Universe looked at the adorable little girl and bent down to meet her eyes.
"Are you hurt anywhere, little girl?" Universe asked, puzzled that such a small girl could outrun the beast for so long.
"Nan Yu," the girl replied softly.
"Is that your name?" Universe asked, trying to understand.
"Yes, big brother. And thank you again for saving me," Nan Yu said, though she inwardly rolled her eyes at Universe's questions.
Universe smiled warmly. "You're welcome, Nan Yu. You're very brave to have outrun that beast. Where did you learn to run so fast?"
Nan Yu giggled shyly, "I like to play games with the other village children. We race all the time."
"Ah, so you've had a lot of practice," Universe said, nodding thoughtfully. "Tell me, Nan Yu, do you live nearby? Should we take you home?"
Nan Yu hesitated for a moment, looking unsure. "I... I don't have a home anymore."
Universe and Suling exchanged concerned glances. Suling gently knelt beside Nan Yu. "Did something happen to your parents, sweetheart?"
Nan Yu's eyes welled up with tears. "Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling. "They... they're gone. The bad men hurt them."
Suling's heart broke for the little girl. She put a comforting arm around Nan Yu. "I'm so sorry, dear. You're safe with us now. We'll take care of you."
Nan Yu nodded, clinging to Suling. "Thank you," she murmured, tears flowing freely now.
Universe felt a surge of protectiveness over Nan Yu. "Don't worry, Nan Yu. We won't let anyone hurt you again. Would you like to come with me to my home? My parents will take care of you too."
Nan Yu looked up at Universe with gratitude shining in her eyes. "Yes, big brother," she said softly. "I would like that."
Universe smiled warmly and took Nan Yu's hand. "Let's go then. We'll make sure you have a warm bed to sleep in tonight."
As they walked towards Universe's clan, they encountered some curious guards at the gate. One of them nudged the other and whispered, "Who's the girl?"
The second guard squinted at Nan Yu. "She looks familiar... like the young master."
Universe chuckled nervously. "Ah, well, she's... a friend. She's staying with us for now."
The guards exchanged knowing glances, understanding the unspoken explanation.
Inside the clan, Nan Yu marveled at the grandeur of her surroundings. "Your home is so big, big brother," she said in awe.
Universe grinned proudly. "It's been in our family for generations. You're welcome here, Nan Yu. Consider it your home too."
Nan Yu's eyes sparkled with wonder. "Thank you, big brother," she said softly, squeezing his hand.
Later that evening, when they arrived home, Universe's parents were waiting anxiously.
His mother rushed forward, enveloping Universe in a tight hug. "Yuner, where have you been? We were so worried!"
Universe hugged his mother back, guilt washing over him. "I'm sorry, Mother. We encountered some trouble in the forest, but we're all safe now."
His father approached, a mixture of relief and concern on his face. "And who is this young lady?"
Universe introduced Nan Yu and explained her situation. His parents listened attentively, their expressions softening with compassion.
"We're sorry for your loss, Nan Yu," his father said gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Nan Yu nodded solemnly, tears welling up again. Guxuner, Universe's mother, pulled her into a comforting embrace. "You're safe here, dear. We'll take care of you like our own."
Nan Yu cried softly in Guxuner's arms, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging she hadn't felt since her parents were taken from her.
Universe watched with a mixture of emotions. He was relieved that Nan Yu was safe now but also troubled by the circumstances that brought her to them.
As the night wore on, Universe's parents prepared a warm meal for everyone. Nan Yu ate quietly, still overwhelmed by everything that had happened.
Universe sat beside her, offering a reassuring smile from time to time. "You're among friends now, Nan Yu. You don't have to worry anymore."
Nan Yu nodded gratefully, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days.
As the night progressed, Nan Yu gradually began to feel more at ease in Universe's home. She savored the warmth of the meal and the kindness of Universe's parents, who treated her with gentle concern and genuine care. Their home, filled with comforting scents and soft light, contrasted starkly with the fear and uncertainty she had faced in the forest.
Universe's parents, Guxuner and her husband, yu ming, spoke soothingly to Nan Yu, reassuring her that she was safe now. Guxuner gently combed through Nan Yu's hair with her fingers, offering comforting words while Universe quietly sat beside them, a supportive presence in the room.
"You're a brave girl, Nan Yu," yu ming remarked softly, his voice carrying a warmth that melted some of Nan Yu's lingering fear. "You've been through a lot."
Nan Yu nodded, feeling a sense of acceptance growing within her. "Thank you, Uncle ," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Guxuner smiled warmly at her. "You can call us father and mother, just like Universe does," she said gently.
Nan Yu managed a small smile, touched by their kindness. "Thank you, grandmother."
"Grandmother, why don't you call me just mother. I am not that old you know" guxuner spoke little proudly.
After the meal, Guxuner led Nan Yu to a cozy room with a soft bed adorned with colorful quilts. "This will be your room, Nan Yu," she said warmly. "Make yourself comfortable."
Nan Yu nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and sadness. She settled onto the bed, clutching the soft fabric of the quilt as she tried to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions she had experienced that day.
Universe lingered in the doorway, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay, Nan Yu?" he asked softly.
Nan Yu looked up at him, her eyes reflecting both vulnerability and gratitude. "Yes, big brother," she replied softly. "Thank you for everything."
Universe smiled gently. "Anytime, Nan Yu. If you need anything, just let me know."
After universe left, Nan yu became alone and in her eyes inosent suddenly vanished replaced by sharp look.
' father I have completed 50%of your mission. Now I just have to wait for time.' Nan yu mutter to herself as she fall asleep.