After a lively breakfast, the girl eagerly tugged the boy’s hand, ready to head out and play.

Today was a hard-earned weekend. With Xu Yuting’s energetic spirit, spending the whole day indoors simply wasn’t her style.

“Mom, Anqing and I are heading out!” she called, pulling the boy toward the door while her mother cleared the table.

“Mm, go ahead. Have fun with Anqing. Oh—and stay safe! No risky games. Be back for lunch, and don’t forget your homework,” Xu Lu paused mid-task, turned with a warm smile, and rattled off her gentle reminders.

“Got it, got it… Bye!”

A flicker of worry crossed her mind—homework untouched—but the joy of playing with Anqing quickly lifted her spirits.

She glanced sideways at him.

Zhao Anqing stood quietly, delicate and still as a porcelain doll.

“Auntie Xu, goodbye,” the boy said softly. Raised to be polite, he bowed slightly before leaving.

“Hehe, such a sweet boy. Bye-bye, little Anqing,” she replied, eyes crinkling with affection.

“Anqing, come on! Let’s go to the children’s park. I’ll introduce you to my friends—we’ll have so much fun!”

Unable to contain her excitement any longer, Xu Yuting grabbed his hand and skipped out the door, bouncing with energy.

Down the quiet town street, laughter and chatter trailed behind the pair.

“Yuting, how much farther? Are there lots of kids like us there?” Anqing asked. Though new to these streets, he felt no fear—only curiosity, hand safely tucked in hers.

“This is the breakfast shop… Almost there… Just past the cake shop,” she chirped, glancing around like a slightly unsure big sister before squeezing his hand.

“Mm.”

He didn’t know the way. Wherever she led, he followed.

“The park’s always full of kids playing together,” Xu Yuting added confidently. Growing up here, she knew every corner by heart.

“Will… will they be friends with me too?” Anqing murmured, hope tinged with shyness.

“Some kids are mean. Once, someone ruined my sandcastle on purpose. So we only play with the nice ones.”

“I’ve got two good friends already—Ziqing and Jin Xia. We’re a little team!” She held his hand tighter, chattering nonstop to keep him close.

“Oh… Ziqing, Jin Xia… I hope they like me,” he whispered, heart fluttering.

“But *you’re* my very best friend, Anqing! Pinky promise?” She lifted her small, fair hand with a bright, reassuring smile.

*Smack!*

Their palms met with a crisp sound, followed by matching giggles.

“Yuting… you’re my best friend too!” Warmth flooded his chest—her kindness felt like sunshine.

“Promise you won’t change your mind?” she beamed, then added with mock seriousness, “No take-backs!”

“Never ever!” he declared firmly.

“Ugh… tomorrow’s school again. So boring. My butt hurts from sitting, the teacher talks forever… my head’s gonna explode.” Her cheerful mood dimmed suddenly.

Tomorrow meant separation. A whole day apart.

Just thinking about it made her sigh.

Spotting a tiny stone on the path, she kicked it absentmindedly in her sandals.

“Ah—!” A sharp yelp escaped her lips.

“Yuting? What’s wrong?” Anqing’s voice jumped with worry.

“…Waaah, a naughty stone bumped my foot,” she pouted, face scrunched up. If he weren’t here, she might’ve cried outright.

“Let me see…” Heart pounding, he crouched down. A tiny scrape, a hint of blood.

“Yuting… it’s bleeding! Do we need to go to the hospital?” Pale-faced, the six-year-old trembled, utterly lost.

“Don’t worry! I’m tough—a little blood’s nothing,” Xu Yuting said quickly, forcing a brave smile. Seeing his panic softened her; she felt a twinge of guilt, yet secretly cherished his care.

“But it’s bleeding…” His hand hovered, trembling, afraid to touch.

“Pfft! No big deal. Up you go—we’ve got a park to reach!” She slipped her hands under his arms and lifted him gently.

“Should we go back? Let Auntie Xu check it?” He frowned, eyes full of concern.

“Nope! I promised Ziqing and Jin Xia. Teacher says: keep your word.” She stomped her foot lightly—*See? Fine!*—putting on a show of ease.

“…Okay,” Anqing relented softly.

“Race you there!” She grabbed his hand again. The warmth of his palm made the sting vanish completely.

“Yuting, watch the ground. No more naughty stones,” he said, scanning the path protectively.

“Mm! Teacher said: don’t trip twice in the same spot. I won’t kick stones again,” she declared proudly—though her steps stayed carefully light.