“I really have nowhere to go. Please let me stay. I know you’re a good person. I’ll find work and support myself. You have a room here, just let me stay, okay? I’m so scared. There are scary uncles in the park who chase me. I’m afraid to sleep, I have nothing to eat. Please! I’ll be good. Dad said little Lan is the most obedient child. Please!” Yu Yelan bit her lower lip to stop her tears, but more kept flowing. She didn’t know why, but she trusted this boy. He looked fierce, but she could sense he had a good heart.
“You…” Yue Xiye tried to pull away her arm. Yu Yelan held onto his clothes with even more strength, as if this was her last hope.
“Please, I’ll be good! Please, I have nowhere to go!” Yu Yelan’s face was dirty with tears, her bright eyes blinking, tears dropping like a string of crystal beads.
“I can’t think of a reason to keep you!” Yue Xiye closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He had never encountered such a tricky situation. Yu Yelan’s tears made him helpless, and her pitiful, dependent gaze was impossible to resist.
Yu Yelan bit her lip, looking at Yue Xiye, no longer begging, but her tears falling faster.
“I surrender!” Yue Xiye hugged his head and growled in defeat, “Okay, I’ll keep you temporarily. But there’s no free lunch. You’ll help with housework to offset rent and work to support yourself.”
“Thank you, thank you! I knew you were a good person!” Yu Yelan’s tears turned to laughter, joy spreading from her eyes.
“Don’t flatter me. I never knew I was a good person, I’m just unable to refuse you. For now, we’re just roommates. I’ll help if I can.” Yue Xiye suddenly remembered something important, “What’s your name? How old are you? Why were you wandering the streets? I hope no one suddenly appears accusing me of luring a minor.”
“No, no, no one manages me anymore. Please don’t send me away! I’ll be the most obedient child! No crying, no fussing, I’ll be good!” Yu Yelan raised her hand to her head, making the most serious expression, “Okay?”
