159 Lousy Skills (2/2)
Without a second thought, Rin quickly pulled herself away from her thoughts and strode faster down the trail toward the sound of voices.
…
”Thank you, have a nice day!”
Jia left the town's small bakery and felt gleeful.
Five whole rice cakes! Five!
She had always wanted to buy these but never had enough money, even if she were to buy one for herself! However, recently Rin had often taken the time to hunt for meat.
When there was too much to store for leftovers, the girl offered to exchange it for items in the market.
When Jia heard this, she felt like smacking herself in the head. In fact, she did before hugging the petite girl in a fit of joy.
Considering the cold weather, no one had the energy to hunt for meat in the woods. Not merely was it a strenuous task, but hardly any animals were near the village unless one went deep into the woods.
Thus, with the leftover meat, Jia used it to trade shop owners for their items. Including the rice cakes that she bought from the village bakery.
At the thought of the two's faces when she returned with such treats, Jia's broad face broke out into a smile, revealing a mouth full of white teeth.
As Jia walked back home, her face slightly changed, her brow was twisting as she looked at a group of children.
”Oi! What are you kids doing to that poor old man?”
A group of children were surrounding a small beggar, throwing stones to chase him away, their mouths were spitting out foul words.
The moment the children heard Jia's voice, they jerked their heads about to reply with a snarky jeer back but froze.
This girl...she was so tall!
Suddenly no longer experiencing the urge to talk back, the children fled. Jia watched them run with a slight frown, her hands on her hips.
”Hmph, little brats. Their parents should raise their children better.” She grumbled.
Jia shifted her gaze down to the frail beggar on the ground. It was an old man. The light from the sun illuminated his tired, worn face, wrinkles boring deeply into his skin. His expression was of fear and fatigue.
He looks as though a puff of wind could blow him down!
Seeing this, Jia's expression softened. She stepped closer to the old man who only trembled even further, his eyes shut tight while he covered his head with his spotted hands.
”P-Please, I only w-wanted some f-food!” His voice was slow as he stumbled on his words.
Jia's face flashed a trace of pity.
Those damn children! Bullying a poor old man!
Compared to most villages, theirs wasn't considered extremely poor, but still hardly wealthy. Therefore, the majority of the children in the village were able to eat a proper meal occasionally.
However, at this rate, some should lose a few meals to fix their behavior…
Jia softened her tone and reached for two rice cakes from her basket. ”Here, please take this.”
The old man slowly opened his eyes to glance at Jia. When his eyes caught sight of the two rice cakes in her hand, his eyes lit up slightly, but he appeared hesitant.
Taking note of his cautious behavior, Jia's lips curled into a gentle smile as she waited patiently for the old beggar to accept the rice cakes in her hand.
After a while, the beggar finally lifted his head and quickly reached his wrinkled hands forward to grab the rice cakes from her hand.
Not at all offended by his abrupt actions, she took a calm step back and watched as he stared at the rice cakes with bright eyes.
The old beggar cried in thanks and walked away. Jia watched him step away with a faint smile before turning back in the direction of her home.
With her back turned away, Jia had failed to miss the dark glint in the frail beggar's eyes as he disappeared into the shadows.
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READ RIN'S LATEST CHAPTERS ON PAT RE ON!
Chapter 179 - Hearts Desires
Chapter 180 - Peace Never Lasts
Chapter 181 - A Decision & Farewell
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