The girl gestured for a long time, but Hua Manman still couldn't figure out the way to the county town.
She wanted to ask the girl to guide them, but the girl's father had just passed away. It was a time of immense grief, and Hua Manman couldn't bring herself to make such a request.
The girl was very perceptive.
Sensing Hua Manman's hesitation, she took the initiative to offer.
"How about I take you there?"
Hua Manman was overjoyed. "That would be wonderful!"
But then she saw a look of hesitation and conflict on the girl's face.
Just as Hua Manman was wondering what was wrong, Li Ji suddenly spoke.
"What do you want in return?"
Her intentions laid bare, a blush crept across the girl's pale, thin face.
She tugged at the hem of her clothes and asked shyly.
"Could you... could you spare some food?"
She and her brother hadn't eaten in two days. Her father had died from extreme hunger, compounded by the long and arduous journey.
The siblings were in desperate need of food.
