Dawn had come to K City, but the sun had yet to rise, and a little of the previous night's desolation still lingered in the streets.
Because of the tsunami, most shops along the streets remained closed. Only a few sanitation workers were out, diligently sweeping the roads.
Outside the Pet Shop, Mu Mianmeng sat on a small folding stool, holding a twig and engrossed in teasing a line of marching ants on the ground, completely unaware of the sudden change inside.
The Little Girl was thoroughly enjoying herself when she suddenly noticed a shadow falling over the concrete before her.
She turned around in confusion and saw a broad figure standing behind her, grinning down at her.
"Ma'am, d-do you need something?" The Little Girl hurriedly rose and hopped back into the shop, holding on to the doorway as she asked somewhat fearfully.
The visitor was a middle-aged woman with a stocky build, a dark face, rough skin, and callus-covered palms. At a glance, she looked like someone who often worked in the fields.
"Don't be scared, little girl. My boy saw on TV that your shop sells little pets, and he's been crying for me to buy him one. I came specially to get him a pet!" The woman gave a simple, honest smile and explained her purpose in an accented voice.
"Huh? But our shop isn't open right now..." the little girl said awkwardly.
"Not open? I've come all this way. I can't go home empty-handed, can I? Could you take me to see your grown-up? I'll speak to him myself!" The woman seemed anxious at this and stepped into the shop uninvited.
"Ah, Mu You, someone's here to see you... Mu You?" Seeing that the visitor had already entered, the Little Girl instinctively turned and called