As the woman spoke, she pinched the child's arm. Hearing this, Yingying hastily nodded. "My aunt is very good to me."
But her voice was low, and even carried a hint of panic.
Zhang Xin sensed it, but his mother pulled him back and gave him a meaningful look.
Mrs. Zhang was a savvy and sociable person. After exchanging some pleasantries with the woman, they began addressing each other as sisters.
Zhang Xin looked at the child, who seemed to want to leave but didn't dare, just standing there stiff and constrained.
Zhang Xin walked over, bent down, and asked her, "Did you not go to school today?"
The little girl shook her head but didn't say a word.
"She's been sick recently. I asked her teacher for a few days off. She can go back once she's recovered."
A child of this age would probably be in the fourth grade, buried under endless homework. Usually, even if a child was sick, their family would have them review their lessons and do their homework every day.
