Xiao Mo heard the noise and immediately sat up in bed.
He grabbed the shovel he kept by the head of his bed, carefully opened the door, and stepped out into the courtyard.
'If it's a thief, I'll sneak up and whack him with this shovel!'
It was late at night. Moonlight spilled into the courtyard, draping everything in a soft glow.
The noise was coming from the kitchen.
Aided by the moonlight, Xiao Mo lightened his steps, cautiously making his way toward the kitchen one step at a time.
The "thief" hadn't closed the door; it was left ajar.
Leaning against the doorframe, Xiao Mo cautiously peered inside.
"Hm?"
Xiao Mo froze, stunned by what he saw in the kitchen.
Inside, Xiao Mo saw only a "boy" who looked no older than nine or ten.
This "boy" had short hair and wore tattered, filthy clothes. They were covered in mud and dust, as if they'd just come tumbling down a mountain.
The "boy's" face was smeared with charcoal, and there were even clumps of dried mud in their hair.
