From the moment they met, Xiaoqi became the only light in Zero’s life.

They accompanied each other in this dark place, growing up together, and shared those lonely years.

Life here is oppressive, yet not entirely lacking in color.

The regulations set by the authorities are relatively "humane."

Bad kids here face strict punishment.

Conversely, good kids receive rewards.

For example, a good kid can have an extra egg at mealtime.

They’re allowed ten more minutes of daily outdoor time.

If their performance is particularly excellent, they might even be allowed to read books.

Since Xiaoqi taught Zero how to survive here, Zero was no longer the gloomy, isolated, trouble-making kid who was frequently locked in the dark cell. Instead, she became a model good child.

During this outdoor break, Zero and Xiaoqi sat in a corner, a book from the library beside them.

Zero leaned against Xiaoqi, eyes misty from comfort, like a blissful little sloth.

Xiaoqi gently patted her face: "Little monster, aren’t you tired of clinging to me all day?"

Zero hugged tighter, smiling: "Not tired, it feels so comfortable being close like this."

Xiaoqi placed a finger on her lips, contemplating: "Hmm... your condition seems like ’skin hunger’."

"What’s that?" Zero asked curiously.

Xiaoqi: "I once read about it in a book, it’s a... hmm... not exactly a disease, but rather a psychological deficiency, mainly expressed as a strong desire to hug others, otherwise it leads to intense insecurity."

Zero asked cautiously: "Do you need to treat it?"

"Yes, as for the treatment method—" Xiaoqi hugged Zero back, nuzzling her face against Zero’s head, "just embrace me like this!"

Zero erupted in giggles.

"Alright, alright, outdoor time is precious, let’s read a book quickly." Xiaoqi held Zero with one hand, picked up the book with the other, and opened it on her lap.

It’s a fashion magazine, and Xiaoqi pointed at an illustration, surprised: "Wow, look at this!"

Zero’s mouth slightly ajar, somewhat lost: "So cute~"

The illustration features a young girl model with adorable hairpins adorning her long hair, wearing a delicate dress over a white short-sleeved blouse, like a princess walking out of an oil painting.

Xiaoqi flipped to another page and pointed to a different illustration: "Look, this one’s great too!"

The model is the same, but her clothing style is completely different. She’s wearing a JK uniform, sitting in a classroom showing a sweet smile, exuding a youthful campus vibe.

Xiaoqi said dreamily: "Wow, these clothes are so cute, wearing them you look like a delicate doll!"

"When I leave here in a few years, I want to buy loads of clothes like this, and dress up beautifully every day~"

Zero leaned on Xiaoqi’s shoulder, curious: "Xiaoqi, have you thought about what to do after leaving here?"

Xiaoqi tilted her head: "There are so many things! If possible, I want to become a cover model!"

Zero blinked: "What’s a cover model?"

"It’s like the person in the picture!" Xiaoqi pointed to the magazine’s girl, "They wear different clothes every day, taking lots of beautiful photos!"

"People age gradually, but photos in the camera don’t, they forever capture your youth and beauty."

"If given the chance, I want to be a model like that, wear all sorts of beautiful clothes, and leave my most beautiful moments in the world!"

Zero nodded innocently: "Everyone says Xiaoqi is the prettiest girl here; you can definitely become an amazing model."

"Wow, the little monster sure knows how to talk~" Xiaoqi rubbed Zero’s little head, continuing to fantasize about her future life, "After I earn money, I want to buy a big villa!"

"Lingbao, do you know what a villa is? It’s a standalone big house, several floors high, with a courtyard and garden, like a palace!"

Zero asked blankly: "Better than where we live now?"

Xiaoqi pinched her cheek: "Much better! Not only do I want to live in a villa, but also raise a Labrador!"

Zero clenched her little fist and quickly said: "I know this, it’s a kind of dog! I’ve seen them in the experiment area, big and obedient~"

Xiaoqi clapped her hands continuously: "Exactly! I want to raise a black Labrador, so black like a little coal, adorably ugly. I’ve even thought of a name for it, Pipi~"

"By the way, do you know a theme park? It’s a big bustling place with roller coasters, Ferris wheels, and many cartoon characters, like in a fairy tale."

"After going out, I want to wear pretty dresses and play at the theme park! If... hmm... I mean if there’s a cute boy to accompany me on a theme park date, it’d be even better~" 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"Cute boys..." Zero thought for a moment, then pointed to the boys playing marbles in groups, "Like them?"

Xiaoqi pouted slightly with small disdain: "Forget them, they’re always rolling on the ground or playing marbles, too childish..."

"I like those mature, reliable guys, they don’t have to be exceptionally handsome, but they look sunny, clean, have their own career, and constantly strive for it. That’s the most charming kind of boy!"

"If I get the chance to date such a boy, I want to give him a flower bouquet in the morning, and then go to the theme park together, take photos at the entrance, drink the same cup of milk tea in a dessert shop, share the same cookie, and hold his hand while he’s not paying attention..."

Talking about this, Xiaoqi’s eyes seemed to sparkle with stars, her little fists clenched tight: "Wow—so romantic!"

Zero was still young, unable to fully grasp the budding feelings of a maiden’s heart, yet she could feel the longing for the life ahead.

Looking up at the sky covered by wire mesh, she said dreamily: "The world outside sounds really wonderful."

Xiaoqi and Zero, like two caged birds, watched the distant sky together: "Yes, outside must be a bright and sunny world."

Zero lowered her head, snuggling closely to Xiaoqi, her voice as faint as a whisper: "After you leave, I’ll be alone..."

Xiaoqi fell silent, speechless.

Year after year passed, both were growing up, but the age gap would never narrow.

Separation was inevitable.

When she’s gone, can this little monster take care of herself?

Will she eat well?

Will she remember to bundle up when it’s cold?

On those lonely nights, will she miss her? Will she cry?

If she’s gone, who will she hug when she wants a hug...

Xiaoqi held Zero close, resting her cheek against her head, her gaze gradually faraway, thoughts drifting elsewhere.

She whispered gently: "You won’t be alone, you won’t..."

...

That year, she was 10, and she was 16.