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The front door to the pharmacy creaked open as a tall man entered. He had long, green hair that ran down to his shoulders and a white snake wrapped itself around his neck. It hung from his shoulders, resting peacefully.
The man walked with a cane in hand, the object making light thumps against the wooden as he used it to navigate around. His body lightly trembled as he gritted his teeth from the pain erupting from his muscles. His muscles felt like they were set alight with each movement. He never could really escape it anyhow but that didn't matter. Each day his body ached more, even when he was to rest.
The man walked through the dimly lit hall, the light's visibility being low. In the darkness, however, he could make out a couple of doors. He knew what each and everyone led to, especially the one in the far corner. That room was by far his favorite.
He walked over to the door in the corner and twisted the knob open. "My little Qiqi, I'm home!" He said, his tone soft and sing-songsy. He opened the door and smiled widely at the thought of seeing his beloved after a long day.
The room was lit with a few lanterns that were far away from where he had placed the bed. The bed was placed up against a wall with a window above it. Moonlight streamed through the window which illuminated the area where Qiqi would sleep at night.
The man's smile fell from his lips as he noticed that the bed was empty, devoid of his little Qiqi. He gripped his cane as his body trembled. His heart pounded in his chest as his mind ran with scenarios of what happened while he was gone.
Did that Hu Tao bury his beloved Qiqi?
Was she hurt or lost?
He needed to find her and soon. He knew she couldn't live, let alone function without someone else around. He hated the thought of her being left alone, of her not being by his side.
His heart began to pound in his ears as he looked around the room frantically. He looked underneath the makeshift bed, in the closet, almost tearing up the entire room in search of his beloved little Qiqi. He tore blankets off of the bed and threw them to the floor, continuing to search desperately. His Qiqi was missing and he needed to find her soon.
A thump broke him out of his thoughts. He looked up from the mess on the floor and looked over his shoulder. His eyes landed on a familiar purple-haired small child wearing a talisman. She had bumped into the wall and looked around dazed and confused. Her eyes landed on the man, her pink eyes holding a warm fondness for the man.
"Qiqi wants coconut milk." The small child mumbled, looking at the man. The man smiled at her behavior and approached her. He knelt down to her level and looked into her eyes, taking in the pink color.
"Qiqi, where were you?" The man asked. "Dr. Baizhu scared to death about you." He said. Qiqi looked at him for a minute, tilting her head. "Qiqi went to look for coconut milk herself. She was hungry." The small girl responded.
A frown stretched across Baizhu's lips as he looked at her disappointed. "Qiqi, you know you're not supposed to leave your room." He said, his tone stern and harsh. "Qiqi forgot like she always does," Qiqi responded, solemnly. She looked down at her feet, avoiding eye contact.
Baizhu sighed and patted her head. He kissed her forehead before giving her a warm smile. "It's okay my little Qiqi. Dr. Baizhu will get you your coconut milk." He said, before standing up. He walked past her and approached the counter, bending over and grabbing a small carton of coconut milk.
"You should remember to never leave your room, Qiqi. It's a dangerous world out there." Baizhu said, turning around. He handed her the carton and she took it into her hands. She gave him a nod before beginning to drink it. He smiled at her joy at tasting the milk.