Lixia and Liqiu were bewildered. "An old friend?"
Ding Xiang scanned the surroundings and spotted Qiao Xuan. With a cheerful smile, she waved her hands and called out, "Madam Shao! Madam Shao!"
Her melodic voice confirmed her identity as a woman.
Qiao Xuan looked up and recognized her. Stunned.
"You are—"
Ding Xiang spared Qiao Xuan the guessing game. Lifting her head, she beamed with a bright smile. "Madam Shao, I am Ding Xiang from Shaoding Village. You visited me that night and brought me food!"
"Ding Xiang!" Qiao Xuan echoed Shao Yunduan's surprise, nearly bursting with excitement. "Ding Xiang! I knew you would be alright! I had a feeling back then! I never expected this!"
Ding Xiang chuckled and nodded emphatically. "Yes! I'm perfectly fine!"
Despite their brief encounter, the unique circumstances had etched Ding Xiang in Qiao Xuan's memory. Meeting an old friend from such a distant place, and with Ding Xiang's warm reception, the two instantly felt a strong connection.
