At dusk, the sun was about to set.
The exterior of the gymnasium was bathed in an orange hue, giving off a sense of decay and dilapidation.
Inside the storage room, Ning Yu and Shen Yiyue were resting idly.
Suddenly, there was a commotion at the door as it opened, revealing Teacher Zhang's anxious face.
Behind him were two people carrying weapons, presumably on guard against something.
Upon seeing the two girls safe and resting, his expression immediately relaxed.
"I'm really sorry, we had no choice," Teacher Zhang apologetically said.
The two girls waved dismissively, indicating it wasn't a problem.
"Would you like to move to a different room? This one is too small..." Teacher Zhang asked.
In the circular gymnasium, besides the central basketball court, the upper floor originally had many offices that had now been converted into rooms.
Some survivors who had fortunately made it to the gymnasium had taken up residence there.
As for the elementary school students, being more numerous, they slept in the largest activity room.
Shen Yiyue showed no intention of getting up, and Ning Yu spoke up:
"No need to trouble yourself, we're fine here."
Teacher Zhang paused, then without further comment walked over and handed the key to the two of them.
Compared to other rooms, although this one was smaller, it had the advantage of having an extra lock, which provided peace of mind.
Besides, they were only staying for two days, so there was no need to make a fuss.
After Teacher Zhang left, Ning Yu got up and walked to the door, beginning to observe the corridor.
She immediately noticed the gazes of Fatty Zhao and Sun Jiao from earlier that day.
Seeing Ning Yu unharmed, they realized that Shen Yiyue hadn't turned into a zombie, and returned to their room.
There were a few other survivors scattered along the corridor, engaged in conversation.
Ning Yu hadn't walked far when she spotted the little girl who had been distributing snacks to her classmates, coming towards them.
Her small frame was dragging several cushioned mats, presumably to serve as beds for them.
The nearby survivors watched with unsurprised expressions, as if this was a common sight.
Seeing this, Ning Yu went to help her, showing a friendly smile and asking:
"Thank you, what's your name?"
"I'm Bai Xuan, what's your name, big sister?"
Bai Xuan moved aside slightly as Ning Yu came to help, making room for her to assist.
"I'm Ning Yu."
Ning Yu answered simply, reaching out to help carry the mats.
Bai Xuan felt the weight suddenly lighten as the previously cumbersome mats became easier to carry.
In the room, they set down the cushioned mats.
Bai Xuan then took out tissues from her pocket and began dusting off the mats.
Her expression was serious and obedient.
Shen Yiyue watched Bai Xuan with surprise, wondering if this was her way of thanking them.
First helping with the mats, then cleaning them.
Ning Yu had already understood what she was doing, and inwardly sighed.
When Bai Xuan finished cleaning, her small face was flushed and she was breathing heavily.
Ning Yu, who hadn't stopped her throughout, now took out several snacks from her bag and handed them to her, whispering:
"These are to thank you, please take them!"
Seeing the snacks, Bai Xuan's face lit up with delight, and she quickly said gratefully:
"Thank you, Sister Ning Yu!"
Her eyes were full of joy, her smile genuine, revealing adorable little tiger teeth.
She turned to Shen Yiyue and said:
"Thank you, Sister Shen!"
She didn't know Shen Yiyue's name yet, but had guessed she must be Shen Qianqian's sister.
Shen Yiyue finally understood.
The students were severely short on food, and Bai Xuan had been using this method to help Teacher Zhang who was struggling to find food for everyone.
"Do the other survivors still have food? Is that why they don't go out with Teacher Zhang to look for more?"
Ning Yu recalled seeing only Teacher Zhang at the school today and asked Bai Xuan.
"Yes, we have many students, and although Teacher Zhang often goes out to search, it's still not enough..."
Bai Xuan's expression suddenly turned downcast, then continued:
"So I wanted to help Teacher Zhang, that's why I used this method..."
"I'm sorry... I..."
Realizing her little scheme had been discovered, Bai Xuan suddenly felt embarrassed.
Ning Yu wasn't bothered at all; she had seen through Bai Xuan's intentions from the start and felt no ill will towards this brave little girl.
Shen Yiyue felt the same, looking at Bai Xuan with gentle, sympathetic eyes.
"But it sounds like there's still not enough food?"
Ning Yu continued to inquire, her amber eyes calm and peaceful.
"Yes... actually, everyone doesn't have enough to eat, I can only occasionally... beg... for some."
After hesitating for a long while, Bai Xuan finally used the word 'beg.'
She understood clearly that even if she took the initiative to do these things, others had no obligation to give her food.
Just like Fatty Zhao, who treated her cleaning services as free labor even after she had cleaned his area several times.
But they hadn't asked her to do it; she had gone there with her own ulterior motives.
So giving was a kindness, not giving was normal.
Looking at this sensible child, Shen Yiyue couldn't help but pat her head:
"You're already amazing, sister thinks you're very responsible!"
Hearing Shen Yiyue's praise, Bai Xuan brightened up and nodded:
"Mm! Thank you, sister!"
Having finished tidying up, Bai Xuan prepared to leave with her snacks, but was suddenly called back by Ning Yu.
Bai Xuan curiously stared at this silver-haired sister: her hair color was really beautiful, and so were her eyes, like jewels.
However, Bai Xuan couldn't help feeling nervous, wondering if the two had regretted giving her the food.
She became anxious, her small hands holding the snacks growing sweaty.
"Could I ask you to take care of the room's cleaning these few days?"
Ning Yu suddenly asked.
Hearing this, Bai Xuan was stunned, then immediately understood Ning Yu's meaning.
She became so excited she almost jumped up, unable to hide her enthusiasm as she nodded vigorously:
"Yes! Please leave it to me!"
Her face showed genuine joy.
Ning Yu said with a straight face:
"If you don't clean well, I'll have to dock your pay, you know."
While seemingly teasing Bai Xuan, she was actually hinting that there would be payment.
Bai Xuan understood perfectly what this meant and repeatedly agreed:
"Don't worry, Sister Ning Yu!"
Her beautiful eyes curved into crescents with happiness.
After watching Bai Xuan leave, Ning Yu closed the door and turned to see Shen Yiyue's surprised expression.
"Little Yu... that really wasn't like you just now."
Once the door was closed, Shen Yiyue spoke up.
"What?"
Ning Yu gave a 'what are you talking about' expression, and Shen Yiyue added:
"The Little Yu I remember wouldn't give out food like that."
"I didn't give it to her, it was a fair trade."
Ning Yu immediately retorted.
"Oh, a fair trade."
Another fair trade, Shen Yiyue showed an understanding expression.
Moving her pretty face close to the silver-haired little girl, she stared at her and said:
"I'm starting to think... maybe you're actually a good person, Little Yu?"