The boy still had an ill father at home. He couldn't bear to eat the food and drink the water. His thoughts were clearly written on his face.
"That's an advance payment," Nanzhi said softly, ensuring only she, the boy, and the group could hear her. "After your job is done, we'll give you another payment."
The boy's reserve melted away. He eagerly wolfed down the food and finished the water in a matter of seconds.
The stares that had been fixed on him disappeared.
Perhaps it was because he had been starving for so long, but the food and water tasted better than he could have imagined. He was filled with so much energy that he felt he could run a lap around the base.
His innocent reaction tugged at the hearts of Yu Baoyin and the others.
"I'm Tao'er! I'll be your guide for today! A pleasure to meet you!" he said, flashing them a wide, toothy grin, as if he had practiced the greeting a hundred times.