Tie Lan closed his eyes, focusing intently, his mental energy flowing through Ye Yun's hand and spreading through his entire body.
Ye Yun didn't feel anything unusual, but Tie Lan's face kept changing colors like the face-changing acts in Chinese opera, turning pale, then green. What was going on here?
"What's happening?" Ye Yun asked, a bit puzzled. It had been a while, and this guy was still staring at him with no sign of being done. Was he thinking of taking advantage of me? Ye Yun shuddered at the thought.
"Nothing, although you're not a mage, I didn't expect your potential to be so high," Tie Lan finally withdrew his hand and opened his eyes, his expression complicated.
"Really?" Ye Yun's eyes lit up with just the right amount of happiness. This little detail? Full marks for myself.
"By the way, it's pretty late. Why are you still hanging around the streets? Don't you know that Carlos sometimes sneaks into the city at night?" Tie Lan warned, his tone stern. "Given the situation today, it's likely to happen again."
"I know about it."
"Then why are you still out so late?" Tie Lan couldn't help but laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "The world really is full of surprises. Some people just aren't afraid of death."
"I have no choice. If I don't work, how am I going to eat? If I don't eat, I might starve to death on the streets tomorrow," Ye Yun stood up, dusting himself off, his eyes reflecting a maturity far beyond his age. "If I had been too afraid of danger to move forward, I would have died years ago."
"What about your parents?" Tie Lan furrowed his brows, clearly concerned. "Don't they give you living expenses?"
"Parents?" Ye Yun turned around to leave, his expression unreadable. "I've never known what they look like since I was old enough to remember."
"Hey, kid, if you're willing, I can—" Tie Lan started to offer something, but was interrupted by Ye Yun before he could finish.
"Thanks, Uncle, but I'm doing fine on my own!" Ye Yun waved his hand dismissively, leaving behind only the sound of his footsteps as he walked away, his back slightly hunched in a lonely, forlorn way.
Tie Lan watched him walk off, unsure of what to say next. He remained silent, watching the boy disappear into the night. What he didn't see was the smile that appeared on Ye Yun's face the moment he turned away.
In the cold wind of that deep night, Ye Yun felt a warmth spreading through his heart, like he had found something precious.
This world wasn't all bad. After all, there were still good people out there—Uncle Wang, this fool of an uncle, and maybe others. Perhaps it was because of these people that some still believed in hope.
The morning light streamed through the small wooden window, casting a warm glow across the less-than-twenty-square-meter room. It gave the little home a sense of cozy warmth.
"Big Brother, today's the entrance exam. You've got to do your best and aim for a great score!" Little Sister Qingqing, full of energy, made a cheerleading gesture as she spoke. Her cute expression made Ye Yun smile as he ruffled her little head.
"You worry too much, Qingqing. You're so young but already like an old mother," Ye Yun teased, grinning.
"What? I'm just concerned about you, and you're ignoring me? You're such a big dummy!" Qingqing turned her face away, puffing out her cheeks in a very cute, childlike manner.
Seeing that she was genuinely upset, Ye Yun stopped teasing her. "Alright, Qingqing, I'm leaving now."
Qingqing let out a small "Hmph" and refused to look at him.
"I'll make you your favorite sweet and sour pork when I get back, okay?" Ye Yun used his trump card.
"Really, really? Big Brother, you're the best!" Qingqing's face lit up with joy, her eyes twinkling with happiness as she instantly forgave Ye Yun for teasing her earlier.
Ye Yun couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. How will this little girl, so pure and innocent, handle things when she grows up? He'd have to keep a close eye on her to make sure no big bad wolf snatches away his naïve little bunny.