Li Manman kept a gentle smile on her face as she led the two children away from where they had been sitting.
"Come with me," she said softly. "The water on this side is much cleaner. Your mother will meet you there."
Fu Qin held his sister's hand as they followed her without suspicion.
"Okay…" he said.
Fu Lin stayed close to him, quiet and obedient.
They walked farther down the riverbank, away from the crowd. The noise behind them slowly faded, and the place became quieter.
After a short distance, Li Manman stopped and pointed toward the edge of the river.
"You can fetch water here," she said calmly.
The water in that area looked clear, but it was deeper, and the current moved faster than it seemed.
The children did not notice.
They knelt down carefully, trying to scoop water into their container.
Behind them, Li Manman stood still.
The smile on her face slowly disappeared.
Her eyes turned cold.
For a brief moment, she watched them in silence.
Then suddenly—
