The four of them sat awkwardly in the house. Xiao Yun lowered her head in silence, unsure how to face the man before her. Her heart was filled with conflicting thoughts; she harbored a deep resentment for the destruction of her family, yet she also felt grateful for his life-saving intervention. This complex emotion made it impossible for her to remain calm, and she could only silently clutch the hem of her clothes, her gaze wandering, afraid to meet Lin Yu's eyes.
Lin Yu sat nearby, his expression revealing a hint of regret and unease. He knew that his presence was a huge shock for Xiao Yun, but he also understood that this was not the time to explain everything. He needed to earn this family's trust and quickly get them out of this dangerous place.
Zhang Dashan and Chunhua sat across from him, their expressions complex as they looked at Lin Yu. They knew this man had once saved Xiao Yun, but at the same time, he was a member of the Shadow Guard, the very group responsible for their family's massacre that night. This conflicting emotion left them at a loss, and they could only wait quietly for Lin Yu's next move.
Chunhua sensed the tense atmosphere and hurriedly stood up to pour some water, handing it to everyone. She tried to ease the awkwardness by softly saying, "Have some water."
Lin Yu took the cup with a gentle nod of thanks. Zhang Dashan and Xiao Yun also accepted their cups and took a sip. The four exchanged glances but none spoke first; the only sounds in the room were their breathing and the occasional clinking of cups.
The silence lasted for several minutes until Lin Yu finally set down his cup, took a deep breath, and prepared to break the tension by explaining his plans and intentions. He knew he had to win their trust quickly to help this family escape danger.
Lin Yu cleared his throat and calmly said, "Xiao Yun... her identity has been exposed, and she will face relentless pursuit... Although I have done my best to slow down the Shadow Guard's chase, they will soon return. Staying here is not safe."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Dashan's expression grew more serious. He gripped his cup tightly, doubt and distrust filling his eyes. He nodded but spoke with evident wariness and intense emotion: "How do you know all this? And who exactly are you? We haven't seen each other since that encounter ten years ago; we only know your name... Thirteen."
Zhang Dashan's voice rose slightly, laced with anger and anxiety. His hands trembled slightly; his inner turmoil and unease were apparent. He needed an explanation—something that would convince him to trust this man before him. He knew his family was in danger, but he couldn't easily trust someone who had once been an enemy.
Zhang Dashan's gaze sharpened further as if trying to see through Lin Yu. "Why are you here? What do you want?"
Chunhua tightly held Xiao Yun's hand beside her, worry and unease etched on her face. Her eyes darted back and forth between Zhang Dashan and Lin Yu, filled with questions and fear.
Lin Yu took a deep breath, striving to keep his voice calm: "I know all of this because I have been secretly protecting Xiao Yun all along; I have never stopped in ten years. Her identity was discovered by the Shadow Guard a few days ago, which is why they have intensified their pursuit. I came here to take you away so you can escape this disaster."
Zhang Dashan's brows furrowed tighter, the words echoing in his mind. He knew that the man before him was not simple, but the current situation forced him to consider every word spoken. His hands were still trembling, but he struggled to calm himself.
"But you are a member of the Shadow Guard," Zhang Dashan's voice was low and filled with doubt. "You Shadow Guards are known for being ruthless; why would you suddenly come to help us?"
A flicker of pain crossed Lin Yu's eyes as he spoke in a deep voice, "I know it's hard for you to believe me, but I have betrayed the Shadow Guard. My goal is to protect Xiao Yun and all of you. The debts I owe must be repaid; this is my path to redemption."
These words made the atmosphere in the room even heavier. The four of them exchanged glances, none able to easily accept such an explanation. Zhang Dashan's heart was still filled with doubts, but he also knew that there was no turning back now. He needed to make a decision, one that would allow him and his family to survive.
Xiao Yun was the first to break the awkward silence, speaking softly yet firmly, "I trust Thirteen. Besides, we have no other options left, right?" Her voice was gentle but filled with determination and trust, shaking everyone present.
She looked at Lin Yu, her eyes reflecting complex emotions—gratitude, confusion, and more than anything, a sense of resigned acceptance. Then she turned to Zhang Dashan and Chunhua, her gaze pleading yet resolute. She understood that everything was fraught with risk, but she was willing to trust this man who had once saved her, even if he was their family's sworn enemy.
Zhang Dashan's face turned pale as he struggled internally. He knew Xiao Yun was right; there was no more time to delay; a decision had to be made. His eyes swept over Lin Yu, still filled with wariness and doubt, but ultimately, his shoulders relaxed as if he chose to compromise.
He let out a long sigh and said softly to Xiao Yun, "You're right; we have no other choices left." His voice carried a hint of helplessness and fatigue but more so a sense of powerlessness.
Chunhua gently took Xiao Yun's hand, tears welling in her eyes as she nodded slightly in support. She understood that the only thing they could do now was trust this man before them and follow him out of this dangerous place.
Lin Yu felt their trust and was moved; he nodded gently and said firmly, "Thank you for your trust. I will do my best to protect you and get you out of here. Now we must act immediately; time is running out."
Zhang Dashan looked at Lin Yu once more and finally nodded. "Alright, we will follow your lead. Quickly tell us what we should do."
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