Xu Chi squeezed her hand tightly, pulling her into his arms. His eyes held a longing for his homeland, a thread of joy at the thought of returning, but were filled mostly with sorrow.
The memories of his childhood were too profound, like an indelible scar etched into his mind. He didn't know how many of his elders had sacrificed their lives for him to survive.
He hummed, "Okay," and greedily nuzzled the crook of the little female's neck. Her soft, fragrant skin was so comforting and reassuring.
Si Shuo patted him and shot Zhi Le a look. The latter shook his head with an amused smile and steeled himself to approach his Father.
"Father, Mother Xia Ming has fallen asleep. Even though it's summer, the wind under the eaves can be tricky. People have gotten crooked eyes and mouths from it. You should go carry Mother Xia Ming back to her room," Zhi Le said, bumping Zhi Li's shoulder and jutting his chin toward Xia Ming.
