Lin Yuan and her sister exchanged glances, full of puzzlement when they saw Xiao He running for her life out of the house. But with her short, little legs, she hadn't gotten very far when a man caught up from behind, grabbed her by the back of her collar, and flung her onto the ground.
The man was none other than Xiao He's own father, Lin Dashuan. His face was flushed red, his steps unsteady, and in one hand he was brandishing a filthy, tattered shoe, obviously belonging to Xiao He's mother. He was mercilessly hitting Xiao He with the sole of the shoe.
Xiao He curled up on the ground, holding her head with both hands and rolling about but didn't let out a single peep, not even a cry.
Lin Yuan quickly grabbed her younger sister's sleeve, pulling her behind herself for protection. Lin Dashuan had gotten drunk again and started beating his wife and child.
