2 Awakening in ATG

(At a Hidden Cave)

I open my eyes and see a very big middle-aged man standing in front of me. I raise my hand to touch him. My hand looks so small.

What the hell happened to my hand? Wait... I remember talking with the Goddess. Yes, the Goddess granted me my wish to reincarnate in ATG as the protagonist's soul. And now, here I'm in a small body.

I turn my head sidewards and see a middle-aged lady sleeping on the floor. Maybe she is my mother. She is currently very weak and has a slight smile on her face. If I remember correctly her name should be Mu Yurou. As I started observing my surroundings, someone just entered the cave.

The man who entered on seeing me asked my father "Brother Yun, how did the delivery go?"

My father in a somewhat relief tone answers "Brother Xiao, The child is very healthy. There seems to be no problem with the child. We were worried for nothing. His profound veins which were damaged started reconstructing on its own. God really took pity on us."

"Brother Yun, It's happy to know that your child is safe. Now it's not the time to spare. All the people from sacred grounds are finding clues to our location. We need to hurry!"

My father's face now turns serious, "It's true. Now is not the time to waste. Brother Xiao, how did your wife's delivery go?"

The man now I can recognize as Xiao Ying spoke solemnly, "Brother Yun, my wife had preeclampsia condition and is dead. She gave birth to my daughter and her profound veins are utterly damaged and will eventually die if not treated with high medicinal herbs. At our Xiao Clan's current financing condition, we cannot afford such luxuries so....."

My father understands the situation and says in a soothing tone, "Brother Xiao, If you don't mind I can exchange your child with my child. From the place, I come from, there are all the required herbs needed for the survival of your child."

On hearing what my father said to Xiao Ying, my mother's eyes turned red and started sobbing heavily. My father started consoling her.

Brother Xiao rejects the idea, he says, "Brother Yun, you already have saved my life twice. I am already in debt with you and if now I take your offer, I will be more and more indebted to you. Moreover, your child will stay motherless. I cannot accept it."

My father Yun Qinhong replies "Brother Xiao, Did we not swear as sworn brothers? You helped me when I was being chased by all the Sacred Grounds and even put your life on the line. How can I call myself your brother if I can't even save your daughter?"

Xiao Ying's eyes turn moist, tears started to flow down his face says "Brother Yun, Thank you, thank you..., I am really lucky to have you as my brother even if we are not blood-related. I hereby propose a marriage contract to wed my daughter to your son, so that we can become family, please accept my request brother Yun. I will take care of your son well. I will see that no harm reaches him as long as I am alive. I swear to Brother Yun"

My father Yun Qinhong accepts the marriage proposal and I am given to him and now life as Xiao Che begins!

After that my birth parents fled away with tears threatening to flow down on their faces not even looking back as I feel if they look at my baby face, they might have an inner conflict to leave or not.

(Xiao Clan - Xiao Lie's Residence)

Xiao Ying, now my adopted father, carries me to his home.

He knocks the door and the voice of an old man is heard coming from inside. "Come in"

Opening the door, an old man wearing some Elder clothes could be seen walking next to my father. He asks "Son, I heard that your wife is no more, is it true?"

Xiao Ying in a bitter voice answers, "Yes father, your unfilial son is the reason for this."

The old man called Xiao Lei assures the son that it is not his fault. And not to contemplate anymore. Xiao Ying tells the story regarding my father Yun Qinghong to my adoptive grandfather Xiao Lei.

On hearing the whole story, Xiao Lei says "We have done what could be done, son. The chances of my granddaughter returning are so slim. I can now only let destiny take its course. All we have to do now is to nurture this child."

Xiao Ying feels a part of the burden lift from his heart and replies "Yes father, I will do what all I can do to pay Brother Yun by raising his son the best I could"

My life as Xiao Che began...