In the early morning, the streets of Liyue Harbor were empty, with few pedestrians. No one noticed a group of unruly boys bullying a helpless little girl.
But just as the girl curled up against the wall, protecting the commission paper clutched to her chest—
A voice rang out:
"Hey—"
"Let that girl go!"
A small foot flew through the air. With a thud, it struck one of the boys square in the face.
The kick seemed ordinary, but it sent the boy flying several meters, where he crashed heavily to the ground. His plump face was bloodied, his nose caved in.
Everyone was stunned.
The other bullies turned to see who had attacked them. It was a boy even younger than them.
Hands on his hips, he glared at them with fierce eyes. Then he raised his fists and charged.
These older boys were ordinary citizens of Liyue. They had never learned any martial arts. After seeing the power of that kick, they were terrified. They tried to retreat.
But before they could escape, the boy was already upon them. One punch to a boy's stomach—the small fist carrying tremendous force—sent him flying several meters, where he collapsed.
Without pause, the boy struck again, sending the last bully crashing to the ground.
The fight ended in an instant.
Looking at the fallen boys, the young boy clicked his tongue in disdain. A few weaklings like these? He hadn't even used his full strength.
He walked over to the girl and helped her up. But when he saw her face, he paused, as if recognizing her.
"It's you? Little Crane?"
He was surprised. A few days ago, when Wanmin Restaurant was hiring, he had washed dishes alongside this girl. He remembered her clearly—she was strong-willed, almost prideful.
The girl looked up. Seeing the boy and the bullies sprawled on the ground, her eyes widened.
"Little Mo?"
"You knocked them all down?"
She was astonished. A boy her age had defeated several older boys so easily.
The boy puffed out his chest. "Of course it was me. One kick sent the first one flying. One punch took down the second. Another punch finished the last."
"I was born with extraordinary strength. Taking down a few bullies is nothing."
Though he was alone, the boy was cheerful and confident, always with a smile. He helped those in need and stood up to wrongdoers.
Seeing his smile, the girl huffed. "Fine. Since you saved me, I'll forgive you for breaking all those plates at Wanmin Restaurant."
"And my name isn't Little Crane. It's Shenhe. Don't call me Little Crane anymore."
It was the first time Shenhe had voluntarily told anyone her name.
The boy looked sheepish. When they had washed dishes together, he had accidentally broken several plates, getting them both docked pay.
But hearing her name, he smiled. "Little Crane—Shenhe—it's a beautiful name."
"My name isn't Little Mo either. It's Li Mo."
"If anyone bullies you again, tell me. I'll teach them a lesson."
Though young, Li Mo was confident in his fighting ability. He might not be able to take on grown men, but a few bullies were no problem.
Shenhe huffed. "No way. You're too strong. If you hurt them badly, we'd have to pay compensation, and we don't earn enough Mora for that."
"Oh, we should go! If the Millelith see you fighting, we'll be in trouble!"
She grabbed Li Mo's hand and pulled him away from the street.
Ten minutes later, when they reached the outskirts of the city, Shenhe finally let go and collapsed onto the grass, breathless.
Li Mo, used to running, was not tired at all. "By the way, why were those bullies hitting you?"
Shenhe huffed angrily. "They wanted to steal my job. No way!"
She carefully pulled the commission paper from her clothes.
Li Mo understood. "It's just a job. It's not worth getting hurt over. If I'm not around next time, just give it to them. Don't be so stubborn."
Shenhe's face flushed with anger. "I'd never give it to them. Even if I did, they'd still torment me."
She was too stubborn to surrender, even if it meant getting hurt.
Li Mo thought for a moment. "Then call for help. Someone will come."
Shenhe shook her head. "If I cry out, they'll just be happier."
Li Mo: "…"
He was beginning to understand her personality. Strong. Unyielding.
If not for the fear of paying compensation, she probably would have bitten those bullies herself.
Li Mo said seriously, "What I mean is, next time something like that happens, call my name."
"I'll come and beat them up for you. And I'm not afraid of paying compensation—I don't have any Mora anyway!"
He looked rather pleased with himself. Every Mora he earned, he spent on food to share with the homeless on street corners.
Shenhe hesitated. "If I call you, will you come?"
She realized that though this boy had cost her pay by breaking those plates, she did not dislike him.
Li Mo nodded firmly. "I'll come."
"If those bullies bother you again, I'll break their legs."
For the first time, Shenhe smiled. "Alright. I'll remember that."
"Now, let's see what this job is. Hopefully not washing dishes again."
The two children turned their attention to the commission paper.
They read it with puzzled expressions.
"What kind of commission is this?"
"Locate the missing Lady Ganyu?"