Ming Mei remembered what Shen Nie had said before—that whenever she needed help, she could go to Lin, and no matter when, he would appear before her.
A deeper guilt welled up in Ming Mei's heart. "Yesterday... were you here all along?"
Shen Nie nodded. "Yes... not too bad here. The forest is dense, easy to hide in, and undetectable."
Ming Mei bit her lip. "You..."
Shen Nie patted her shoulder. "Don't overthink it. It's not just for you. Recently, border restrictions have tightened. There aren't any residents withdrawing inland from towns or villages at the moment, and every outsider is being heavily guarded against. This location is the best choice—it avoids all prying eyes."
Ming Mei let out a silent sigh.
She understood Shen Nie said this only to ease her mind and prevent her from carrying a burden.
But she knew she owed Shen Nie too much—far beyond what words or actions could ever repay.
