Shin couldn't stop himself from staring at the woman, and he couldn't understand why he had this feeling of unexplainable solace just by seeing her. as if he were staring at his deceased mother, whom he misses a lot.
The principal faked a cough to get everyone's attention.
"Hello, our dear parents, good afternoon, and to our boys over there." The principal motioned his hands to the boys sitting on the couch.
"This is Mr. and Mrs. Xiao, the Chairman and CEO of the Xiao Empire group of companies, Chairman Jackie Xiao, and Zoe Xiao; they are the five students that you'll be sponsoring for a scholarship, and they are their parents." introduced by the principal.
Both parties shook hands and greeted each other with modesty.
"Hi, good afternoon, Chairman Xiao and Madam Zoe. I am Shin Wei, and I am pleased to meet you. Thank you very much for investing in our studies." Shin bowed and thanked the couple.
"Hello, Shin." Zoe smiled so sweetly at him.
"Where are your parents, Shin?" "Why are you alone?" she asked.
Shin lowered his head and suddenly felt stuffy. He suddenly yearns for his parents. His heart began to swell, and sadness could be traced on his face.
"We're now his legal guardians, Madam," Feng said as he noticed Shin's discomfort. "His parents passed away a few months ago, so my wife and I decided to take care of Shin." He added
Zoe felt a sudden twinge in her heart upon hearing what happened to Shin's parents. She subconsciously hugged Shin and patted his back as he began trembling. Even though the tragedy happened a few months ago, those terrifying events are still so fresh and vivid in Shin's head. Seeing his parents bathe in their own blood is something Shin will never be able to forget. So whenever someone talks about it, Shin can't help but be emotional.
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know. "I didn't mean to remind you of sad memories."
Shin was surprised at Zoe's actions, but he gladly returned the hug and rubbed Zoe's back as well to reassure her that he is fine and he doesn't blame her for reminding her of his parents' tragic deaths.
The two hugged for quite some time. Neither of them could decipher the unexplainable yearning they felt for each other. Shin felt like all his sorrows and longing for his parents had vanished, and the void in his heart was filled.
On the other hand, Zoe could feel a sense of familiarity with Shin, as if she were embracing his son. The feelings she felt when she first held her son are the same as what she feels right now. She could feel the emptiness in her heart, suddenly filled with unexplainable emotions.
They completely forgot about the people around them. They were crying like they had reunited again after a long time of separation. Shin's tears were streaming like rivers, as were those of Mrs. Zoe Xiao.
Everyone in the room was quiet, and they couldn't comprehend what was happening, hence feeling emotional as well.
Mr. Jackie Xiao gently pats her on the back, and Zoe merely realizes they are not alone.
"I'm sorry, Madam Zoe; I think I wet and dirtied your dress. I'm very sorry." Shin said apologetically while wiping his tears away.
"No, it's okay; it is just a cloth." I should be the one to say that. Look at your uniform; it's wet now." Zoe opened his handbag and took out a handkerchief. She wiped Shin's polo shirt, which was drenched with her tears.
Shin took the handkerchief. "Thank you, Madam Xiao; I will return this to you after washing it."
"You can keep it," replied Zoe, smiling at him. The people around them smile awkwardly.
"My wife is fond of kids; she's just missing our son." Chairman Xiao broke up the awkward situation and then continued. "Anyways, let's proceed with the purpose for which we're here. Mr. Kim, the papers, please." He motioned to Attorney Kim.
"Yes, sir," replied Mr. Kim. The Xiao family's lawyer and advisor
Mr. Kim took out the documents and began to explain the details carefully.
"Dear parents, I know you are all worried about your child. But we will assure you of their safety at all times. And to ease your worries, you can accompany them before the classes start. In that way, you'll know what kind of place the children will be living in for years until they graduate.
In addition, they can always come back home after every semester break, including long holidays, if they want. Or you could also visit them. Don't be worried about the expenses; that's part of the contract.
And of course, Mr. and Mrs. Xiao wouldn't allow them to live on their own because they were still kids. Two of Xiao's loyal attendants and one Butler will be living with them." Mr. Kim's lengthy explanation, which the Xiao couple agreed with by nodding in agreement with what Mr. Kim stated
Both parties agreed, and the children were also very happy and excited.
