreated into their homes, leaving only Tang Ye standing in place, quietly observing their movements.
Just as a family shut their door, it was quickly reopened, and a thin, malnourished young boy poked his head out, greeting Tang Ye.
"Hello."
Caught off guard, Tang Ye turned to the seven or eight-year-old undernourished boy. His eyes were bright, filled with the innocence unique to children, which somewhat dispersed the gloom in Tang Ye's heart. Subconsciously, he raised his hand to respond, but just then...
"What are you doing greeting a stranger? Come inside now! Haven't I told you not to talk to strangers? Why don't you listen?"
Quickly, the boy was pulled back inside by a pair of rough hands and disciplined amidst a man's scolding, followed by the door closing with a "bang." Then, Tang Ye heard the boy's distressed wails.
They were afraid of something, not obeying a curfew!
