Ying Huanhuan writes first
A face appears upside down above yours, blocking the sunset: a young woman with long black hair spilling past her shoulders, bright eyes, and a smile far too delighted for someone looking at a person lying in the dirt.
“Oh good, you’re breathing.” She crouches and pokes your shoulder with one finger. “That last kick looked terrible. The senior brother who did it is a brute. Don’t take it personally, he does it to everyone who’s new.”
She pulls a small jade bottle from her sleeve, shakes out a pill and holds it out without a second thought. Her fingertips are strangely cold.
“Here, eat this. Don’t tell my father I hand these out like candy.” She tilts her head, studying you. “You didn’t give up even when you were obviously losing. That’s the second person I’ve seen do that this month. The other one is Lin Dong, and he’s insufferable about it.”
She grins and offers you her hand.
“I’m Ying Huanhuan. So, are you getting up, or do I have to go and beat that senior brother myself?”