"So boys and parents, if you haven't decided yet which school you want to study at, we'll give you time. So maybe two weeks from now, let us know your choice. so we can settle down all the things that are needed." Added by Mr. Xiao
"So after the graduation ceremony, enjoy your vacation, kids, okay? see you all in three months," Zoe stated.
They bid goodbye to each other. Zoe Xiao couldn't resist the urge to hug Shin once again. Shin also returned the hug. The two seem like magnets; they do not want to be separated. Both Zoe Xiao and Shin let go of each other unwillingly, then bid another goodbye.
Shin just stared at the Xiao couple while they were walking away. Without him realizing it, his tears trickled down from the corner of his eyes. Shin wiped the tears immediately with the handkerchief Mrs. Xiao gave him when he felt his cheeks were wet and dripping with tears. He didn't want others to see him crying again. He couldn't figure out why his heart felt so empty and hollow after seeing the couple walk away from him.
Meanwhile, inside the car, Zoe is weeping nonstop. She couldn't explain and doesn't understand why she is unwilling to let go of the kid. as if the hole in her heart had become bigger than before. as if she had lost her child once again. Her eyes were red and swollen, and she couldn't utter a word. She just kept on sobbing while Jackie Xiao rubbed her back gently to comfort her until she calmed down.
"Honey, if our son is still alive, do you think he looks like Shin?" "He has the same mole on the lower lip as our Riri," said Jackie.
"I miss him so much, hon." Zoe began sobbing again.
"I shouldn't have reminded you." Jackie then hugged her again. He understood Zoe's reactions earlier; even he has this feeling of familiarity with the boy's name, Shin.
Two and a half months passed. The weather is nice and peaceful, sunny, and a little bit windy. However, Shin couldn't find it pleasant. It's his parents' death day.
Marius, Riley, Luke, Dylan, and Shin went to Shin's parent's grave.
"Mom, Dad, I am leaving in two weeks. I won't be able to visit you for a long time. Will you be fine with it? Mom and Dad, I'm sorry for not getting the justice you deserve. Today is my birthday and also your death day. I promise myself that I won't celebrate my birthday again until I find justice for you. I will avenge your death; I will find the person responsible for your death. Mom, Dad, just wait for me, okay?
Mom, the other day I visited our burned house. And guess what I saw? Black roses have grown in your favorite garden. I don't know how it happened, but the black roses were very beautiful, mom. They were in full bloom. Yet, it symbolizes death; maybe your favorite garden is also mourning your death. Ever since the place burned, no other flowers or plants have grown there, as if the black roses wouldn't allow it. as if they were telling me to seek justice for you and dad." Shin talked to his mom and dad as if they could still hear him. He always talked with them that way whenever he visited their graveyard.
"And you know, Mom, Dad, I met a couple just like you. They were so nice to me. You and Mrs. Xiao seem to have similarities, mom. When she hugged me, it felt like I was embracing you, mom. "I really, really miss you, mom, and dad." He said while his tears began to fall one by one until he couldn't hold them in anymore and welled up into another agonizing cry once more. Shin covered his eyes with his arms while sobbing. He wanted to stop, but his longing for his parents overwhelmed him.
Marius, Luke, Riley, and Dylan, who were standing a bit far to give Shin privacy, couldn't bear seeing him shaking while crying, so they also broke into tears, along with Shin, until they all calmed down and sat beside Katelyn at Warren's tomb.
"Aunt Katelyn, uncle Warren, please don't worry about Shin. "We will take care of him, so please rest in peace and be happy wherever you are," said Riley.
"Yes, that's right, leave Shin to us," Dylan, Marius, and Luke mumbled in unison.
Shin smiled; he was thankful his friends didn't leave him all these times while he was grieving his parents' deaths.
"Aunty Katelyn, Uncle Warren, we love you!" They shouted in unison.
Once again, Shin bid farewell to his parents.
"Bye mom, bye dad," he placed two stems of black roses over his parents' tomb.