After hearing their plan, I didn’t care much.
As long as I had food to eat, it didn’t matter who I stayed with—just not with the wolf.

The boys who got beaten up arrived later.
Gao Yang asked cautiously, “No one followed you, right?”

The question made them exchange glances, but they said no suspicious figures were spotted.
I felt uneasy, though I couldn’t pinpoint why—maybe just my imagination.

He Zhi explained his idea of each person hosting me for a week.
The group swore a solemn oath, then played rock-paper-scissors to decide the order.
Gao Yang, thrilled, secured first place, while He Zhi got third.
The decision was set.

Growing up, I’d lived like I was eating from a hundred households, always rootless, without a home of my own.

As evening fell, we played a round of Ludo.
The others left for home, leaving just me and Gao Yang.
He looked at me like a goofy kid, grinning constantly.
I hugged my knees, shrinking back warily, keeping my distance.

Gao Yang composed himself, toning it down: “Little fairy, I have a gaming console. Want to play?”

My dream come true—a gaming console!
My eyes sparkled: “Yes!”

He froze.
When I got no response, I waved my hand in front of him: “Changed your mind?”

He shook his head: “I’ll get it.”

Gao Yang brought the console, sitting close to teach me.
His loud heartbeat was almost like noise, but I was having fun and ignored it.

That night, I needed a shower but had no clothes to change into.
I didn’t mind at first—same as always—but Gao Yang rushed out to buy two sets of pajamas.
I’d wear these for now, washing and rotating them.

As I’d hoped, the maid hadn’t found me yet.
But how long could I hide?

Later, Gao Yang’s parents returned, shocked to see me.
Gao Yang said I’d stay a few days.
They didn’t ask why, just looked at me like I was their daughter-in-law.

I felt wronged but stayed silent.

When I got sleepy and started fiddling with the sofa, his parents stopped me: “Zhixia, let Gao Yang take the sofa. You sleep in the bed.”

Gao Yang chimed in: “Yeah, take my bed. I’ll manage.”

His parents seemed to dote on me, but I insisted on the sofa: “Uncle, Auntie, Gao Yang has school tomorrow. If he doesn’t sleep well, it’ll affect his studies.”

They quietly praised me, then asked suddenly: “Don’t you need to go to school?”

“I’m a beggar. I don’t get to go.”

They were stunned.
Gao Yang pulled them aside, explaining carefully, as if afraid they’d refuse to let me stay.

Thankfully, his parents accepted me, treating me with even more warmth, fussing over me for a long time.

Days passed like this.
Gao Yang went to school in the day, returning at night.
I cooked and did laundry—my food wasn’t great, but his parents praised it.
Watching TV daily, I felt happy.

A week flew by.
Per the agreement, I’d move to the next house.
Everyone gathered, bringing tons of snacks that made my mouth water.

He Zhi opened a bag of chips and handed it to me: “We know you’ve had it rough and haven’t eaten stuff like this. Don’t hold back. Later, we’ll take you to a restaurant for a proper meal.”

I nodded eagerly, nibbling the chips.
After a week, I knew Gao Yang wasn’t bad, so his friends probably weren’t either.

The afternoon was filled with joy.
When it was time to go, we put on our shoes.
Gao Yang opened the door: “Haven’t decided where to eat—”

Before he finished, a kick sent him flying, knocking him out cold.

The wolf stepped in, a knife in hand.
He turned his cold, ruthless gaze on the others, lunging at He Zhi with the blade.

“No!”
The maid appeared halfway through the door.
In a split second, I leaped in front of He Zhi.
The wolf tried to stop, but the knife plunged into me.

Blood soaked my white dress instantly.
A flicker of shock crossed the wolf’s face.
My expression strained, I grabbed his suit with both hands, refusing to let go.

“They… were good to me. If… anything happens to them, I won’t forgive you.”
Despite the growing pain and my fading consciousness, I said what needed saying before passing out.