A Party of Three

Unsurprisingly, Lin Lin was cowed by Mubai's threat.

The little fella pouted and grumbled, "Okay then. I will not disturb her now, but remember to tell her that I will go visit when she's feeling better."

"You have my word."

"Also, give her this." Lin Lin took out a piece of chocolate and passed it to Mubai. "This is my favorite snack. It's very good. Eating one always makes me feel better so I'm sure it'll do the same for her."

"Okay," Mubai accepted the chocolate with a kind smile and turned to look at Xinghe. He saw a flash of gentleness cross her eyes.

"Then… goodbye." The little fella turned to leave.

Xinghe watched as her child walk away and melancholy gnawed at her heart. She didn't even say a word during the brief meeting. She didn't want to spook the child.

"This is for you." Mubai passed her the chocolate and explained slowly, "I don't think it's wise to pull him into this, it'll only confuse him."