Rin-chan didn't cry out. She silently wiped the tears from her face.
Then she stood up and quietly searched the kitchen, trying not to make a sound.
Fang Cheng left her alone and focused on recovering his strength.
With injuries and pain this severe, an ordinary person would have long since passed out. Fang Cheng had grown used to it, and even felt a little nostalgic.
But willpower alone could only carry him so far. The road ahead would be difficult, and the slightest misstep could bring him down.
"Brother, drink some water."
Rin-chan found a cup, filled it with water, and carefully brought it to Fang Cheng.
She'd dropped the honorific from how she addressed him, but that only made them sound closer.
Fang Cheng wasn't thirsty, but he didn't refuse. He opened his mouth and let her feed him.
Rin-chan's little face was full of concentration, as if this were an extremely important task.
Looking at her now, he could almost see the resolute young woman she would become.
After resting a while, Fang Cheng used a bedsheet to tie Rin-chan tightly to himself. He had only one arm he could use, and carrying her in his arms would leave him unable to wield a weapon.
Once he'd secured her, he tossed aside the chipped kitchen knife and took a Bone-Cleaving Knife from the kitchen.
He swung it twice. The weight was just right. Turning toward the dark hallway beyond the kitchen, where rustling sounds echoed, he took a deep breath and strode out.
The bedsheet blocked Rin-chan's view. She could only hear what was happening.
She pressed her face against Fang Cheng's chest, listening to his steady, strong heartbeat. It reminded her of lying in her parents' arms, and gave her an unparalleled sense of security.
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