She Woke Up.

Nangong Shiyu and Xia Zixin exchanged a glance. They hurried to the little girl's side and helped her up from the ground.

"Are you okay?" Nangong Shiyu asked anxiously.

"...Brother..." the little girl murmured softly. She looked up at Nangong Shiyu and Xia Zixin, then clung tightly to Nangong Shiyu and burst into tears.

Caught off guard by the sudden embrace, Nangong Shiyu didn't know how to react. She shot a pleading look at Xia Zixin.

Xia Zixin immediately understood. She crouched down, gently stroking the girl's hair, and whispered in her ear:

"It's okay, it's okay. Be good~"

Under Xia Zixin's touch, the girl's sobs gradually faded. She loosened her arms from Nangong Shiyu and stepped back two paces. She looked up at the two unfamiliar sisters, feeling lost.

"I kept hearing you say 'brother' just now," Xia Zixin asked. "What happened to him?"

"Brother... he was... beaten... and then... those people... chased me... saying they'd kill me..." The little girl spoke between sobs, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Listening to her story, Nangong Shiyu felt a wave of weakness. Honestly, saving this girl was enough; going further would just be meddling.

"Xia Zixin, let's take her to the police."

"No... no police..." the girl protested. "Brother... he really hates the police..."

So this was just a gang fight. Nangong Shiyu gave a bitter smile and glanced at Xia Zixin.

"Be good. You'll only be safe with the police." She gently stroked the girl's head. Taking her to the station was the most she could do.

"No, I don't want to go!" The girl seemed terrified of Nangong Shiyu. She grabbed Xia Zixin's sleeve and hid behind her.

"Be good..." Leaving her here felt like abandonment. But no matter how Nangong Shiyu coaxed, the girl stayed hidden. It gave her a headache.

"How about this?" Xia Zixin held the girl's hand behind her. "Why not help all the way?"

"No, no. What are you thinking? Gang waters aren't for civilians to wade into. Forcing her to the police is best. Meddling brings trouble—it's common sense." Though Nangong Shiyu knew common sense didn't apply to Xia Zixin.

"But she doesn't want police."

"Then we can't just leave her. It still feels wrong..."

"See? Even you, little sister Shiyu, feel bad. Why not help her?"

"Are you listening? We shouldn't touch gang stuff." Nangong Shiyu glared unhappily, almost wanting to throw a tantrum.

"What are you afraid of? As the 233rd generation Thunder God, no courage?"

"Hey, forget courage—blurt out 'Thunder God' in front of a normal person? Really?"

"Don't worry. The Balancers are on it. Didn't I say, sister?"

"You're causing trouble for those who clean up after us..." Nangong Shiyu felt tired for the behind-the-scenes workers.

"Anyway, answer me. Help or not?"

"..."

Nangong Shiyu looked at Xia Zixin, realizing she couldn't escape. She nodded helplessly.

"Sigh... Since you're so persistent, fine. We'll help. Though I really don't want gangsters 'checking my water meter' at midnight." Being woken by them would be terrifying.

"See? That sister agreed to save your brother." Xia Zixin crouched again, stroking the girl's head. "Where is he? We'll go now."

"Uh... um... in... that alley..." The girl pointed timidly at the endless-looking lane.

"Hmm, what does he look like?"

"Red... red clothes... big nostrils... glasses... tall... thin..."

"Not enough. Other features?" Xia Zixin pressed.

"A... tear mole. Left side..."

"Good, easier to find." Xia Zixin stood up. "Wait on the street outside. We'll bring him back."

"R-Really?"

"Yes. Pinky promise?"

"Okay."

Xia Zixin bent down and hooked pinkies with her.

"Pinky promise, a hundred years, never change."

"Pinky promise, a hundred years, never change."

"Alright, we're going in. Wait outside obediently. Don't follow."

"B-But... I want to help brother..."

"No." Xia Zixin waved her hand. "Be good, or we can't save him."

"Uh... you promise?"

"Yes, I promise."

Xia Zixin patted Nangong Shiyu's shoulder. "Let's go, little sister Shiyu."

"Yes, yes."

Though reluctant, Nangong Shiyu followed. Xia Zixin must have her reasons. She'd repay her daytime efforts now. Her fighting spirit ignited.

"Xia Zixin, tell me fast how to do it."

"How to do what?"

"Use magic to boost physical abilities."

"Didn't I say? Sister won't teach."

"You want me chopped by a cleaver?"

"Alright, alright. I'll teach, but no guarantees. Listen..."