Forget it. There was no point thinking so much about it. No matter how awkward things got, Tuanzi would still be living by my side from now on, wouldn't she?
After eating my fill, I started to feel sleepy, while Mengmeng promptly nodded off.
"That poor kid's been through so much."
I stroked Mengmeng's little head. The soles of her feet were covered in raw, bleeding blisters... I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to hurry back to the village and treat her foot injuries.
I took all the gear we'd just gathered, slung on my backpack, then carried Mengmeng in one arm and held a tree branch with roasted meat skewered on it in the other, eating as I walked.
When the first light of dawn gradually spread across the eastern sky, I reached the village entrance. I greeted the dazed-looking guard and went inside.
When I got home, the lights were still on. It looked like... all three siblings had been waiting for me.
"Big Sister!"
"Big Sister!"
When Buhen and Buleng saw me carrying Mengmeng back, they hurried over. Buhen took Mengmeng from me, while Buleng looked at me and said,
"Bukuang's injury is all right now."
"Mm. Buhen, treat Mengmeng's injuries. They aren't bad—just some wounds on her feet, knees, and elbows."
After speaking, I turned to look at Buleng.
"Where's Bukuang?"
"Lying in the room."
"I'll go see him. Buleng, head west of the village and follow the main road for about ten miles. There are some wolf carcasses there. Bring them back."
"Okay..."
Buleng nodded and turned to leave.
"Wait. Ask some villagers to come with you. They can have one wolf as payment. Bring the rest back and trade them for useful supplies."
Buleng glanced back at me, nodded, and went out.
I