The angry crowd surrounded Lu Shaocong, hitting and kicking him. Whether he lived or died was no longer of Ling Feng's concern.
Ling Feng took Ling'er's small hand, crouched down, and gently patted her head. Smiling, he asked, "Ling'er, why are you here alone? Where are your daddy and mommy?"
Ling'er's eyes immediately dimmed, and she bit her lip, saying, "Mommy said I don't have a daddy..."
"Uh..." Ling Feng saw her eyes turning red and quickly changed the subject. "Where is your mommy? It's dangerous for a little girl to be out alone."
The little girl, still innocent, immediately pouted. "Mommy is always busy. A few days ago, Auntie came back, and Mommy let her play with me. But Auntie is mean and wouldn't play with me, so I snuck out!"
Ling Feng broke into a sweat. He hadn't expected this little girl to be so rebellious.
"Alright, let Big Brother take you home. Your mommy and auntie will be very worried if they can't find you," Ling Feng gently persuaded.
"Oh..." Ling'er blinked her pretty eyes and nodded. She had been genuinely scared when the demonic beast nearly trampled her.
Meanwhile, in a luxurious residence in the western district of the imperial capital, a tall, heroic-looking woman was pacing anxiously.
If Ling Feng saw this woman, he would recognize her immediately as Moyao, the captain of the Shadow Strike Team he had met in the God-Burying Swamp.
"That little girl, I just took my eyes off her for a moment, and she sneaked out!"
Moyao, who Ling'er had referred to as her auntie, had returned to her family after leaving Beiliang County to start handling some family affairs.
"This won't do. Ling'er is still so young. What if something happens to her...?"
Moyao regretted not keeping a closer eye on the mischievous girl. Determined, she took a few servants and prepared to search nearby.
Just as she was about to rush out of the main gate, she saw a young man in white carrying Ling'er, chatting and laughing as they walked towards her.
Moyao breathed a sigh of relief, feeling grateful to the young man. But when she saw his face clearly, she was stunned.
Ling Feng, carrying Ling'er, saw a large mansion ahead. The red-lacquered gate had a plaque inscribed with "Lin Family."
"Lin Family..." Ling Feng raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Ling'er, is your name Lin Ling?"
"Ling'er is just Ling'er. Why would I be called Lin Ling?" The little girl blinked her big eyes while looking puzzled.
"Uh..." Ling Feng shook his head and laughed. "Is that your home up ahead?"
"Yeah." The little girl nodded and said, sounding like an old sage, "Don't be fooled by my size. I'm actually very smart!"
"Yes, yes!" Ling Feng laughed heartily and carried her towards the Lin Mansion. Just then, the gate opened, and a woman in purple rushed out, her face full of worry. Ling Feng couldn't help but be stunned when he saw her.
Moyao strode over quickly, calling out, "Ling'er!"
Ling'er turned her head and, seeing her aunt, felt excited at first but then fearfully shrank into Ling Feng's embrace, worried that her aunt would scold her for being naughty.
Moyao rushed to Ling Feng's side in a few quick steps. Seeing Ling'er unharmed, she finally felt relieved but still scolded, "Ling'er, you're too naughty! You almost worried your aunt to death!"
Ling'er pouted, avoiding Moyao's eyes, and muttered, "I won't do it again..."
Ling Feng smiled faintly, handing Ling'er back to Moyao. "Captain Moyao, I didn't expect to meet you here."
Moyao looked at Ling Feng before biting her lip and expressing her gratitude. "Yes, I didn't expect it either. Last time you saved my life, and now you've brought Ling'er back. I don't know how to thank you."
"Fate brings people together," Ling Feng laughed. "But since this is the Lin residence, I should address you as Miss Lin, right?"
Moyao blushed slightly and nodded. "My real name is Lin Moyao. I just dropped my surname when I went out to train."
"Lin Moyao..." Ling Feng touched his nose. This name...
He remembered Lin Mochen, the gambling addict from East Court's sword team. There was some resemblance between Moyao and Lin Mochen. Could it be that Moyao is Lin Mochen's sister and Ling'er is Lin Mochen's niece?
Moyao, noticing Ling Feng's gaze, blushed even more. Normally lively and straightforward, she never imagined she would show such shyness in front of a man, especially one younger than herself.
"Auntie! Auntie!" Ling'er, nestled in Moyao's arms, finally spoke. "If it weren't for Big Brother saving me, I would have been trampled by a monster!"
"And you still dare to say that!" Moyao gently tapped Ling'er's nose. "Will you dare to run off again?"
Though a bit scared, Ling'er straightened her back and said confidently, "I'm not afraid. Big Brother will always save me!"
"Yes, yes, this Big Brother is your guardian angel, always ready to appear by your side!" Moyao rolled her eyes at the little girl and then turned to Ling Feng. "Mr. Ling, since we're meeting again, why don't you come in for a chat?"
"Well..." Ling Feng glanced at the darkening sky. He needed to return to Tianwei Academy, so he shook his head with a smile. "Since Ling'er is safely home, I won't intrude. Maybe next time."
Hearing that Ling Feng was leaving, Ling'er panicked. She clung tightly to his arm, crying, "Wah, Big Brother, don't go!"
Instantly, her little eyes reddened, and tears welled up as if she would cry if he left.
Ling Feng, both amused and helpless, could only nod and agree. "Alright, I'll stay with you a bit longer, but no more crying, okay?"
"Hehe, I won't cry anymore," Ling'er immediately brightened up, her tears gone. The little girl's acting was impeccable—crying one moment and laughing the next. She was a natural-born actress!
Ling Feng couldn't help but laugh wryly. Have I just gotten tricked by a little girl?