Upon hearing Lin Xiao’s indifferent response, Ling Xi became visibly frustrated.
“If I had known you’d treat me like this, I wouldn’t have bothered saving you!” she huffed. “Do you have any idea what would’ve happened if I hadn’t stepped in? You’d all be dead by now! And instead of showing a little gratitude, you act like I owe you something?”
Zhang Nu and the others could see how upset she was. Ling Xi still didn’t understand Lin Xiao’s condition, and they knew they had to explain.
“Ling Xi, don’t take it personally,” Zhang Nu said gently. “Lin Xiao isn’t trying to be rude. He was born with an emotional detachment.”
“There are things we understand instinctively, but he doesn’t. He doesn’t feel emotions the way we do.”
Ling Xi’s anger wavered as she turned to Lin Xiao, a hint of pity in her gaze. She had always assumed that everyone experienced emotions the same way—that everyone could. But it turned out that there were people who couldn’t.
“Wait… really?” she muttered. “That’s… that’s kind of sad.”
She let out a small sigh. “Fine, I won’t hold it against him.”
Zhang Nu smiled at her understanding. Ling Xi was a rare kind of spirit, kind, and compassionate. If there were more like her, the world would be a better place.
The four of them followed Ling Xi back to her dwelling. The place was tranquil, eerily so—it was as if she lived entirely alone. Zhang Nu, observing her youthful appearance, suddenly realized something.
“Ling Xi, where are your parents?” he asked. “We haven’t seen any sign of them since we arrived.”
At his words, Ling Xi’s expression dimmed. Zhang Nu immediately regretted asking.
“They disappeared when I was very young,” she admitted, her voice softened. “I’ve been looking for them ever since… but… I’m too much of a coward to leave this place.”
Zhang Nu’s heart clenched.
Coward? Was she joking? If not for Ling Xi, they would have died back there. She was anything but a coward.
“You’re stronger than you think,” he told her. “If not for you, we wouldn’t have escaped today.”
Then, after a pause, he added, “If you want, you could come with us. We’ll help you find your parents.”
Ling Xi’s eyes widened. She hesitated, unsure if Zhang Nu was serious.
“You… really mean that?” she asked, her voice wavering. “I could… leave with you? But I’m not as strong as you guys…”
“That doesn’t matter.” Zhang Nu shook his head. “Strength isn’t the only thing that counts. We all started somewhere. If you want to come with us, we’ll grow stronger together.”
For a moment, Ling Xi actually considered it. But before she could give her answer, Lin Xiao suddenly spoke.
“Are you sure about this?” he asked flatly, turning to Zhang Nu. “We’re struggling enough as it is. Now you want to bring along another burden?”
Silence fell. Ling Xi’s eyes instantly welled with tears. She knew she wasn’t strong, but to hear it so bluntly…
Liu Hai, noticing her reaction, quickly stepped in.
“Ling Xi, don’t take it the wrong way,” he said. “Lin Xiao isn’t looking down on you.”
“He’s worried. None of us are strong enough right now, and if we run into danger, we might not be able to protect you.”
“In fact, he thinks of himself as a burden, too.”
Ling Xi clenched her fists, forcing back her tears. She wanted to believe Liu Hai. And deep down, she did believe him. Zhang Nu and the others weren’t bad people. If she doesn’t go with them now, she will never meet people like them again.
“…I get it,” she murmured. “I won’t hold it against him.”
“But I won’t stay weak. I’ll work to get stronger. One day, I’ll be strong enough to protect you guys.”
Zhang Nu, Liu Hai, and even Lin Xiao couldn’t help but smile.
“Just focus on protecting yourself for now,” Zhang Nu said. “We’ll handle the rest.”
“Alright,” he added, stretching his arms. “Let’s get some rest. Tomorrow… we hunt.”