364 COMPROMISE

"You awake?"

"Nnnggghhh!!" Kang Sola stretched and flexed her arms and legs outward then flapped them against the earth.  She stared at the blue sky above and the moving clouds as she blinked her sleepiness away.

"You'll dirty your clothes by doing that."  Xue Guangxi who was quietly seated beside her on the grass observed and commented, unrestrained.

The girl ignored his commentary.

"Hey, Sola.  I've been thinking.  I know you wouldn't accept any help from anyone.  The thing is, I know a place where you can stay for free, but let's strike a deal, shall we?"

Kang Sola shifted to a sitting position and then hugged her curled knees. "Okay, I'm listening." For some reason, her interest was piqued. 'If there's a way to further improve my living conditions, then I'll grab it… That is, under acceptable conditions.'