Tang Xiaonan bought two mung bean popsicles, sharing them with Amanda Chapman. The frozen treats offered some relief from the heat, and they continued on their way, finally reaching Xavier Village.
"Let's go check if Mark Xavier is still alive first."
Halfway there, Amanda Chapman pulled Tang Xiaonan in a different direction, heading for Mark Xavier's house. Tang Xiaonan agreed. They had to make sure the poor fool hadn't done anything stupid.
Mark Xavier's home wasn't far from Tang Xiaonan's grandfather's house, just four or five houses down. A woman in her forties was there, shelling edamame. With high cheekbones and a gaunt, fleshless face, she didn't look like a kind person. This woman was precisely Mark Xavier's stepmother.
"Is Mark Xavier home, Auntie?" Tang Xiaonan asked politely.
The woman recognized Tang Xiaonan and forced a smile. "Xiaonan, here to play with Mark? He went to gather pig feed, but he should be back soon."
