Chapter 113: Xiaolei’s Growth (Part One)

“Bang!”

“Wuwu!”

In the next moment, Xiaolei felt as if something wrapped around her waist, lifting her off the ground. Close to her ear came the agonized cry of a magical beast.

The wind rushed past her ears, and when she opened her eyes again, she found herself lying in Kong Zhe’s arms.

Not far away, a thick tentacle had suddenly grown out of the ground, fighting against hundreds of magical beasts.

Some beasts tried to bypass the tentacle to attack the two inside, but the tentacle instantly split into dozens of smaller ones, swiftly moving to block off the surrounding space completely.

“Let’s go!”

Kong Zhe held Xiaolei and leapt onto a rooftop, then began jumping from rooftop to rooftop high above the ground. With the tentacle holding back the beasts, they quickly escaped the pursuit.

By now, night had almost fully fallen. Kong Zhe stopped thinking about pressing on and, after losing the beasts, found an empty inn nearby.

There was no other choice—they couldn’t return today and had to stay here for the night.

…

In the post-apocalyptic world, nightfall came early, especially in winter.

Soon, outside was pitch black.

During this period, thick clouds blanketed the sky, obscuring the moon and stars. Outside, it was truly impossible to see one’s hand in front of one’s face. In such darkness, unless someone had night vision abilities or had taken a night vision potion, no one dared to walk outside at night.

In one room of the small inn, Kong Zhe boarded up the window completely with wooden planks.

He also fetched an iron basin and some charcoal from the boiler room downstairs, making a simple campfire.

Amid the crackling flames, Kong Zhe leaned his head against the wall, holding his head in his hands.

Xiaolei sat beside him, curled up with her arms wrapped around her legs, chin resting on her knees, staring blankly at the firelight.

Neither spoke; the atmosphere was subtly tense.

“Xiaolei, are you hungry? Have some food.”

Feeling a tap on her shoulder, Xiaolei saw a piece of bread offered to her. She swallowed instinctively.

Though her stomach growled loudly, she didn’t take the bread, only snorted softly through her nose and stubbornly turned her head away.

“...”

Feeling the cold air beside him, Kong Zhe sighed. It seemed the little girl was giving him the silent treatment.

Shaking his head, he wasn’t angry—her childish behavior only amused him.

But now was not the time for this. No matter what, he had to take the initiative. After all, he was the man here. He couldn’t wait for the girl to speak first.

“Xiao—”

“Sorry…”

Just as Kong Zhe was about to speak, she beat him to it. He was momentarily stunned and asked instinctively, “Sorry for what?”

Xiaolei quietly shifted closer but said nothing further.

Kong Zhe looked down and was about to respond when he noticed her body trembling lightly.

“No need to hold it in…”

He sighed and wrapped her tightly in his arms.

---

“Cry if you want to.”

Feeling Kong Zhe’s warmth, Xiaolei buried her head in his chest, her trembling intensifying though no sound escaped.

After a while, Kong Zhe felt his shirt soaked with tears.

Once she started crying, it seemed endless. The sheer volume of tears was almost frightening.

Would she cry him dry?

Kong Zhe smiled wryly. There was nothing he could do; after all, he was the one who had made her so sad.

Helplessly, he gently patted her back to comfort her.

After nearly half an hour, Xiaolei seemed exhausted from crying; her sobs gradually ceased.

Yet she had no intention of leaving his embrace, clutching his clothes tightly and burying her head deeper into his chest.

Kong Zhe noticed her cheeks and delicate neck flushed bright red. He understood immediately—she was probably fine, just too shy to meet his gaze.

“Xiaolei… about what you said…”

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully before continuing, “You’re still young. We can talk about this later, okay? At least wait until you’re an adult. Also, shouldn’t we ask your family’s opinion? Let’s discuss this after we reach the new city.”

Xiaolei was silent, not looking up, just nestling in his arms. Slightly, almost imperceptibly, she nodded and softly murmured, “Mm.”

