RIN

Chapter 133

Three days later, time slowly passed in the village.

Once a day, Rin would drink the nourishment tonic given by Master Qiu. At this point, she seemed to be well. Jia was pleased to see that the girl was slowly recovering.

As the sun slowly sets that night, Jia walked into the small bedroom with a quilt in her hand and stared at the girl silently gazing out the window.

The drafts from the gaps of the window lifted Rin's forelocks slightly. Jia walked over and placed the thick quilt on her small shoulders. "Are you warm enough?"

Rin shifted her gaze to look at the girl and nodded. "Yes."

"Although you seem healthy enough, you still look too thin." Jia frowned. "Do you not like the food here? Is there anything specific you like to eat that I could make?"

Rin glanced up at Jia awkwardly as if she had been scolded.

"The meals have been wonderful," Rin protested. "If anything, the food here is delicious. I truly am indebted to you and your brother."

Rin smiled at Jia and the small boy standing at the entrance of the door, whose face began to blush. Jia curled her lips up in a sheepish grin and let out a laugh.

"Well, since you enjoy my meals so much and you're rather healed up, you can head down to the market with us later to purchase some supplies for dinner tomorrow."

"Mm." Rin nodded her head.

"Aiguo and I will be sleeping in the other room if you need anything."

"Thank you," Rin said.

Jia ensured the girl was nice and warm on the bed before turning to grab the little figure snooping by the door out. Rin sighs softly to herself and looks at the winter moon's light.

Grandfather...Uncle Guo...I hope you're doing well.

Rin glanced at the candle by her bedside and leaned over to blow it out. Before going to bed that night, Rin quietly thought to herself.

An Sun...she hoped he was doing well.

...

Early the following morning.

Rin put on a thick coat. She wore boots stuffed with hay to keep her feet warm and waited by the door outside. The air was frigid and misty, the feeling of deep winter still present.

Jia came out momentarily, her tall, lanky body dressed in a thick coat with Aiguo right behind her.

"Are you well?" Jia glanced at the girl up and down and noticed her exposed, pink-tinted ears. "Here, wear this. It'll protect your ears."

Rin nodded obediently and draped her head with the thick muslin scarf Jia handed her to cover her exposed ears. The girl's covered and cute appearance gave Jia the urge to pinch her little cheeks.

She couldn't help but tease. "Hehe, you look like one of those aunties selling fish."

Rin blinked her eyes and laughed softly. Aiguo looked up the girl and furrowed his brows.

"Rin is far more beautiful than those old rags at the market."

Jia frowned and smacked her brother one the head as she scolded him to be careful with his words.

Aiguo protested. "But it's true! Her figure is much more beautiful than the aunties in the market! Their breasts sag to their knees!"

"Aiguo!" Jia said through clenched teeth and smacked the boy on the head again.