This glance felt like it lasted a thousand years.
Leo slowly walked toward the little girl, step by step. He gently knelt down, wiping the dirt from her small face with care.
The little girl flinched, immediately stepping back in fear.
Her wide, guarded eyes were full of tension, her frail body coiled like a frightened kitten—ready to bolt at the slightest danger.
"You…" Leo took a steady breath, forcing warmth back into his eyes.
A man doesn't cry easily—but right now, he was fighting it.
"Who are you? What do you want?" the little girl asked warily.
Even though she looked no more than ten, there was a sharp maturity in her voice. Children here grew up fast.
"Don't worry," Leo said softly. "Are you hungry? I'll take you to eat."
His hand hovered in the air, wanting to pat her head… but he pulled it back. He didn't want to scare her more.
"But I have no money," she whispered. "The few coins I had… I already spent them."
Her voice trembled. She was helpless—what could a little girl who'd just been abandoned possibly do?
"It's okay," Leo said gently. "Big Brother has money. Let's go."
He held out his hand carefully, wanting to lead her inside.
But she didn't move. Her worried eyes darted toward the restaurant.
"No need… I don't have money. The owner will chase me away."
Then she lowered her head and murmured, "Can you… pack your leftovers for me? I'll be full with just a little bit."
Leo's heart clenched. Tears burned at the corners of his eyes.
How much suffering had she endured these past few days?
Her dusty clothes spoke of a family that had once been well-off—not too long ago.
Maybe something had happened. Maybe she'd been abandoned.
"Big Brother… why are you crying?" she asked, blinking up at him in confusion.
Leo quickly wiped his face and forced a smile. "It's nothing. Some sand got into my eyes."
"Come on. Big Brother has money. We're not eating leftovers today."
But the little girl still hesitated.
"I'm sorry, Big Brother. I can't pay you back."
"It's okay," Leo said, squatting lower so their eyes met. "Consider it a loan. When you grow up, you can pay me back. You'll find a job someday, right?"
Her small hands clenched around the worn bear.
"I can," she said firmly.
The past few days on the streets had already carved a bit of steel into her.
"Good," Leo smiled softly. "Then it's settled. Let's go inside."
"Thank you, Big Brother. I'll just eat a little."
"Mm. I'll listen to you."
Leo walked her inside. "Boss! I'm here again. Please make something delicious for my little sister. She's starving, so nothing too greasy."
The boss was visibly moved by Leo's kindness. He waved his hand dismissively.
"Brother, don't worry. I've got it. This time, you're not paying. I still have some savings."
And before Leo could refuse, the boss hurried off toward the kitchen.
Leo chuckled softly. This was what people from his homeland were like—when life got hard, they helped each other without hesitation.
The little girl sat shyly, head bowed, gently stroking the tiny bear in her arms.
Perhaps it was her only toy… her only friend.
Within minutes, a bowl of warm tremella and lotus seed soup arrived to ease her empty stomach.
Then came corn and pork ribs, yam and black fungus, cauliflower with shrimp, and several light, nourishing dishes.
The restaurant owner clearly knew what he was doing—you couldn't give rich or heavy food to someone who hadn't eaten properly for days.
"Thank you, Big Brother. Thank you, Uncle," she said softly.
Her voice trembled as tears rolled down her cheeks. After two days of cold stares and being ignored, this small kindness broke her.
"Girl, don't be so polite," the boss laughed heartily, waving a hand. "This is nothing."
"Alright," Leo said, smiling. "Eat first."
"Mm-hmm."
She ate slowly, delicately, as if afraid it would all disappear. Leo sat quietly, watching her with a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time.
After about ten minutes, she finished, then went to rinse her mouth and wash her face.
When she returned, Leo finally saw her properly.
She was a stunning little doll of a girl. Her wine-red hair fell smoothly around her shoulders, her long lashes fluttering softly.
Her big eyes sparkled like a lake catching the sun, full of light again.
Slender brows, a delicate upturned nose, rosy cheeks, soft pink lips… She was beautiful—and familiar.
Leo frowned slightly. He couldn't quite place her, but something about her face tugged at a memory.
"Girl, what's your name?" Leo asked gently.
"My name is—"
"Hello, Mr. Leo," a warm, calm voice interrupted. "May we speak outside for a moment?"
Leo turned toward the door, instantly recognizing the newcomers.
A bald man in a wheelchair sat there, with a compassionate smile and deep, knowing eyes. It felt like nothing could be hidden from him.
Professor Charles Xavier.
Founder of Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters.
Spiritual leader of the X-Men.
Behind him, pushing the chair, was a man with a rugged, untamed presence.
His beard framed his face like a lion's mane, a cigar burned between his fingers.
Wolverine — Logan.
Their sudden appearance made Leo raise an eyebrow. They shouldn't have shown up this early.
Other than taking care of Pyro, he hadn't had any real contact with the X-Men.
So why now?
He glanced at the little girl. Could she be a mutant?
No… if she were, the [Destroyer System] would've alerted him already.
But Charles Xavier always had answers. And he was here in person.
Leo knelt to her level again. "Do you want to come with Big Brother?"
"I…" She hesitated. She could feel Leo's warmth, but she didn't want to become a burden.
"Child," Charles said gently, his voice like a warm breeze, "come with us for now. This concerns you… and your parents."
The girl froze.
She hadn't expected those words.
It wasn't just about her.
It was about her past.
Her family.
And everything that had led her to this moment.