New Friends

Once again, she had to go to school for boring lessons. Yin Feng's health was no longer in danger, and Tian Qing couldn't continue staying home to watch over her, nor did she want to. Of course, she wanted to be near her sister, but while the girl remained so quiet, she couldn't bear the current situation. That image pierced her heart, making her eyes and heart ache. The gentle August sun blanketed the scenery as Tian Qing paced evenly along the warm, bright path, still wearing a simple white dress, her backpack tapping gently against her back with each step.

A tap on her shoulder made Tian Qing narrow her eyes slightly as she turned around. She saw a bright smile with dimples peeking through, and dark eyes with long, black eyelashes blinking. She shook her head slightly, then lowered her face, naturally resuming her pace. Seemingly ignoring her unwelcome attitude, Ping Ming walked leisurely beside her, chattering endlessly. Although Tian Qing knew she was introverted and didn't like having many relationships or inquiries intruding into her world, being near this boy didn't bother her at all; on the contrary, she felt something... strange that she couldn't name. The sunlight stretched endlessly, spilling over both of them. The pungent scent of milkwood pine flowers wafted through the air, signaling that autumn had arrived. She wrinkled her nose slightly, inhaling the scent. It wasn't as unpleasant as many said, but carried a touch of gentleness, blending with the sweet warmth of the autumn sun and air.

A commotion echoed from a deserted alley. Tian Qing suddenly stopped, curiously searching for the sound. Behind the dense foliage, hidden by the old mossy walls on both sides, dampness wafted into her nose. It was with great difficulty that she managed to focus her gaze on the right spot, but the images that followed startled her, almost making her cry out. Ping Ming beside her also watched, his face turning pale after seeing those images, and almost immediately, he took her hand and ran. Before leaving the spot completely, Tian Qing could still see the gaze that suddenly turned toward her. Those bloodshot eyes stared at her, as if piercing her very soul.

After running quite a distance, Ping Ming finally loosened his grip on her wrist, standing still and panting heavily, sweat sticking to his forehead. Tian Qing was no better; her pale cheeks were slightly flushed, her eyes wide as she tried to regulate her breathing. Catching sight of this, Ping Ming felt his face grow hot. Stopping for a few minutes to catch her breath, she gently shook her hand, which was still in his, signaling him to let go. Startled, Ping Ming released her hand, smiling slightly as he adjusted his glasses to hide his embarrassed eyes, then walked side by side with her to school.

Tian Qing had no idea how much danger the coincidence she and her friend witnessed today would bring her. Nor did she know that after today, she would accidentally "pick up" two more new friends—ones who would protect her, walk beside her, and love her like family. They were the keys, or the puzzle pieces, that would help her unlock the tightly shut door of her soul, find what she had lost, and regain balance in her life.