She flinched at his tone and shut her eyes trying to dissipate her anger. A futile task, as she couldn't keep it out of her next words. "What do mean about what? About everything. You're my brother, the only family I have left. I have the right to worry"
The tension between them was almost tangible, crackling in the air as they stared unwaveringly at each other,
Xu Ming was the first to speak. "But I need you to stop". His low voice broke the impregnable silence. He had moved to sit up now and was looking down at his hands avoiding his sister's piercing eyes,
"Stop worrying about you? I can't. You mean...." Her voice cracked as he spoke, unspoken feelings piling on her throat. "You mean so much to me"
Years of unshed tears threatened to spill from her eyes. All those years of doing her best to take care of him.
All those jobs.
The organization.
All. that. blood.
Xu Ming got up as he watched his sister break down in tears. He had never seen his sister look so vulnerable.
Guilt gripped his heart. It was never his intention to make her cry.
He slowly reached out to touch her arm. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean...."
She didn't let him continue as she pulled him into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him as if she could shield him from the world, the way she had always done.
He stiffened at first but slowly relaxed, hugging her back with an intensity that surprised them both.
"I'm sorry Xiao Ming" she whispered into his shoulder, "You're right. I'm being too overbearing"
"No, you're not. I'm just being ungrateful"
She chuckled managing a small smile. "Yeah, you are"
They stood there for what felt like an eternity, holding each other as the weight of their argument melted away, leaving only the warmth of their bond.
They gently pulled apart and Liling let out a laugh rubbing her lingering tears. They stood smiling, silent, as they stared at each other, fondness in their eyes.
"Well, I guess you can live somewhere else if you want to".
She stretched to ruffle his curly mop of hair, but her fingers just about grazed the top of his head. "Ugh, not fair, you're growing too fast", she complained, a playful pout forming on her lips.
He chuckled lightheartedly and bent down leaning his head to give her easier access. "Here, go ahead, but just this once"
She took full liberty of his invitation, lacing her fingers through his familiar hair strands. "I'm going to miss this"
"Me too"
****************************
The car purred quietly as it glided down the highway, the rhythmic hum of the engine blending with the gentle rustle of wind through the slightly cracked windows.
Liling sat in the back seat, her hands resting on the neatly wrapped gifts beside her, her heart fluttering with nerves. Little Bun, on the other hand, sat nestled close to her, carefree and focused intently on his tablet, his small fingers tapping away.
She stared out the back seat windows and at the picturesque setting of the sun aglow with hues of orange and red. The sunset induced a sense of tranquillity within her and she tried putting away her worrying thoughts.
As if sensing her inner turmoil, Little Bun lightly tugged at her sleeve to get her attention. He turned his tablet towards her to show her his drawing. On the screen was a simple drawing of 3 figures- a large one, a smaller one and the smallest one in between.
She could tell it was a drawing of the three of them together and her heart warmed at the sight. She couldn't help falling deeper in love with him.
As they continued their journey, the cityscape gradually gave way to open fields and lush greenery. Before long, the grand Li family estate came into view, the majestic mansion standing proudly at the end of a long, tree-lined driveway.
The car slowed as they approached the entrance and pulled into the large circular driveway.
"Here it is," Liling whispered to herself, her voice laced with awe. "Finally we're here."