Early the next morning.
Tang San left a letter at his bedside, explaining that he and Xiao Wu needed to leave for a few days.
Then he stepped out of his room and knocked on Xiao Wu's door.
Before long, Xiao Wu poked her head out, her hair still untied.
"Third Brother? Why are you calling me so early?"
Tang San looked at her and forced a smile.
"I'm taking you into the city to look around and buy some of that carrot cake you like."
Xiao Wu perked up at once. She grabbed the little pink shoulder bag hanging on the rack and slung it over her shoulder.
"Wait for me. I'll be ready in a moment!"
Fifteen minutes later, they walked out of Blue Tyrant Academy side by side.
Tang San did not take her toward the bustling shopping streets. Instead, he turned down a quiet alley, led her through it, and headed straight out of the city gate.
Beyond the city, trees and brush grew wild. The morning breeze felt cool against their faces.
Xiao Wu stopped and felt her nearly empty bag.
"Third Brother, the city gate's behind us. What kind of cake are we buying out here in the wilderness?"
Tang San stopped and turned to face her.
All around them, it was quiet. Shadows swayed beneath the trees as a tall figure in a black robe landed silently on a mound nearby.
Startled, Xiao Wu went rigid and instinctively hid behind Tang San.
"Don't be afraid. He's my father."
Tang San caught her wrist. His palm was damp with sweat.
Xiao Wu froze. She looked at the scruffy, stubble-faced middle-aged man, then turned back to Tang San.
"Uncle Tang?"
Tang Hao did not answer. He stood on the mound, staring at Xiao Wu with