Chapter 28: Refusal

"No thank you, we would rather travel on our own; it’s more comfortable that way." Whenever Hong Xiaoduo thought of that man at the steamed bun shop—a handsome young fellow who seemed pleasant at first, only to look at her with such disdain and disgust later—she felt speechless.

What did good looks matter if a person’s character was like that? It wasn’t as if she hadn’t seen men more handsome than him; in her own world, she had seen plenty.

Magazine covers, television and movie screens, and, most excessively, smartphones. She wasn’t exactly a woman obsessed with looks, but if she inadvertently scrolled past videos of beautiful men or muscular guys with eight-pack abs and watched for even a few seconds, she knew what would happen: the platform would flood her feed with similar content.

Big data was truly "thoughtful" and tailored perfectly to one's preferences.

The handsome, muscular men in those videos were even sweet-talkers: "Don't scroll away, pretty lady! Use those precious hands of yours to follow and like my post."

They were nothing like that man yesterday. She had merely meant to remind him of something out of kindness, and he had stupidly misunderstood her, actually thinking she had developed a crush on him!

As for men who were this deeply narcissistic and self-righteous, Hong Xiaoduo didn't know how other women would react, but she, for one, would make sure to stay far away.

After she finished speaking, she noticed the expressions on Brother Dong’s face becoming rather varied. She felt a flicker of doubt, but after replaying her own response in her mind, it didn't seem inappropriate. Could it be that the phrase "more comfortable" was the wrong choice of words?

Just then, a dull thud echoed from the room next door. Hong Xiaoduo didn't pay it much mind. "Brother Dong, what I meant is, look, I have seven children with me. They are young and haven't received much guidance for a long time; if we travel with others, they might find us burdensome."

"I understand, I understand. Lady Hong, there is no need to explain. I grasp your meaning," Dong Yuefan said. As he recalled the sound he had just heard, he couldn't help but imagine the expression on the face of the man next door, which made him want to laugh even more.

It was a pity he hadn't seen it with his own eyes!

"Brother Dong, if we are fated to meet again in the future, just call me Xiaoduo. 'Xiao' as in small, 'Duo' as in flower." Feeling that their parting was imminent, she realized that even though their acquaintance had been brief, he had trusted her and helped her so much. This was a person worth knowing.

Even if she wasn't sure when she might suddenly disappear and leave this place, or if she would ever have the chance to see this kind-hearted and gentle "big brother" again, the least she could do was offer this small gesture of intimacy.

"Xiaoduo? That’s great. I’ll remember that. When you decide on a departure date, feel free to come to the magistrate’s office to find me; we shall see you off." Being allowed to call her by her given name clearly improved Dong Yuefan’s mood.

Quite unexpectedly, he had found himself a little sister of a different surname—a unique and interesting sister at that.

It had nothing to do with romance or family interests; it was straightforward, open, and honest. This kind of relationship made him feel very comfortable.

This was the greatest gain he had made in the three-plus years he had been in Mopan Town!

***

Hong Xiaoduo thought for a moment and replied, "I’m not sure yet when we’ll set off. We’ll see when the time comes. Once it’s decided, I’ll let you know, Brother Dong. For now, I’ll take them out to look around a bit more. The auntie at the clothing shop said she made hats for them, so we’re going to check on those."

"Very well." When Dong Yuefan heard that she wasn't leaving immediately and had explicitly promised to let him know when she did, he felt a strange sense of relief.

When they reached the door of the private room and he stopped walking, Hong Xiaoduo blurted out, "Brother Dong, are you not leaving?"

They had finished eating and drinking their tea. Even if the magistrate's office wasn't busy, why would he stay in this eatery alone? This wasn't a teahouse with storytelling to pass the time.

Dong Yuefan raised a hand and rubbed his nose. "I have an appointment with someone; we have some things to discuss in here."

Oh, so that was it. Hong Xiaoduo understood. She said goodbye and led the line of little bald heads who were waiting not far away.

Watching the person leave surrounded by the children, Dong Yuefan actually felt a twinge of envy.

He sighed softly, turned, and stepped into the room next door.

"Since you’re so reluctant to let her go, why don't you go after them and see them off? Should I also congratulate you on becoming a big brother, and your uncle on suddenly acquiring seven nephews and nieces?" The man sitting at the round table leaned back in his chair and sneered.

Dong Yuefan didn't care at all about the sarcasm. He walked over and said, "You’re just like the fox who couldn't reach the grapes, calling them sour. You can be as sour as you want; I won't hold it against you."

"Heh, you’re really feeling pleased with yourself, aren't you? Do you really think she’s being sincere with you? You’ve been played, and you’re helping her run errands like a fool without even realizing it." Mu Zitao shook his head helplessly as he spoke.

How had he never noticed before that this childhood friend of his was so simple and easy to trick?

Dong Yuefan took offense at that. "I say, Mu Zitao, you are a grown man, why are you so petty? Just because you lost face back there, you have to slander her? That’s losing your composure; you’ve gone too far."

Mu Zitao grew angry, grabbed a *shaomai* from the plate, and threw it at him.

Dong Yuefan caught it in his hand, took a bite, and noted that the *shaomai* was already cold. Looking at the food on the table, it seemed barely touched.

"Hmph, seeing you all alone and pathetic, I can't be bothered to argue with you." He pulled up a chair and sat down.

Mu Zitao glared at him, frustrated by his stubbornness. "Don't you be defiant. Just wait until you have to clean up their mess later."

***

Hearing this, Dong Yuefan frowned in disgust. "What is wrong with you? Is it really necessary? To lose your composure over such a trivial matter? Your speech has even become vulgar—can't you just say 'handle the aftermath'?"

"Regardless of what happens later, money can't buy my own willingness."

"As for you, it’s the first time you’ve ever been ignored, and you can't handle it? That won't do!"

Out on the street, Hong Xiaoduo began looking at the signs of the shops. Dong Yuefan’s words had reminded her that she needed to buy a map to guide their journey. If she could choose their route based on the villages and towns on the map, the children wouldn't have to suffer so much. Otherwise, walking aimlessly made little sense, and if they ended up in an area with no signs of human life for days, food might be manageable, but what about shelter?

With winter approaching, if she couldn't find a place to shield them from the wind at night, the children might get sick from the cold!

A bookstore? Did they sell books here? They should have maps, right? Hesitating, she stepped inside.

She successfully bought the map she wanted. As she turned, she saw Tian Shu and Tian Quan staring longingly at the "four treasures of the study" on the counter.

"Do you want them?" Hong Xiaoduo asked.

The two brothers nodded, then shook their heads. "It’s useless to have them; we don't know many characters anyway."

Children their age from slightly better-off families would usually be sent to an academy or a private tutor to study.

Hong Xiaoduo wanted to say, "Then let’s buy them, and I’ll teach you to read when we have time," but she worried that since she didn't know how long she would be with them, if she suddenly disappeared, there would be no one left to teach them. Wouldn't that make them even sadder?

Hardening her heart, she took them out of the bookstore.

Some things she wanted to do would have to wait until that old man from the science museum contacted her again, so she could determine how much longer she could stay here before deciding what was truly important and appropriate to do.

Just as she was thinking this, a voice echoed in her ear: "Find a place with no one around and enter the space."

That voice... Hong Xiaoduo’s heart raced, and her eyes widened in shock.