Chen Jing waited until no one was watching before slipping the booklet into his pocket. Only then did he walk over to Zhuang Tao.
Zhuang Huan had been given a few sips of warm water. His Adam's apple bobbed faintly, and his unfocused eyes gradually sharpened as he slowly regained consciousness.
Zhuang Huan's face was pale, and dried blood still clung to the corner of his mouth. After a long while, he managed to speak in a weak voice. "Tao'er, Xiao Jing... how are things now?"
Zhuang Tao saw that he had woken and felt most of his worry ease at once. He hurriedly bent down to support his arm and replied softly, "Uncle Huan, it's good that you're awake! We've dealt with all the Beast God Sect members, and the Shadow Wolves have scattered."
"They're all dead... good, good..."
Zhuang Huan let out a long breath. His tightly tensed shoulders slumped, and relief filled his voice. "To survive that pack of lunatics from the Beast God Sect is already a blessing."
But then Zhuang Tao's voice suddenly turned heavy, thick with a hint of a sob. "It's just... Lao Fang and Xiao Wu didn't make it. Those beasts, the Shadow Wolves, got them..."
At Zhuang Tao's words, the relief on Zhuang Huan's face froze. He sat stunned for a long moment before slowly closing his eyes and heaving a deep sigh. "Life and death are in fate's hands. There's no one to blame. We're already lucky to have survived. Heaven has shown us mercy."
After a pause, Zhuang Huan said, "When we get back, send their families a generous sum in compensation and make sure their affairs are properly settled. We can't let them feel abandoned."
"Mm. I'll remember."
Zhuang Tao nodded and carefully helped Zhuang Huan to his