With her destination decided, Miaomiao shouldered her little backpack full of food and drinking water and strolled toward Blüdhaven's abandoned harbor district.
Miaomiao had plenty of stamina, and Blüdhaven's humid air was just right for the water-loving Little Merfolk.
Thick, damp sea fog rolled in from the water, shrouding the entire harbor district. Rusted crane arms and empty warehouses loomed through the mist, and the salty sea breeze carried the smell of rotting timber into her face.
Miaomiao was in no hurry. She admired the scenery around her as she walked, sensing for any unusual presences.
She was just like an elementary school student on a school spring outing.
That was the Cullen Family's first impression when they saw Miaomiao again.
The petite girl before them wore a cute little backpack and held a chocolate cookie, nibbling at it in small bites. Her cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed leisurely, her clear, bright eyes looking all around.
Alice couldn't help smiling. She pulled Jasper close and whispered in his ear, "She's so cute. I want to take her home and keep her."
"You can't." Rosalie bluntly poured cold water on the idea. "She's a person, not a kitten or a puppy. Unless you're planning to turn her into an undead monster like us."
"Oh, Rosalie, please." Alice looked helplessly at her sister. "I was only saying."
"Good."
The girl seemed to sense their gazes. She turned and spotted them, her eyes immediately lighting up. Stuffing the last bit of cookie into her mouth, she ran cheerfully over.
Seeing that the girl had noticed them, Carlisle stepped forward and greeted her. "Miaomiao, what a coincidence. I didn't expect to run into you here again. Did you come to the old harbor specifically for a walk?"
Miaomiao's mouth was still stuffed with