Chapter Two A Ray of Light

Although she thought this, the girl moved as well, exclaiming in surprise, “What are you doing? Stop it right now!” She hurried over and stood in front of the boy to shield him.

Mo Ziyuan had sensed her arrival the moment she appeared, but what happened outside had never affected him. As for these children picking on him, it was nothing new. No one ever bothered to intervene on his behalf.

But when the girl shouted for them to stop and ran to stand before him, his gaze flickered ever so slightly before he lowered his eyes again.

The children who’d been hitting him suddenly saw the angel of their hearts and grew nervous, fearing she’d blame them and refuse to play with them anymore. Their hands clutched at their sleeves, eyes darting guiltily. “We… we…”

“Children who bully others aren’t good kids,” she said, her eyes wide and a hint of anger in her sweet voice. “I don’t like playing with kids who bully others.”

The children hastily apologized and promised, “Jiujiu, we were wrong. Please don’t stop playing with us.” They looked at her with pleading eyes.

The girl gave a gentle smile. “From now on, don’t bully Brother Ziyuan anymore. Promise me!”

“We promise!” they chorused. Then, as if a great weight had been lifted, they took off running so fast it was as if motors were strapped to their feet, vanishing in an instant.

The girl immediately turned and reached out to help the boy up. But he slapped her hand away with a loud smack and a small cry—a soft, kittenish whimper tinged her voice as a red mark bloomed on the back of her hand, making her look quite pitiful.

Her eyes brimmed with tears. “I… I’m sorry. I only wanted to help you up, I meant no harm.”

The boy paused. “I don’t need it.”

“Brother Ziyuan, you’re hurt. Last time I got hurt, the director gave me some ointment—I still have it. Let me get it for you, all right?” As she spoke, she bravely took his hand and tried to lead him forward. Feeling him tense, she smiled warmly. “Brother Ziyuan, trust me. I won’t hurt you.”

He looked at her, and perhaps her smile was simply too gentle, too sincere—a beam of sunlight piercing straight through to the depths of his heart. After a moment, he nodded slowly.

Her smile widened as she led him by the hand. The boy gazed at their joined hands, lost in thought. He felt an odd sensation directed at himself, unable to explain why he followed her so willingly. These wounds were nothing; he was long used to them. Perhaps he didn’t realize that from the very first glimpse of this girl, he’d begun to crave this warmth.

Back in the room, the girl took out the ointment and looked at him with clear, bright eyes.

“Brother Ziyuan, turn your face this way.”

Her sweet, gentle voice pulled him back from his thoughts.

He obediently turned his head. The two of them were so close that she could see the split in his lip clearly.

“This might sting a bit. Brother Ziyuan, be brave!” Her eyes were filled with worry, making his heart skip as if something was about to leap out.

Mo Ziyuan said not a word, his expression unchanged, as though it were someone else who’d been hurt. For someone so young, he was remarkably stoic—no wonder he’d grow up to be a formidable figure, the girl thought admiringly. But she only said aloud:

“Brother Ziyuan, why didn’t you fight back?”

“You shouldn’t be so meek!”

“If you’re like this, others will keep bullying you.”

“But don’t be afraid. If anyone bullies you again, just tell me. I’ll stand up for you!”

She chattered away, and the boy beside her watched her, the coldness in his eyes melting away, replaced by a gentle warmth he himself didn’t quite recognize.

“Thank you.” When she finished applying the ointment, he finally spoke.

The girl looked up in delight. “Brother Ziyuan, you’re talking to me! I’m so happy! Can we be friends from now on?” She was nervous, her eyes brimming with hope.

Looking into those eyes, his heart softened unbearably, and the rejection he’d been about to utter caught in his throat. “All right.”

She joyfully squeezed his hand, and though he stiffened at first, he soon relaxed, holding her hand tight—afraid this sudden warmth might vanish.

The system’s voice sounded: “Well done, very well done. At this rate, you’ll definitely become the light of Mo’s life.”

Jiujiu replied, “I want to be the ray of light that shines into his darkness, so he’ll never forget me.”

And so, their interactions grew more frequent and more harmonious.

Scenes like this became common at the orphanage: the petite girl always chasing after the slender, aloof boy—“Brother Ziyuan, why won’t you play with me?” “Brother Ziyuan, the director gave me a pastry as a reward—let’s eat it together, all right?” “Brother Ziyuan, why don’t you ever smile? Won’t you smile for me?”

Whenever she saw him, she would chirp away, pulling him into conversation, and he never found her annoying. Sometimes, when her questions left him at a loss for words, he’d only give a helpless smile. He liked this feeling, and savored it.

“No, no, please don’t…” The girl was caught in a nightmare, whimpering in protest.

“Jiujiu, what’s wrong?” The boy was startled awake by her voice. He jumped from his little bed next to hers and gently shook her, trying to rouse her.

She opened her eyes, still half-trapped in her nightmare, and when she saw the small Mo Ziyuan before her, she threw herself into his arms. “Brother Ziyuan, I’m scared, it was so terrifying…” Her long lashes were wet with tears, and she looked like a frightened little rabbit.

His heart ached for her, and he quickly gathered her close, patting her gently. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here. From now on, I’ll always protect you, Jiujiu. I won’t let anything hurt you.”

Hearing this, her mind cleared bit by bit. Yes, this life she would do her best to change everything—what happened in her last life wouldn’t happen again. There was nothing to be afraid of. Holding tight to the strongest support was what mattered most. At this thought, she hiccuped and looked up, her eyes shining brilliantly after being washed by tears. “Brother Ziyuan, will you sleep with me tonight? I’m still scared.”

He nodded, wrapped his arms around her, tucked her in, and gently comforted her until she fell fast asleep. Only then did he close his eyes.

The system, watching from the side, felt sincerely happy for Jiujiu—it truly hadn’t been easy.

The next morning, the boy woke early but didn’t want to move. Not only was he afraid of waking the girl sleeping soundly in his arms, but he also couldn’t bear to let go of this rare warmth. He watched her quietly, as if trying to engrave her into his memory forever.