crumbs crumbled between her teeth, a dry, hard piece of bread that tasted like gravel.白清岚 gnawed on the stale bread, muttering curses under her breath. This dump was freezing. The茅草 roof leaked wind like it was trying to break in. "白清岚, you're awake?" a hoarse voice called from outside the door, making her jump.

白清岚's eyes snapped open. She glared at the door, ready to argue, but she saw an old man standing there, shivering. His face was pale, and his eyes were hollow. "老东西, you're making too much noise," she grumbled, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders.

The old man ignored her. He shuffled closer, holding a steaming bowl of soup. "Drink this. It'll warm you up." His voice was weak but firm, as if trying to convince himself more than her.

白清岚 hesitated, then sighed. She wasn't in the mood for soup, but she was too tired to argue. She took a small sip, the warmth spreading through her cold body. The old man watched her, his eyes filled with a strange light. "You're different," he whispered. "You have a destiny."