Lan Meishan's expression immediately shifted. "Ningyan. Don't."
But Ningyan only shook his head, gritting his teeth.
Without hesitation, he lifted the boy into his arms, ignoring the blood that stained his white robes. He carried him inside and sat him gently on the bed before crouching in front of him.
He cupped the boy's face softly. "Stay here, alright?"
The boy blinked, pressing his lips together. "Hm."
Ningyan didn't know him well. He was simply one of the children who liked to follow him around. Sometimes Ningyan taught them little things like songs, stories, or how to write simple characters but he had never even asked their names.
He had always liked children.
In his previous life, he had been a kindergarten teacher.
"What is your name?" Ningyan asked softly.
"Hai Miao," the boy whispered.
"Alright, Hai Miao."
Ningyan rubbed his temples, trying to steady his thoughts. Then he looked toward Lan Meishan, who had been silently watching them.