At least she was calmed down. Honestly, if she had continued her tear attack, Kong Zhe wouldn’t know how to handle it.

Unlike Tuan Tuan, whom he dealt with more freely—if she misbehaved, a scolding or a smack would suffice—he couldn’t bring himself to discipline such a delicate girl like Xiaolei. She had him completely wrapped around her little finger.

“Gurgle!”

Suddenly, Xiaolei’s stomach protested loudly in the quiet, cramped space.

“Ugh…”

She whimpered, clutching Kong Zhe tighter.

“All right, don’t be stubborn. Get up and eat something. You must be starving.”

Kong Zhe teased gently.

Perhaps truly hungry, Xiaolei didn’t refuse this time. She slowly got up but kept her head lowered.

Kong Zhe understood her shyness and didn’t push her further.

There was no kitchen here; cooking was impossible. So they simply ate a little to get by.

While eating, Kong Zhe kept talking, telling her jokes to coax a smile. For the moment, their relationship returned to normal.

After dinner, Xiaolei sat beside Kong Zhe, eyes fixed blankly on the distant fire basin.

“Kong Zhe… brother…”

“Hmm? What is it?”

Xiaolei didn’t look back, her cheeks flushed as she stared at the rising flames.

“Am I… useless?”

“No way…”

Kong Zhe glanced at her, gently stroking her head with a smile.

“Haven’t we said before? As long as you’re by my side, you’re helping me more than you know. Besides, you’re now an awakened one.”

---

“But, but…”

Xiaolei suddenly turned to him, eyes misted with tears, a look of disappointment on her face.

“I know. I’m selfish and cowardly. Even though I’m awakened, I haven’t helped you at all, Kong Zhe brother. I only cause trouble…”

She lowered her head again. Her once upright long ears drooped, and she looked utterly dejected.

This time she didn’t cry, though tears welled up and threatened to spill. She fought hard to hold them back.

She had always been like this—when things got tough, she only knew how to cry… she really hated herself for it.

After a moment’s silence, she sniffled and lifted her head with determination, looking straight at Kong Zhe and biting her lip:

“Kong Zhe brother, I don’t want to be like this anymore! Teach me how to fight!”

“...”

Kong Zhe was stunned, not expecting this. But seeing her small fist clenched with such resolve, he couldn’t help but smile.

“Are you sure? It’s going to be tough.”

Hearing his serious warning, Xiaolei swallowed but firmly replied, “No matter how hard it is, I’m sure!”

She absolutely couldn’t continue like this—she had to help Kong Zhe brother.

This conviction gave her the strength to make a firm decision.

Seeing the determination on her face, Kong Zhe nodded.

Environment shapes progress—this was undeniably true.

That night, Kong Zhe hardly rested, spending all his time teaching Xiaolei.

He held nothing back, but time was limited; one night wasn’t enough to teach much.

He focused on what he thought would be most useful for Xiaolei.

Since her role was supportive, she didn’t need overwhelming combat power, but at least the ability to protect herself was essential.

At first, Kong Zhe explained all the knowledge about awakened ones at once, then demonstrated combat techniques himself. Finally, they moved to practical exercises.

Perhaps due to her elven bloodline, Xiaolei’s body was very flexible, and she quickly grasped the various techniques Kong Zhe taught.

…

Kong Zhe lunged forward, sliding low with a tackle aimed at Xiaolei’s feet.

Xiaolei bent slightly, arms reaching forward, ready.

Her face no longer showed fear but a serious expression.

As Kong Zhe’s attack neared, she suddenly leapt upward.

But in midair, she felt her ankle grabbed. Gravity pulled her straight down toward the floor.

“Consider all possibilities when dodging!” Kong Zhe’s calm voice rang in her ear.

Gritting her teeth, just before hitting the ground, she pushed off with her hands, using the rebound force to kick backward, forcing Kong Zhe to retreat.

She landed firmly with a spin and, without hesitation, bent her leg and launched an attack on Kong Zhe.

“Too slow! With your agility, you should be faster!”

https: