"Xue Bing, why are you sitting alone? Don't you want to play with everyone!"
As everyone started playing in the pool, Xiao Feng noticed a lonely figure sitting in a corner.
Xue Bing sat on the edge of a lounge chair with her knees drawn together. Although laughter echoed throughout the pool area, she remained separated from the others, silently watching the water.
Xiao Feng sighed softly and sat beside her.
"Feng-gege…"
Xue Bing glanced at him before moving slightly to the side, making more room.
Seeing her say nothing after calling his name, Xiao Feng sighed again.
Xue Bing and Xiu Ying had both been rescued during his journey through China. However, while Xiu Ying enjoyed teasing others and could quickly become the centre of any group, Xue Bing was the complete opposite.
Just like her name, she appeared as cold as ice.
But Xiao Feng understood that her indifference was merely a shell she had created to protect the vulnerable heart beneath it.
Among all the Cursed Children he had encountered in China, Xue Bing was one of the few who had seen through the government's propaganda.
She had realised early that the officials did not regard the Cursed Children as citizens or even human beings.
In order to protect herself and survive, Xue Bing had hidden her thoughts behind an expressionless face. She obeyed orders, spoke only when necessary, and never allowed the officials to discover what she truly felt.
Over time, that mask had become a habit. Even after arriving in New Tokyo, where no one intended to exploit or harm her, she still struggled to lower her guard.
Xiao Feng looked toward the pool.
Enju and Koharu were currently attempting to overturn the large inflatable ring carrying Tina and Midori. Kayo stood at the edge, repeatedly warning everyone not to behave recklessly, only for Xiu Ying to splash her with water.
Rem was distributing drinks while Ram watched the chaos with an expression of complete disappointment.
"Xue Bing, do you want to play with your brother?"
Xiao Feng held out his hand towards Xue Bing.
Since the child was autistic and silent kind, he would help her integrate with the group.
Xue Bing looked at the elder brother who has saved her and her cold eyes showed a wave of emotions.
After hesitating for a while, she held his hand.
In her dark world, Xiao Feng was like a ray of light that had broken through the endless cold and pulled her away from despair.
"Let's go."
Holding her hand, a faint smile appeared on Xiao Feng's face.
He led her toward the water slides which he believed Xue Bing couldn't refuse.
When he constructed this Water Park, he had created several slides around a massive artificial mountain, both small and large.
The largest slide among them began at the very top of the mountain.
Its long blue channel spiralled around the artificial peak several times, passing through enclosed tunnels and sharp bends before ending in a steep drop toward the water.
"Xue Bing, which one do you want to try?"
"That one."
Xiao Feng followed her finger and became slightly surprised.
"The largest one?"
Xue Bing nodded. Although her expression remained cold, the fingers wrapped around his hand had tightened considerably.
"Okay, we shall play on the largest one."
Holding Xue Bing's hand, Xiao Feng walked up the long staircase winding around the artificial mountain.
When they finally reached the highest platform, a silver-haired mechanical maid stood beside the entrance of the enormous slide.
Upon seeing Xiao Feng, she bowed respectfully.
"Master, the slide is ready."
Xiao Feng nodded before sitting at the entrance.
"Come here, Xue Bing."
Xue Bing looked into the rushing stream before her then she sat in front of him.
Once she sat down, Xiao Feng held her waist firmly to prevent her from slipped out.
Feeling the warm hand on her waist, Xue Bing froze and her heart suddenly fluttered.
"Feng-gege…"
Her voice was slightly horse and her eyes were moist, completely different from her usual self.
Xiao Feng didn't realise the change and reassured her, "Don't worry, you won't fall. I will hold you firmly."
A thin layer of Dou Qi quietly surrounded their bodies. It would not slow their descent or take away the excitement, but it would prevent Xue Bing from being hurt by the sharp turns or rushing water.
Xue Bing lowered her gaze toward his hands around her waist and bit her lips but didn't speak again.
Instead, her ears turned slightly red from shyness and excitement.
The mechanical maid activated the mechanism without another word.
The barrier in front of them lowered, and the current beneath their bodies suddenly strengthened.
In the next instant, they rushed forward.
The sunlight disappeared as they entered the first enclosed tunnel but Xue Bing remained silent.
The rushing water echoed against the walls, while each sudden bend made their bodies tilt from one side to the other.
The cold water rushed past her, the wind brushed against her face, and the darkness ahead concealed every approaching turn. For someone who had spent most of her life following rigid orders and suppressing her feelings, the unpredictability felt strangely liberating.
A faint smile always on Xue Bing's cold face and she firmly held in Xiao Feng's hand on her waist.
For a moment she even forgot the shyness of being held by Xiao Feng.
Suddenly, the slide dropped steeply beneath them.
The sudden sensation of weightlessness made Xue Bing lean back against Xiao Feng and her long dark hair brushed against his chest as she held his hands firmly against her waist.
Water splashed across her face, but she did not close her eyes.
Instead, a quiet laugh escaped her lips.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Xiao Feng asked from behind her as he listened to her laugh.
Xue Bing remained silent for several seconds then she nodded, "Yes!"
Xiao Feng looked at the smile and he also smiled.
This child, she is so cute when she smiles.
The tunnel soon opened, and they emerged onto an exposed section of the slide that spiralled around the outside of the artificial mountain.
Looking down the entire water park was visible.
The pools reflected the clear summer sky, while the children playing below appeared as small, colourful figures moving through the water.
Xue Bing stared at the scenery and the smile on her face became even brightness.
"So beautiful!!!"
Xiao Feng followed her gaze and nodded, "Yes, it's very beautiful."
The slide curved around the mountain, and the wind swept through Xue Bing's hair.
For the first time in a long while, she did not suppress the happiness rising inside her and smiled openly.
"Feng-gege."
"Hm?"
"Can we come here again?"
"Hm, if Xue Bing wants to, we can come again."
The current carried them downward at great speed. Xue Bing's stomach seemed to rise inside her body, and an excited laugh escaped her once more.
The tunnel ended ahead of them as the blue channel descended almost vertically toward the enormous landing pool below.
The current carried them over the edge and they plunged downward.
Splash!!!
A huge wave erupted around them as they entered the landing pool.
Xue Bing opened her eyes and she continued leaning back against Xiao Feng even though the ride had already ended.
"How was it?"
Xue Bing stared back toward the enormous slide winding around the artificial mountain. The happiness in her eyes could no longer be concealed.
"It was fun."
...