Chapter 007: Memories Unwilling to Be Recalled (3)

"Little girl, don’t cry. Come with me, I’ll take you to eat delicious food and wear beautiful clothes, alright?” Another man crouched in front of her, grinning as he spoke.

Jin’er frowned and glared at them, her heart instinctively rejecting these two. Their leering smiles made it clear they weren’t good people.

Sure enough, seeing Jin’er only staring at them without any other reaction, the two exchanged a glance, looked around, and then reached out together to pull Jin’er from the ground.

“Don’t touch me!” Jin’er slapped away a large hand that came near with disgust, glaring fiercely at them and shouting loudly.

“Oh ho!” The two men exchanged surprised glances and then burst into laughter.

“Who’d have thought, the little girl’s got a bit of fire. Look at those delicate brows and big eyes, that cherry mouth—after a good wash, she’ll be a true beauty! Come with us. Where we’re going, plenty of people will dote on you.” With wicked smiles, they tried to drag her away.

“Let me go!” From their words, Jin’er could almost guess that the “place” they spoke of was likely a brothel. The thought of that dreadful place made her struggle desperately with all her strength, but after only a few moments, a sharp pain struck the back of her neck, her vision went black, and she lost consciousness.

She had no idea how long she remained unconscious, but gradually Jin’er’s senses returned, and she heard the crackling of flames nearby. She jerked awake, sitting up abruptly, surprised to find herself beside a campfire.

Her gaze darted around, and at the sight of the familiar black-clad figure, her anxious heart instantly settled and then soared with joy.

He hadn’t left. He hadn’t abandoned her. Jin’er stared at him, a wave of warmth and gratitude rising within her. Thankfully, he had returned; otherwise, the future awaiting her would have been terrifying indeed.

“I’ll only save you this once.” The cold and handsome man beside her spoke suddenly, his tone icy. He didn’t spare her a single glance. The firelight danced across his elegant face, unable to melt the chill, but making him all the more captivating.

“Why?” For the first time, Jin’er spoke to him.

He raised an eyebrow, seemingly a bit surprised. He turned to look at her, then his gaze shifted back to the flames, his thin lips pressed tight, showing no intention of responding.

Jin’er bit her lip, took a deep breath, and said, “Brother, I know you’re a good person. Let me follow you, please? I’ll do whatever you ask.” Her eyes and voice carried a note of pleading; she sincerely hoped he would agree.

But he only raised his brows, let out a cold laugh, and continued staring at the fire. “I’ll say it again: this is the last time I save you. If you follow me again, whatever happens, I won’t help you. Go to sleep. At dawn, I’ll take you to the nearest town.”

Hearing this, Jin’er’s expression dimmed, her heart sinking with disappointment and sorrow. She gazed at him, feeling utterly aggrieved, but no matter how long she stared, he paid her no further attention. Gradually, sleepiness overcame her, and she sat hugging her knees, her little head resting upon them as she drifted off.

When Jin’er woke the next morning, she found herself lying on the ground, a thin layer of dry grass spread beneath her.

Was it him? Had he carried her back to sleep on the ground? No wonder she’d smelled his faint fragrance even in her dreams last night. The thought made Jin’er feel a secret joy. Perhaps he was someone whose harsh words hid a gentle heart.