As if some invisible wall has finally cracked from the inside, Zhang Xi lets her posture relax for the first time since she entered the room. Still seated in the lotus position, she lowers her head slowly, watching her own hands resting on her legs. Her fingers are laced together firmly, as though holding something too delicate to let slip away.
"I…" Her voice comes out lower. "I don't need the money for myself."
That immediately catches my attention.
In Thirstfall, altruism is an almost extinct disease. Ninety percent of the people here survive by thinking only about their own tomorrow. Even strong friendships tend to be propped up by interest, fear, or convenience, and the rare exceptions usually don't live long enough to become a pattern. Someone who genuinely wants to build something for others… that's rare to the point of sounding absurd.
She breathes in deeply before continuing.
"I have a kind of… orphanage."
My eyes narrow without meaning to.
