I know. Xingzhi said that he would ask Mr Jiang, the lawyer, to meet us in Yuan City today. Jiang Yao nodded. Then, she said goodbye to Lu Yuqing and followed Ah Lu and Big Ke to board the plane.

There was no direct flight from Yuan City. The three of them had to transit to another city before they took a train to Yuan City. Then, they took a taxi to Zhou Xiaoxias home.

Zhou Xiaoxias home was in Yuan Citys downtown area. She lived in a small apartment building on the third floor.

Jiang Yao knocked on the door. When Zhou Xiaoxia opened the door, she was shocked to see her thin and sunken cheeks. How many days had it been since their winter vacation started? Zhou Xiaoxia had lost a lot of weight. Her entire face was pale and without any color. Her eyes looked black and blue. One could tell that she had not had a good rest for a few days with just one look.

When Zhou Xiaoxia saw Jiang Yao, she threw herself into her friends arms and started to wail. Jiang Yao, youre finally here! I dont know what to do. I dont know what else to do!

Jiang Yao was heartbroken. She comforted Zhou Xiaoxia softly, and then her gaze fell on a girl who was two steps away. That girl looked like she was about 16 or 17 years old. It was winter, but she walked barefoot as if she did not feel the cold. Her eyes were filled with fear and wariness toward a stranger like Jiang Yao. She stared at Zhou Xiaoxia in her arms. Her mouth moved slightly as if she wanted to call her sister.

Jiang Yaoi recalled what Zhou Xiaoxia said about her sisters reaction to strange men, so she signaled for Ah Lu and Big Ke to wait outside. Then she entered the house with Zhou Xiaoxia.

As soon as they entered the house, Zhou Xiaoxias sister quickly moved closer to Zhou Xiaoxia. She held Zhou Xiaoxias arm tightly and avoided Jiang Yao.

Youre Xiao Cheng, right? Im your sisters classmate. Your sister mentioned you often when we were in school. My name is Jiang Yao. Jiang Yao smiled at Zhou Xiaoxia. However, when Zhou Xiaocheng saw her, she quickly hid behind her sister. She did not Look Jiang Yao in the eye.

Is she like this whenever she sees anyone? Jiang Yao asked.

Zhou Xiaoxia wiped her tears as she nodded. Other than Brother Jiaxian, shes like this with everyone. Shes terrified of strangers, but shes even more afraid of men. Its okay if she sees another girl, but shell hide behind me. When she sees strange men, shell scream and make a scene.

Zhou Xiaoxia looked at the empty mouse with bitterness in her heart. Theres no one else in the house except for us. The police arrested my brother for beating up Chai Xianglong the other day. The Chai family has the money and power to put my brother in jail, but my brother is only 16 years old. Hes not even an adult yet.

As Zhou Xiaoxia spoke, Moe pushed his head against Jiang Yaos backpack and then poked his head out. When Lu Yuqing went home, Moe had hidden in Lu Yuqings suitcase and followed her home. When Jiang Yao went to Yuan City, she stuffed Moe into her backpack and brought him with her.

Moe looked like a small, white ball. Perhaps that was why Zhou Xiaocheng was not wary of him. She crouched down to greet him curiously when he walked toward her. She touched him gently. Since Moe did not dodge her touches, she hugged him and then shouted at Zhou Xiaoxia. Sister, look! What a cute cat!