"I don't want to be a test subject..." Shen Li's voice was barely more than a whisper, rough with fear and quiet resolve.
"You won't be..." Qingran said gently. "I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to protect you."
Shen Li didn't answer, but she didn't bolt either.
That was something.
Qingran continued, voice steady. "I don't know what your body did to survive what others couldn't. But right now, that survival is important. And I swear to you, no labs, no chains. I'm just trying to keep you safe."
The girl's eyes flicked down to the dust beneath her boots, then slowly back up.
"Will it hurt?"
"No..maybe" Qingran said immediately. "Not if I can help it. You'll stay conscious. You won't be alone."
Another pause.
And then, Shen Li nodded.
Qingran stood and motioned subtly to Ruihuang, who stepped closer, just enough to shield the girl from the curious stares beginning to drift their way.
"Let's go.." Qingran said quietly.
"We're not staying in the open."
