"When I found that child, he shouted at me, asking why I was looking for him. He said he'd go back on his own."
"That was exactly what happened afterward."
"Maybe that child just needed some time alone in a place where no one would bother him."
"He'll be back on his own by nine at the latest."
"I know. He couldn't bear to make me worry too much."
As she spoke, the woman smiled gently.
"Xiao Xiao."
The woman looked at the young man. "Rui Rui isn't a bad child."
"Maybe because he grew up in a single-parent family, he's been rather headstrong since he was little. His pride is stronger than most children's, too."
"He's sensitive, and sometimes he gets stuck on things."
"He doesn't like showing weakness or asking others for help."
"He's terribly proud, but also very fragile."
"Even if he pretends not to care when someone criticizes him, he'll dwell on it for a long time."
"His decision to steal money this time was truly just a momentary lapse."
"Given his nature and how much he cares about saving face, he would never have done something like this otherwise."
The woman suddenly smiled. "Maybe to you, this just sounds like a mother singing her own child's praises?"
"No."
Xiao Xiao shook his head.
"I just hope you won't hate him."
"I think that child trusts you, and even likes you a little. That's why he came to you for help."
The woman spoke earnestly, her gaze carrying a hopeful appeal.
"I don't hate him."
Everyone made mistakes.
Setting aside serious offenses, he wasn't so harsh as to condemn a child for making just one small mistake.
"Really?"
The woman's expression relaxed. "That's good. That's good."
"Master Xiao, are we going