"You're awake?" a voice asked by her ear, gentle like a warm breeze of springtime, soft and cautious, as if afraid of blowing the flowers off the treetops or startling the koi frolicking in the pond.
Little Taotie squinted her eyes to look over, as Hua Jinyan leaned close to her ear, his face full of deep concern.
Everyone's attention had been captured by the girl with the round face, but from beginning to end, Hua Jinyan had kept his gaze fixed on Little Taotie. Thus, when she woke up, and then closed her eyes again, Hua Jinyan noticed it all.
He didn't know why Little Taotie had closed her eyes again, but he played along, not alarming the others, simply bending down to quietly ask by her ear.
Little Taotie moistened her somewhat dry lips when suddenly, a cup was brought to her lips.
She met Hua Jinyan's tender smile.
She opened her mouth and gently sipped the water brought to her.
"Do you want more?"
Little Taotie shook her head.
"Are you hungry?"
