The little boy looked up at Ni Yang, fear in his eyes as if shrouded by a layer of gray. After a moment, he spoke in a tear-choked voice, "My dad is at home, can you not look for him, please....."
Ni Yang laughed and said, "Don't worry, I won't look for him. Little one, remember to be cautious when crossing the roads. Stick to the pavements, no running. It's dangerous, understand?"
The little boy nodded, his eyes welling up with tears.
Ni Yang took out some candies from her pocket, "Here, have this and stop crying. Big boys don't cry, they only shed blood."
The little boy looked at the colourful candy, wiped his tears away, but didn't dare take it.
There was something profoundly humbling about the gesture.
"Take it, no need to be polite with me." Ni Yang shoved the candy into the boy's hand and pocket. "By the way, what's your name?"
The little boy sniffled, "I...I'm Fu...Fuwa."
Ni Yang gently patted Fuwa's head, "Fuwa, I'm leaving now."
"Mmm..." Fuwa nodded.
