Till The End Of The Moon [SEASON- 2]

4. Best...like him?

Miang Tao moved towards the small table where the food was placed. He pushed the bowl gently towards the young girl.

Tantai Jiang, feeling the emptiness in her stomach, picked up the spoon and began to eat without saying a word.

Her body had been weakened by hunger, and the warmth of the food soothed her.

Miang Tao watched her quietly, his gaze lingering longer than usual. A strange sensation stirred in his chest, something he couldn't place.

It was like he'd known her forever. But that was impossible-he had only just met her.

He stood up and walked to the small window, gazing out into the quiet of the forest, but his thoughts remained on the girl lying on his bed.

He couldn't explain the connection he felt, the tug at his heart, but it unsettled him.

As he stood there, lost in his thoughts, he suddenly heard a soft sound from the bedHe turned quickly to see Tantai Jiang attempting to get up.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Miang Tao hurried over to her side, his heart racing as he reached out to steady her. "You should be resting."

Tantai Jiang's small face scrunched in confusion. "I was thirsty," she said softly, her voice strained. "I was going to drink water, but... I fell."

Miang Tao sighed, relief flooding through him that she hadn't hurt herself further.

"You should have told me. I would have brought it to you." He moved quickly to a nearby jug, filled a cup with water, and sat beside her.

He handed her the cup carefully. As she drank, he couldn't help but ask, "What's your name, little one? Where's your mother? Why would you run away from home?"

Tantai Jiang paused, her big eyes looking up at him with a childlike innocence.

"I'm Tantai Jiang. My mum's name is Li Susu. We live by the Mohe River, in the northern part. But... I ran away," she admitted, her tone quiet but firm. "I had to find my father."

Miang Tao froze. Her words hit him like a sudden gust of wind. Her father. The name felt familiar, but he couldn't place it.

Still, he pushed forward, trying to understand. "Why did you run away? Doesn't your father live with you?"

Tantai Jiang's small face lit up with excitement as she spoke about him. "No, he's not with us. Mum says he's gone to save the world. She says he's very brave, very handsome, and kind to everyone."

She paused for a moment, then continued with a proud smile, "She says he's like you, saving people. And... he's the best."

Miang Tao felt a strange pang in his chest, but he couldn't explain why. "So, you're looking for him?" he asked quietly.

The thought of this little girl wandering alone filling him with concern. "What if something happens to you?"

Tantai Jiang's face dropped for a moment. "But... I want to find him. Mum says he lives on the other side of the Mohe River. So, I came here to find him."

Miang Tao's heart softened. He had no idea what to do with these feelings, but one thing was clear: this child needed care, and he could give that.

"You're still hurt, and you've got a fever," he said gently. "You'll stay until you're better. When you're well enough, you can go back to your mother, but not until you're strong again."

Tantai Jiang nodded solemnly, her young face serious. "But my mum must be so worried," she whispered, tears welling up in her eyes. "She might be scared."

Miang Tao sat down beside her, trying comfort her. "Your mother will be alright, but you need to rest. If you're out there in this condition, someone might take you away from her, and that would make things worse."

Tantai Jiang sighed, but she understood. "Okay... I'll stay here for now. But when I'm better, I'll go back to her. I promise."

Miang Tao nodded, his gaze softening as he watched her. "Rest now, little one. Everything will be okay."

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Chapter ended.
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