11 Jiaju, The South (1)

Fei Wanrou sat as she took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She needs to see her young brother to confirm that he's safe and okay.

"Sister, you're awake!" a childish voice rang throughout the room. Instant relief flowed to her system. She couldn't help but cry; how relieved she was to see her only family left.

What she and her brother had been through was difficult. Their father sacrificed his life for them. Remembering his words, she now understands what her father meant: sacrifices are worth it if it's for family.

"Don't cry, I'm alright, see?" pointing at himself, Fei Zhuo smiled.

Fei Wanrou's lips curved, wiping her tears." It's only the two of us now. Our life will be more challenging than before, but as long as I'm here, I will do anything." pulling him in her arms, hugging him as she spoke, feeling her shoulders getting wet.

She held him closer, her chin resting on her brother's head, gently patting his back. Elder Que Yie, who was standing from the sidelines, looked at the heartwarming scene of the siblings, both sobbing, braving unimaginable hardships. She couldn't help but be sad for these two young children. Elder Que Yie didn't want to disturb their reunion, so she was about to go out when she heard a faint voice.

 "Thank you."

She turned around to see the two siblings gazing at her with utmost sincerity. 

"It was my decision to help you both, so don't worry about it. Now, since it's already morning, why don't the two of you eat first? It will help you both recover faster."

Fei Wanrou, feeling that her body was much better after sleeping for three days, easily got up. She then grasps her little brother's hand, following Elder Que Yie as they approach the dinner table.

"You both remind me of my children."

Fei Zhuo, who woke up much earlier than his sister, felt curious as Elder Que Yie mentioned her children. "Well, where are they? Ever since I was awake, only you were in the house."

Elder Que Yie turned stiff but then relaxed. 

"Gone, but I know they are in a better place, away from here. " Not wanting to continue, she then changed the subject. "You can stay here for as long as you want. I live alone now, and there's plenty of room around the house," she said, trying hard to smile to recover from the apparent sadness that loomed over her.

Feeling sorry for Elder Que, Fei Wanrou replied. "You've been very kind to us even though you knew nothing about us; you tended our wounds, gave us shelter, and even gave us food; we will work hard to repay your kindness."

Que Yie's eyes were starting to redden, feeling soft for the gratefulness of the two children.

These past three days had been one of the happiest days she had experienced in a long time. Even though she just tended to the unconscious children, she felt like it gave her purpose. She was rather lonely living by herself. Whenever she fell asleep, her dreams would be constantly filled with the moments she had with her family, and later, she would wake up and see the room empty. 

"Don't worry; having you both made me less lonely. Since both of you are still recovering from what happened, it's better to stay here." 

Looking at her little brother, she agreed. "We will help as much as we can; please take care of us."

Que Yie could no longer contain it; her eyes brimmed with tears filled with genuine happiness.

"For now on, you can call me Grandmother Que." Que Yie smiled, feeling happy as she gazed at them teary-eyed, calling them. Fei Wanrou and Zuo hugged Grandmother Que. Such a sensation made her recall those days when her children hugged her tight, so tight that she couldn't breathe, but she always felt warm inside. How many years had passed? She truly loved this feeling.

Then suddenly, Fei Wanrou's stomach growled, causing her to blush in embarrassment; however, Grandmother Que only laughed.

"Now, let's eat; we can't let your stomach wait any longer." Grandmother Que smiled at Fei Wanrou and Xiao Zhou'er as they sat, waiting for their Grandmother; they began to eat.