"Yeah." A warmth spread through Zhao Jun's chest. He said to Ma Ling, "When I take down that Black Bear, I'll bring you some bear paw to eat."
Ma Ling shook her head, whispering, "You don't have to do that. Just come back safe!"
"Sis! Sis!" Just then, Ma Yang's voice rang out from the courtyard behind them. The boy was shouting, "What are you always running out here for?"
'That little rascal!' Zhao Jun fumed, nearly blurting out the same insult Zhao Youcai always used on him.
But Ma Ling looked like a startled rabbit. "You be careful, okay?" she said to Zhao Jun. "I'm heading back. Wait a bit before you leave so no one sees us." With that, she darted out from behind the tree and headed for home.
'Why's this gotta be like some secret agent meeting?' Zhao Jun grumbled to himself. He ignored Ma Ling's advice and turned to head straight home.
...
