He raised a calm hand, signaling to the others to back off.
"Let her be," he said softly, yet with an authority that carried beyond his age. "I'll go with her. It's fine."
Huaijin's small heart leaped with triumph. Not only had she successfully diverted the attention of Yunyin and Lingxi for the moment, but she had also gained an ally, albeit a temporary one, for the ride.
She clasped his arm tightly again, giving him a grateful smile. "Thank you! You're… you're so kind!" she said, her voice brimming with excitement.
The boy merely nodded, not speaking much, but the faintest trace of a smile flickered at the corner of his lips.
Huaijin's eyes sparkled. 'Perfect. He's calm, he's reliable, and he's now officially on my side, temporarily.'
Meanwhile, Yunyin and Lingxi had noticed her maneuver. Their faces twisted in shock and mild outrage.
"That little brat!" Yunyin hissed under her breath, crossing her arms. "She… she actually grabbed someone else first!"
