Do Not Approach

⚠️ Trigger Warning ⚠️

I don't know when, but she was already in tears.

Mu Xiaoxiao originally planned to go mushroom-picking with Zhang Qiao and make chicken and mushroom stew for the young miss in the evening. But midway, she received a message from the construction team saying they could visit Xiaohua's house today.

Mu Xiaoxiao and Zhang Qiao decided to head over. Before going, Xiaoxiao bought a big bag of steamed buns for Xiaohua and her grandmother. She had thought of buying flour, but considering the grandmother's age and difficulty cooking, and Xiaohua's school schedule, buns would be more convenient. She figured she could come back later to cook for them when time allowed.

Watching her, Zhang Qiao couldn't help but sigh, "Wow, Auntie, you're really thoughtful."

Mu Xiaoxiao grinned. "Xiaohua's still growing. She's already behind others and needs nourishment. Let's stop by the butcher shop and get some ribs, too."

Even though she was used to Xiaoxiao's generosity, Zhang Qiao couldn't resist asking, "Aren't you saving any money at all? People usually gain something from three months of volunteer teaching, but you'll just end up penniless again."

Recently, Zhang Qiao had witnessed Mu Xiaoxiao's extravagant spending firsthand.

Mu Xiaoxiao shot her a glance. "Why are you complaining? You've seen the kid-she's sensitive and hardworking. Most importantly, she's grateful. Haven't you noticed how she still brings firewood home, rain or shine? A child like that deserves help."

Firewood itself was cheap, but in Xiaohua's stubbornness, Xiaoxiao saw a reflection of her younger self.

Zhang Qiao chuckled. "The young miss seems to like Xiaohua too. They even talk a bit."

Mentioning the young miss, Xiaoxiao pressed her lips together and said softly, "Yeah, she's so lonely."

The young miss had no friends, not even someone to chat with. Sometimes, after finishing work and returning home, Mu Xiaoxiao would see her teaching Xiaohua to read while sitting in her wheelchair, and it warmed her heart. In some ways, Xiaohua was like a friend to the young miss.

When they arrived at Xiaohua's house, Mu Xiaoxiao called out cheerfully, "Xiaohua, come help us~"

The foreman and a few workers, who were inspecting the house's structure, looked up in unison.

Mu Xiaoxiao wiped the sweat off her brow. She was dressed simply in jeans and a white shirt. Her slender figure and long hair swayed in the breeze, her fair skin glowing with a healthy flush-making it hard for anyone to look away.

Xiaohua ran over, and Xiaoxiao picked her up, twirling her in the air. Xiaohua's feet flew up, and her dimples deepened into a happy smile. It was the same way Su Qiuyun used to spin her when she was little.

Xiaohua, who had grown up without her parents' love, used her aloofness as a protective shield. Every time Xiaoxiao saw her, she would gently ruffle her hair.

Xiaohua gave a silent but happy smile. But as soon as Xiaoxiao set her down, she straightened up like a little adult, diligently taking notes on what Mu Xiaoxiao had brought today.

Her grandmother had taught her that even a small favor should be repaid a hundredfold. She couldn't eat and drink for free; once she grew up, she would repay everything Mu Xiaoxiao had given her, little by little.

Her grandmother came out slowly, leaning on a cane. Though her steps were slow, her face was full of smiles. "You're here?" she greeted, handing Xiaoxiao two slightly shriveled oranges.