A rider followed far behind the little girl. He raised a hand high and waved to her.
The knight atop the snow-white steed wore a green robe. His face was lean and rugged, and his black hair was loosely tied behind his head. Stubble covered his chin, and his young face bore the weathered look of someone who had seen much hardship. His gaze upon the little girl was full of affection.
The little girl ran gleefully for more than ten miles, then suddenly doubled back. She lifted her little head proudly. Her cheeks weren't flushed from the hard run; instead, they were deathly pale. She opened her mouth to speak, but suddenly broke into a violent coughing fit, gasping for breath as her strength quickly ebbed away.
The Green Robe Knight was alarmed. A Jade Gourd appeared in his hand. He hurriedly scooped up the little girl and poured a few mouthfuls into her. Her coughing stopped at once, and she began to breathe in great gulps. The Green Robe Knight relaxed a little, though a shadow passed between his brows.
"Bearded Uncle, don't worry. I'm fine. We made it out of that dreadful place, and that's already good enough. Look, I'm having such a wonderful time. If only Big Sister..."
The little girl lay in the Green Robe Knight's arms, her voice suddenly dropping. Her small hand stroked his cheek. "Bearded Uncle, I want to hear you sing. Sing 'The lake water is your gaze'..."
Though she was young, she was perceptive and thoughtful. She didn't want the Green Robe Knight to be unhappy because of her.
The Green Robe Knight patted her little head and slowly rode onward, opening his mouth to sing:
"The lake water is your gaze
Dreams fill the sky with stars
My heart