"Really?" Xu Huo wasn't surprised. It would've been strange if those two hadn't contacted the outside world. Seeing the painted woman looking so pleased with herself, he said, "Good job. You can keep an eye on them when you have time."
The painted woman nodded vigorously, then asked, "What if they leave?"
"If they leave, don't worry about them. There's a Super Player in District 011, and the outside world might not be safe for you." The painted woman wasn't as clueless as she used to be, so Xu Huo sometimes told her a little about the district.
"Are Super Players really strong?" the painted woman asked.
"They're among the strongest people in the game." Xu Huo headed downstairs as he spoke. "But if you want to go live with someone else, that's fine too."
Plenty of people would be willing to offer the painted woman generous terms.
"I'd never do that!" the painted woman immediately declared. "They all want me to work for them and sell my labor!"
Xu Huo glanced at her. "Who told you that?"
"Xiao Yuan." The painted woman didn't think there was anything wrong with listening to a child. "Lots of bad people trick kind people like her and me into doing illegal work. They even force us to work."
"Don't worry. Not many people can force you to work." Xu Huo changed the subject. "What are we having for dinner?"
"We've got shellfish!" The painted woman's eyes lit up. Her fingers danced as she happily listed all the delicious things they'd be eating later.
Xu Huo listened quietly, occasionally offering an opinion. Before long, Xiao Yuan came over with her homework to ask him for help.
Xiao Yuan was a very hardworking child. She didn't do as well in school as Tan Qi, but