After paying a 2.5-million deposit and setting their departure for the next day, Mo Xie and the other three left the Hunter Alliance.
At their agreed meeting place, they found He Yu sitting in a chair. She looked haggard and so frail that a breeze might knock her over.
"Xiaoyu."
At the familiar voice, He Yu's unfocused eyes sharpened. A glimmer returned to her dull gaze, and she looked up to see a tall figure approaching.
"Xie... Brother Xie..."
She came to her senses, hurried to her feet, and ran into Mo Xie's arms. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she sobbed.
"Brother Xie, Xiaohou... he..."
Mo Xie held her trembling body and let her tears soak his clothes. He gently patted her head and comforted her in a soft voice.
"Xiaoyu, don't worry. Xiaohou will be all right. We'll go find him tomorrow."
Liu Xian studied the girl in Mo Xie's arms. She was pretty, with a hint of spirit about her, and she looked adorable even through her tears. But to Liu Xian, the bond between them seemed entirely innocent—more like that of a brother and sister.
"That's right. Monkey will come back safe and sound!"
Mo Fan nodded and joined in comforting her.
"Mm. Thank you, all of you."
After their reassurances and a good cry, He Yu finally felt a little better. She stepped out of Mo Xie's arms and gave him an apologetic smile.
"It's all right. Since you and Xiaohou both call me your big brother, that makes me your brother."
Only then did Xu Zhaoting, who had been silent until now, speak. He smiled faintly at He Yu.
"He Yu, it's been a long time."
"Mm. It has."
After introducing Liu Xian to He Yu, Mo Xie took the group to a hotel.