I was with the child when she woke up. After the servant help me cleaned and dress her, the doctor came and tends the girl's wound. Studying the girl, I was surprised to see her lack of react to the strange environment. Instead, I saw her blank, empty expression. When the girl didn't respond to any of the servants questions, I told everyone to leave. Alone, I went to the table to take the plate of steam buns before going to her.

"My name is Fa Wei Lan" I sat down on the edge of the bed beside her. "What is your name?"

I was met with empty eyes and silence.

"Are you hungry?" I took a bun from the plate and held it toward her lips. "Eat"

Again, she did not respond or did she look at me. In silence, I kept the bun close to her lips and waited for her to respond. Even after several minutes passed, I kept hold of the bun close to her lips - despite my trembling arm.

"I don't need your pity" The girl voice was soft but clear.

I said nothing and continue to wait for her to eat. When she took the bun, I was relieved.

"Do you have any family? Do you have anywhere to go?"

She shook her head no to both questions.

"Would you like to come with my family?"

"I don't need your pity" She repeated.

"This is not pity; this is an opportunity. You will have to work for the food and housing" I said softly, firmly. "Like everyone else..."

She looked at the half eaten steam bun in her hand.

"One day, when you earn enough, you are free to go wherever you want"

"Why would you offer this to a stranger?"

When she finally turned and look at me, I studied her. From her expression to her speech, I sense that she wasn't an ordinary homeless child. She was educated - which made me curious as to her story.

"Because of what you choose to steal"

I saw the surprise in her eyes as I answered her.

"Instead of coins and silver, you stole a steam bun"

I set the plate of steam buns down beside her and stood up beside the bed.

"Rest well... My family is here for a week. Once you decide, you can come with us. I will ask grandfather for approval."

I walked toward the door.

"Xinyi"

I stopped when I heard her spoke faintly.

"Xinyi" I repeated with a smile before I turned and said to her. "It's a good name"

It was then that I saw her faint smile.

"I cannot stay"

Those words sadden me but somehow, I understood. She didn't want anyone help.

"Then take this..." I took out my small coin pouch with the few silver and gold I have.

Her eyes looked at me with a flash of anger.

"Instead of pity, please consider this as a loan" I said carefully. "One day, you can return it to me"

Knowing that she will not say anything else, I set the pouch on the table.

"Xinyi... I hope that we'll met again one day"

I left the room, hoping that the next time I see Xinyi, she will show me her smile again.