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Huo Yingjie and He Tiantian did not return until 4 a.m.
He Tiantian was exhausted, but she didn't sleep, instead she nestled against Huo Yingjie's chest.
Huo Yingjie knew that He Tiantian had few friends, and losing one so suddenly had left her heartbroken. He understood and gently patted her back through the blanket.
The loud crowing of the rooster from the backyard heralded the break of dawn.
He Tiantian rested with her eyes closed, but when she heard the cock-a-doodle-doo, she started to get up.
It was a bit overcast outside, and a fine drizzle floated through the sky.
There was no wind, so it wasn't cold.
Huo Yingjie got up, put on a raincoat, and went to fetch water, greeting people from the village along the way.
Perhaps it was the departure of the Snake King, or the absence of sunshine due to the rain, but He Tiantian felt somewhat downcast, unable to muster any energy all day.
The most spirited one at home was He Doudou.
