When Trouble Hits, Running is the Answer

Yao Yao took a deep breath, squared her tiny shoulders and gave Su Mi a confident nod.

"Let's go."

Su Mi hesitated, glancing nervously at the noblewoman. "Are you sure about this, Yao Yao?"

"Of course!" Yao Yao huffed, flipping her silky black hair over her shoulder. "Look at me. There's no way she can just ignore someone this adorable."

Su Mi still looked unconvinced. 

Yao Yao waved a hand dismissively. "Either way, it's time for my grand reintroduction."

Before Su Mi could protest, Yao Yao strutted forward with the confidence of a queen, trapped in a five-year-old's body.

Yao Yao held her chin high, back perfectly straight—, carrying herself like a noble heiress. Even though she was dressed in plain, poor and rough fabric, she felt like people in the marketplace were moving aside for her.

Of course, that was just in her head.

She had nothing to fear.

After all, she was also a woman in her forties.

Well, technically.

That meant they were equals! Woman to woman. 

What kind of woman—especially one in her forties—could resist a precious little girl with such flawless skin, big pink eyes, and an adorable, angelic face? 

That's right. No one.

And if she succeeds, she will be waltzing back to the luxurious life she was born into—no more poverty.

As Yao Yao approaches the noblewoman's carriage, she called out sweetly— "Good day! Lady Sh— I MEAN, my dearest mother!.it's so nice to meet you here!"

Her voice was warm, affectionate, and just the right amount of innocent. She even added a tiny tilt of her head for an extra dose of cuteness.

For a brief moment, the noblewoman's gaze was on her.

She heard her.

She saw her.

And then...

She turned away.

The two girls beside her also glanced at Yao Yao. Unlike their mother, they didn't completely mask their emotions. The younger girl looked mildly surprised, while the other older girl hesitated for just a second. But in the end, they followed their mother into the carriage without a word.

The door closed with a hollow thud.

The driver climbed to his seat gripping the reins in hand and with a flick, the horses neighed and carriage rolled forward, carrying them away without a single glance back.

Yao Yao stood frozen in sheer disbelief.

…Excuse me?

Did—Did she just get dismissed like air?!

Her tiny hands balled into fists as her face turned red in frustration.

That woman!

She just left without even looking at her!

Heat rushed to her face, her cheeks flushed as irritation surged through her. She could feel the frustration bubbling up, hot and uncontrollable.

Before she could stop herself, her little foot stomped down with fury.

"Oi! You rude woman!" Yao Yao yelled.

She waved her hands in exasperation, her tiny form quaking with righteous anger. "How dare you ignore someone as cute as me?! Don't you know who I am?! I'm—!"

A sudden burst of power shot out from her tiny hands.

CRACK!

A bright flash of energy slammed into the carriage's wheel.

The wooden wheel shattered on impact.

Time seemed to slow.

The carriage lurched violently to the side, the horses neighed in panic, the driver yelped, and then—

THUD!

The grand carriage tilted and collapsed onto the stone road with an earth-shaking crash.

...

Yao Yao stood there, her tiny arms still raised and her eyes round with shock. Su Mi, who had been watching everything unfold, stood with her mouth slightly agape.

The crowd gasped with people rushing forward to check the damage. 

Yao Yao slowly lowered her hands, her gaze shifting from the wrecked carriage… to Su Mi… back to the carriage… and then once more to Su Mi.

Su Mi blinked.

Yao Yao blinked back.

"Su Mi," Yao Yao whispered, her voice soft and lips twitching slightly. 

Su Mi gulped. "…Yes?"

"Pick me up and run." 

"…."

Su Mi's instincts kicked in, and without hesitation, she grabbed Yao Yao hastily and ran.

Behind them, the noblewoman's furious voice pierced through the chaos—"GRAB THAT CHILD!"

"STOP THEM!" a guard shouted from behind.

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Yao Yao wailed as they fled through the crowded streets. 

"RUN FASTER, SU MI!" Yao Yao urged, twisting her head to peek behind them.

"DO YOU THINK I'M A HORSE?!" Su Mi shot back, breathless but sprinting for dear life.

The guards were relentlessly chasing them through the market crowd. Yao Yao's pink eyes sparkled with a sudden, brilliant idea.

If she could blast a carriage, she could blast some guards!

She squirmed in Su Mi's hold, twisting around to face their pursuers.

"Yao Yao, what are you doing?!" Su Mi gasped, trying to keep her steady.

Yao Yao ignored her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

A strange, rhythmic pulse was thumping in her chest and she could feel the warmth, like something inside her was alive. She clenched her tiny fists, reaching for that warm heat in her chest, deliberately spreading it over her body and eventually gathering into her palm.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and lifted her hand as she aimed her palm directly at the approaching guards..

And then—

BANG!

Dust and debris exploded into the air, forcing the guards to halt abruptly. They staggered back, coughing as they shielded their faces from the sudden burst.

Yao Yao gasped.

It worked!

She could control it!

"I'M AMAZING!" Yao Yao shouted, her tiny face glowing with excitement.

Su Mi felt her soul leaving her body as the guards groaned in pain behind them.

"STOP MAKING THIS WORSE THAN IT ALREADY IS!" Su Mi snapped between ragged breaths.

With the guards momentarily stunned, Su Mi took the chance to turn into a narrow alley, disappearing from sight. The winding path led them deeper into the city's maze-like backstreets. 

Su Mi was breathing hard now, her pace slowing. She wasn't built for long-distance sprints, especially while carrying an overly confident five-year-old. After another turn, the alley suddenly opened up into a secluded garden.

Su Mi stumbled to a stop, gasping for air. She placed Yao Yao down, bracing her hands on her knees. "No more running... I can't... breathe..."

Yao Yao dusted herself off, completely unfazed. "Tsk. If only there is flying magic.."

Su Mi shot her a withering glare, too exhausted to retort. 

As Yao Yao took in their surroundings, she realised they had stumbled into a garden.

A soft breeze rustled the leaves of a cherry blossom tree, and the scent of freshly brewed tea drifted in the air. Nearby, a conservatory stood, its structure is elegant but seemingly empty inside.

At the center of the tranquil garden, a lone boy sat at a table, calmly sipping tea. He looked no older than twelve, dressed in a crisp, well-tailored robe with embroidered silver accents. His dark brown hair fell neatly around his face, and his sharp golden eyes was a striking rare shade. 

There was not a single ounce of surprise on his face.

He placed his teacup down gently, his eyes flicking toward Yao Yao and Su Mi with quiet amusement.

"You two seem... troubled," his voice smooth and composed.

Yao Yao blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his clean demeanour.

What is this kid? she thought.

She had spent years in the corporate world, dealing with people who hid their power behind charming smiles. Despite his delicate appearance, his strong presence made it clear that he was no ordinary child. 

His magical power seemed to hum just beneath the surface, almost imperceptible. 

She tilted her head. "Who are you?"

The boy smiled gently, as if her question didn't concern him. He offered a gentle smile, his golden eyes glinting mysteriously. 

"I could ask the same of you," he said, his tone light, but Yao Yao didn't miss the sharpness beneath it. "Especially when you're the ones who stumbled into my private space."