"You?"
Just as they hesitated, distressed, Hu Ma's words immediately drew both their gazes.
Meeting their gaze, Hu Ma smiled. "Yes, Xiang and I share a certain fate. I found her in the river, and she's been diligent, getting along well with the folks in our Manor, so we're friends now.
"Saving her is a merit I've earned. My Granny taught me that if you're going to help someone, you should help them all the way. If the old Shopkeeper has a way to save her, just use the medicine. At worst, I'll cover the medicine money for her."
He smiled again, a hint of pride in his voice, and added, "Fortunately, God has helped me. I'm no longer begging for food in the village. I've joined the Blood Food Society, and I earn several dozen taels of silver in monthly wages. I should be able to cover this medicine money for her."
"This..."
