Chapter 459

The Husky also stuck its head out and barked, "Woof!"

It seems.

It's hungry too.

Ning Chen took the room card and took the two of them downstairs to eat.

The Husky was locked inside the RV.

There was plenty of pre-bought dog food inside.

Enough for the Husky to eat for a month.

Ning Chen then took Zhang Xiao and found a hot pot restaurant.

They ordered a lot of meat.

Zhang Xiao's eyes lit up, and he quickly grabbed a slice of meat and dropped it into the pot.

Ten seconds later.

It was already cooked.

Zhang Xiao ate with great enthusiasm.

In contrast, Ning Chen moved slowly.

While they were eating.

A face-changing performance began.

The Master's steps were mesmerizing.

In just a few quick motions, he appeared beside Zhang Xiao.

He pressed his face against Zhang Xiao's and switched his mask.

Zhang Xiao saw it and laughed happily.

After leaving the hot pot restaurant.

Ning Chen looked at Zhang Xiao and asked, "Is there anywhere you want to go?"

Zhang Xiao pressed his index finger against his chin, tilted his small head, thought for a moment, then said, "I want to go play in the park!"

"Park?" Ning Chen quickly searched his mind for the nearest park nearby.

Then.

He led Zhang Xiao there at a slow pace.

Not long after.

They arrived at a small park.

It had various fitness equipment.

If it were summer.

Even at night, many people would be playing here.

Unfortunately.

It was winter now.

Most people stayed indoors.

No one would come out to freeze.

Zhang Xiao spotted a swing and ran over immediately, sat down, and waved at Ning Chen: "Big brother! Push me! I want to fly high!"

Ning Chen walked over, went behind Zhang Xiao, and began pushing him gently, one push at a time.

Ning Chen dared not use much force.

If he used full strength, Zhang Xiao might fly right off.

Zhang Xiao gripped the ropes with both hands.

He savored the gentle thrill of motion.

A sweet smile appeared on his lips.

In this moment.

Zhang Xiao possessed childlike innocence.

Aside from his deceased father.

Zhang Xiao had only ever played like this with Ning Chen.

Heavy snow turned to light snow.

Ning Chen feared Zhang Xiao's hair would get wet, so he put a hat on him.

Children catch cold easily in this weather.

It's easiest to get sick.

Zhang Xiao didn't turn back, but looked up at the sky and said, "Big brother!"

Ning Chen replied, "What is it?"

After pausing a moment, Zhang Xiao said, "I really like how it feels to be with you, I like it so, so much—much more comfortable than at the orphanage!"

Zhang Xiao's voice was filled with joy.

It was a happiness that radiated from within.

Ning Chen unconsciously increased his pushing force, "Then let's keep it this way."

Zhang Xiao tilted his head back, his big eyes fixed on Ning Chen upside-down, and said, "Can we always be together like this? I won't be a bother—I'll get a job when I grow up and support you in your old age!"

Ning Chen laughed at Zhang Xiao's words.

But Zhang Xiao's face was completely serious.

This is what innocence truly looks like.

Zhang Xiao laughed out loud at Ning Chen, leapt off the swaying swing, her little face flushed and puffed up, pointing at Ning Chen: "Big brother, what are you laughing at? I'm telling the truth! When I grow up, I'll work to support you in your old age!"

Ning Chen replied: "Forget about supporting me in old age—I'm still young."

"Pfft, you'll get old someday, and then I'll take care of you!" Zhang Xiao said carelessly. "I don't want to be a burden to you now, only to have you care for me my whole life. I'm already an adult—I can go work, and grow up to be just like you!"

Ning Chen shook his head: "Look further ahead. Learn from the great figures in books. Don't model yourself after me—it's no benefit."

Zhang Xiao pouted: "No way! I want to learn from you—you're my hero! You saved me from that awful orphanage, took me traveling everywhere, gave me experiences no one else gets—I know it!"

"Don't you dare think I'm just a kid!" Zhang Xiao thumped her chest. "I'm far more mature than kids my age! I understand things far better than they do! I know all the big and small truths!"

Zhang Xiao wore a look of pride.

Ning Chen looked at her.

He hadn't expected it.

That once-restrained, pained, crying child.

Today.

Could wear a proud, confident smile.

Perhaps he.

Had, without realizing it, changed someone after all.

Watching Zhang Xiao's actions.

Ning Chen suddenly felt these journeys brought more than just the system's rewards.

More than that.

They gave his heart a reckoning.

In the breath of the open wild.

Running.

Enjoying the cool breeze.

Body and spirit returned to heaven and earth.

This realm forged through trial.

Was one few could reach.

Ning Chen looked around.

A world of steel and concrete.

What emotion could it hold?

Far lighter than endless, unceasing travel.

Ning Chen looked again at Zhang Xiao, accepted her kindness without refusal, and said: "Let's wait until you're grown."

Saying this.