Alpha's voice softened — almost amused. "I told you before, kid. It's your duty to protect the spirits in the Valley, not absorb them. That's not kindness. That's responsibility."
Lin Fang smirked faintly beneath his mask. "Yeah, well… responsibility or not, this girl's gonna be a headache."
As if on cue, Sun Nianxi turned and waved at him cheerfully. "Come on, Mister Alpha, we've still got daylight left."
Lin Fang groaned under his breath. "Yep. Definitely a headache."
Taking a heavy breath, he stopped mid-step and finally turned toward the persistent girl while his patience was running thin. She froze for a second, blinking at him nervously as he crossed his arms.
"Alright," he said, his tone calm but firm. "Here's the deal."
Her head tilted slightly, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
