Min, who was just standing and observing the two girls' teary-eyed, finally sat down next to her mother and held her hand. "Mom,"
Yuna sighed in relief as she collapsed her bottom on the side. The first aid might be a success, but the most crucial thing is what happens next.
Another episode of a collapsed lung might happen, and she was a beginner. She would not know how to know if she really did it correctly. If they were in the modern world, it was possible for X-rays and ultrasound testings, but it was impossible for her since this was an unfamiliar place.
The fact that tuberculosis is contagious, she had to inform Min and Rin about the risks of them having it too. They should always be more mindful and careful not to add another sick member to their family.
Looking around the whole room, it seemed like they had no choice but to live in this shabby-looking place. Her mom was lying on the wooden floor with just a cloth beneath her.
"Min, Rin," Yuna said with a serious look on her face. "You guys should make your mom drink more of your medicine. I could not guarantee her safety, and there is a chance that the worst might happen."
Rin wiped her tears and said, "Sister. I am doing my best. But I think it was because it's been two weeks since she has not drunk her medicine that it worsened a lot. We did not have enough money for that."
"I see," Yuna replied. "Then make sure she drinks enough, tuberculosis is curable. The first aid I did was okay, but I can not guarantee anything."
"First aid?" Rin mimicked the way Yuna spoke. Tears were flowing in her eyes like a river, but she was still confused. "First aid?"
Yuna leaned in and wiped Rin's tears, "Your mom is away from the danger now, and that is the most important part, okay?"
"What could have happened if we did not allow you here in our shabby home," Min muttered to himself. "Our mom could have been dead."
"No," Yuna said. "I don't think so. You could have called a doctor."
"No, we did not have enough money to do so," Min told Yuna and became as honest as he could. "And if we did have money, it would take time to call for one, and by then…" He trailed off, "Anyways. We could not thank you enough for your presence and courage in helping us. I will be forever in your debt, Song Yuna."
"You should be more careful. Your mom's sickness is contagious. You have to let her have separate utensils for her." Yuna just smiled. "And if you are in my debt, then I want you to help me come back to my world."
"What do you mean?" Min asked as his eyes followed Yuna, walking and sitting further from her mom and asked them to do the same.
Yuna has been strong-willed, but she was fragile when it comes to her family. Anything related to them just made her feel teary-eyed. Now that she thought of them, she started missing them.
The way her mom and dad would hug her and say, 'I love you, my daughter' hit her home. Now that she thought about it, she had not told her parents about her upcoming debut as an idol.
They could have been proud of her.
But then, she was still trapped here, clueless and hungry.
It seemed like the two have dealt a lot, and things like this do not really faze them. She was reminded that she should act the same too.
"As you can see," Yuna tried to explain as she watched Min and Rin sitting down in front of her. "I am not from this world. My outfit and the way I talk is probably foreign for you guys."
"Yes, and it was obvious that you were not from the land ruled by the Song Dynasty," Min commented while looking at Yuna intently.
"You could tell?" Yuna asked.
"Yes, even the Chinese you spoke was a little bit different from what I know," Min said.
"And you told me you did not understand me," Yuna rolled her eyes. It seemed to her that she was scammed.
"My brother knew a little bit because he was studying to become a scholar back then when we still had money and power," Rin explained. "But as my father died and my mother became sick, we did not continue and find odd jobs to live."
"I see. It must have been hard." Yuna's heart ached as she listened to the siblings talking about their family situation. "I was in my world and saw a mythical white tiger in a painting. The next thing I knew was that I am already at the mountain where Rin was picking up some ginseng."
Rin vigorously nodded, and Min was just listening to her without judgment. She continued, "A white tiger once appeared and disappeared out of my sight. At first, I thought I was dreaming, but then I realized that I was not." Yuna became desperate as she realized that she was becoming more vulnerable at this point, but she did not care. "All I could think is that the white tiger was the root of all of this."
"The white tiger is considered a protector and a 'God' who protects the country from our enemies, lady," Min explained.
"Then, is there any statue that was made for its citizens to pray with?" Yuna asked.
"The spirit of the White Tiger roams around the whole country, and only chosen ones can see it," Min explained. "And I heard that there is a statue of the white tiger in the palace."
"Is there any possible way to go inside the palace and see the statue?"
"I think that will be hard, sister." Rin had a worried look on her face. "If we get caught, we might get beheaded for doing so."
The corner of Yuna's mouth raised, "Then we just have to make it so that we won't get caught."
'Never take no as an answer, Song Yuna.'
That was what her life motto was, after all.