Xiaoyu continued, sobbing, "I came to see you this time because I don't want to go to school anymore. I want to go out and work to earn money. Yesterday, I had a big fight with my dad. My uncles and the others insisted that I drop out of school, get married, and have children. They said someone could give my family 10,000 yuan as a bride price. That person is old and ugly, and my dad actually agreed to it. But I don't want to, so I ran away. I didn't have a penny on me, and I was cold and hungry. I spent the whole night at the train station. When it got light, I had no other choice but to call you. I don't even know where to go."

Hearing these words, Li Baolong felt a pang of heartache, realizing how pitiful Xiaoyu was. A child who had just lost her mother was being forced into marriage and childbirth, only turning to him when she had nowhere else to turn. He secretly vowed to himself that he would help her no matter what this time.

Li Baolong took Xiaoyu to a Sichuan restaurant in Wuhou District with warm-toned decor. The lighting inside was soft and inviting, and the walls were adorned with landscape paintings of Sichuan. The two found a quiet corner to sit down. Li Baolong handed the menu to Xiaoyu, saying, "Xiaoyu, take a look and see what you like to eat. Order whatever you like." Xiaoyu took the menu, her eyes filled with hesitation and unease. She simply said softly, "Brother Baolong, I'm not very hungry. You can order." Li Baolong looked at Xiaoyu, feeling both heartache and helplessness. He then ordered several signature dishes, such as Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken, Twice-Cooked Pork, and a vegetable soup.

While waiting for the dishes to be served, Xiaoyu nervously twisted the hem of her clothes. Li Baolong broke the silence and asked softly, "Xiaoyu, if you don't go to school, what are your plans for the future?" Xiaoyu looked up, her eyes red, and said, "I don't know. I only know I don't want to get married like this. I want to earn my own money, but I don't have any skills. I only know some simple needlework, and my grades in school aren't very good." Li Baolong pondered for a moment and said, "Xiaoyu, I think you should continue your studies. Knowledge changes destiny. Only by studying more will you have more choices in the future. If you give up your studies because of this temporary difficulty, you will definitely regret it later." Hearing this, tears welled up in Xiaoyu's eyes again, and she said, "But my dad and uncles won't agree. They only think that the 10,000 yuan dowry can solve the family's problems."

At this moment, the dishes were served one after another. Li Baolong ladled bowls of soup for Xiaoyu, saying, "Drink some soup first to warm yourself up. We'll think of a solution later. I'll talk to your father and uncle when I have the chance, and see if I can change their minds. Don't worry, I'm here for you." Xiaoyu took the soup, looked at Li Baolong gratefully, and said, "Brother Baolong, why are you so kind to me? We've only met a few times." Li Baolong smiled and said, "Xiaoyu, I think you're a kind girl. It's fate that we met again. Now that you're in trouble, I want to help you if I can. Besides, I don't want to see your beautiful youth ruined."