Chapter 700: Won’t Let Go

"Don’t you worry, Aunt Wang. He’s not getting out in this lifetime," the lead guard said.

Upon hearing that, Aunt Wang was thoroughly relieved. "That’s good, that’s good."

The lead guard turned to the three children in the corner. He pulled some silver and a bundle of food from his robes, walked over, and placed them on the ground.

The boy was extremely wary.

The lead guard turned back to Ye Qianning. "I apologize for the scare, miss."

"I’m fine." Ye Qianning wasn’t bothered, but her concern was for the three children. After a moment of thought, she said, "The baby he’s holding has very weak breathing. You should take them to a doctor as soon as possible."

The lead guard froze, his gaze falling on the bundle in the boy’s arms.

"The baby is too young to eat solid food. It would be best to get some soft porridge to feed the little one," Ye Qianning added.

"I’ll have someone fetch some right away."

The lead guard snapped out of it, feeling a bit chagrined. They had never cared for such young children and didn’t know about these things.

Seeing this, Ye Qianning felt reassured. "Are you officials?"

"No, we’re the guard patrol from the Immortal Sea Building. We’re responsible for keeping the peace in Dayu City."

"The Immortal Sea Building? Is your proprietor’s surname Gu?"

"No. We’re all from the Xianyue Sect, out on the borderlands."

"’Xianyue Sect?’ It was a sect Ye Qianning had never heard of before.

The lead guard turned and gave an order. "Bring some porridge here every day."

"Yes."

Ye Qianning glanced at the children. Since someone was taking charge, she didn’t need to worry anymore. ’This group of people seems very reliable.’

She reached into her cloth pouch, pulled out a crabapple, and took a bite before turning to leave.

She had only taken a few steps when she sensed someone rushing toward her. There was no killing intent, so she didn’t deploy her Inner Strength. When she turned, a small, grimy hand was on her clothes.

Ye Qianning was rather surprised. The fierce-looking boy was holding the swaddled baby with one arm, while his other hand gripped her clothing tightly, his gaze fixed on her with determination.

The guards and Aunt Wang were all stunned.

"Do you know this child, miss?"

These children had come ashore days ago. The men searching the port found them that same day, but the boy was too wary. He wouldn’t let anyone get near, so they couldn’t take them away. That’s why they had been leaving food here every day.

"I don’t know them. This is the first time we’ve met." Ye Qianning met the boy’s gaze. "Do you need something?"

"Sis...ter..." The boy’s voice was terribly hoarse as he rasped out the word.

"I’m not your sister."

"Sis... Sister..." The boy repeated, as if he had made up his mind about her.

"Miss," the young lead guard pleaded, "this child has been at the port for days. Our men wanted to find him a place to stay, but we couldn’t get close. He’s wary of everyone, but he seems to trust you. I was wondering if you could take them to an inn first? I’ll have a doctor go there to check their injuries."

Ye Qianning stared at him for a moment. She tried to pull her clothes free, but the child’s grip was surprisingly strong. Resigned, she gave up. "Alright. Sister will take you to an inn, okay?"

The boy nodded.

Behind him, the other child who had been crying loudly was now just sobbing, a small hand clutching the boy’s clothes.

"Please follow us, miss," a guard said.

Ye Qianning had no other choice but to follow the guards. The boy, still clutching her clothes, followed her step by step. The child behind him did the same, the little one holding onto the older one.

’She was very curious. Of all the people here, why did the boy single her out and grab onto her?’

’Is my face really that approachable?’

As Ye Qianning followed the guards into the city proper, she realized it was much more bustling than the port. A single glance revealed streets lined with all sorts of shops, all of them packed with people.

There seemed to be an inn every few storefronts, and they were all bustling with guests.