9: An Unexpected Encounter
While bending down to gather a rare medicinal herb, she hears rustling behind her. Turning cautiously, she finds herself face-to-face with a young boy, no older than twelve, with a mischievous smile. He introduces himself as Xiao Yu, a local troublemaker who's been known to steal food and herbs.
Li Mei senses a bit of kindness behind his mischievous exterior, and instead of shooing him away, she strikes up a conversation. "Are you here to steal my herbs?" she teases, half-serious.
Xiao Yu grins, "Only if you're willing to share!" His cheeky response reminds her of kids back in her previous life. Sensing a potential ally, she hands him a small bundle of herbs in exchange for information about the village and its people.
Xiao Yu laughs, accepting her gift, and tells her more about the powerful families in the village, local superstitions, and rumors about the strange "curse" that supposedly hangs over her. He explains that the villagers avoid her because they believe she brings bad luck. Li Mei realizes that this superstition has kept her isolated, but it also offers her a certain freedom.