ASCENDING PLATEAU

"Sister, your friend didn't look so good," Li Hao managed, but before he could finish, Li Hua's grip on his shoulder tightened anxiously.

"What do you mean he didn't look good? Was he injured?" The worry in her voice was unmistakable, her usual composure forgotten in her concern.

"Oh? Worried about him, are we?" Despite his wounds, Li Hao's eyes sparkled with familiar mischief. "Who is he, sister?"

"Li Hao." There was a plea in her tone rather than warning.

"He said he just needs time to recover," Li Hao's voice gentled, "and promised he would come find you."

Li Hua nodded, her shoulders relaxing slightly at the news. She tried to hide her relief behind her usual composure, but her brothers knew her too well—Li Hao's knowing smile and Li Wei's careful study of her face told her she wasn't entirely successful.