As Liu Mei gleefully poked at a suspicious-looking gem on the wall, a faint click echoed through the hall.
Shan Yifeng's eyes widened. "Liu Mei, wait—"
Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!
A flurry of arrows burst from the walls, shooting straight toward them. But before either could react, a massive shadow shifted.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Little Aoki, with a loud huff, had already flung himself in front of Liu Mei, his bulky frame taking the brunt of the volley.
The arrows struck his thick fur and bounced off harmlessly, barely making him flinch, though he groaned theatrically and collapsed onto his side, tongue lolling out in exaggerated defeat.
"Aoki!" Liu Mei cried out dramatically, running to his side.
She dropped to her knees and placed a hand over his snout, eyes gleaming with pride. "You're such a brave little meat shield—I mean, my heroic companion!"
The bear cracked one eye open at her words, then promptly shut it again, clearly playing dead.
