After eating, she cleaned a spot behind the collapsed statue, spread dry grass on the ground, and used two pieces of clothing as padding for the babies to sleep on. The night grew colder.
She covered the children with clothes, but she herself was shivering. Longing for a warm blanket, even this small wish felt like a luxury.
Unable to resist sleepiness, Lan Lan gradually fell asleep.
A thunderclap startled her awake. She checked the children; thankfully, they were still sleeping. Rain poured down with lightning, sending a bone-chilling coldness through her.
Suddenly, urgent footsteps came from outside.
“Quickly, there’s a place here to shelter from the rain!”
A male voice spoke.
Lan Lan gasped. How unlucky could she be? Even in this ruined temple, she had run into troublemakers. She should buy a lottery ticket.
Covering her mouth, she breathed carefully. Little Xin murmured in her sleep. Lan Lan closed her eyes in despair. They were done for.
The man who entered waved his hand, and silence fell. Sharp eyes radiated a coldness more unbearable than the bone-chilling air. He pointed, and several people took their positions silently.
The noise suddenly stopped. Just as Lan Lan was about to peek out, a cold sword gleamed against her neck.
“Come out!” the sword-wielding person said, voice cold and emotionless. He pressed the sword into her neck, warning her not to move.
“Bastard!” Lan Lan cursed inwardly but obediently lowered her head and walked out. When under someone else’s roof, you have to bow your head!
“Great hero, spare me! This humble woman is just sheltering from the rain. I’m so pitiful, with elderly above and children below who need my care!”
“Please don’t kill me!” she pleaded.
“Shut up!” the man holding her captive roared at her.
“Fine, I won’t talk! Why are you so fierce?” Lan Lan pouted, feeling wronged and determined to get revenge.
“Master, the person is here,” the captor shouted towards the door.
With a bang, someone lit a fire stick. Lan Lan squinted against the sudden light and looked up. An elegant, handsome man stood at the door, his deep eyes staring at her. As she saw him, she trembled with excitement to greet him, but a rough shout interrupted her.
“Speak! Who are you? Why are you here?” the sword-wielding man interrogated her.
