They passed another group of people—more nods, more greetings. Every interaction left her more baffled than the last. Finally, Xuán Wěi broke the silence again.
"It's late," he said, his tone softening. "But I feel like you haven't eaten in a while."
JJ glanced at him, frowning slightly. She hadn't even thought about food, the gnawing hunger in her belly overshadowed by everything else.
"Come with me to my favorite spot," Xuán Wěi continued, his tone casual. "We can discuss what your day has been like. Maybe clear up some of the questions I see in your eyes."
JJ hesitated, her steps faltering for a moment. Eat? With a rebel? The idea seemed ridiculous, yet here they were, walking side by side like old acquaintances. She glanced up at him, trying to gauge his intentions, but his expression remained calm, open. There was no malice, no hidden agenda that she could sense.
Reluctantly, she nodded. "Alright," she said, her voice quiet. "Lead the way."
