Churan groggily woke up to Nano's urgent wake-up call. She rubbed her eyes and replied, "What's the news now?"
Nano replied, "I should have woken you up earlier, but you seemed tired from the party last night, so I let you rest. Unfortunately, the news is that your uncle is coming. They will be living in the northern palace with you."
Churan's eyes widened in surprise as she processed the news. "What? My uncle? Where has he been all this time, and why is he coming now?"
Nano continued with further details. "Yes, this is a family residence. Everyone in the family usually marries and lives here. Your father is the most prominent figure, so he resides in the main palace. The main palace is dedicated to important guests, so your uncle and his wife were initially supposed to come, but he wanted to foster his son, and obviously leaving the daughter behind was not ideal, hence they all came along."
Churan, who was not particularly fond of social gatherings and introductions, begrudgingly prepared herself as a servant to announce her uncle's imminent arrival. Her thoughts echoed, "Ah, how unpleasant. I don't have time for this, i hate beginnings and goodbyes."
As the family gathered to await the arrival of General Mo, Churan glanced skyward and noticed a star shining brilliantly, even in the brightness of the sun. She found herself staring at it for a while, feeling a sense of unease and anticipation. Was this a sign of an impending storm, rain, fresh air, or something else entirely?
While the rest of the family members, including Ziyi and Eugene, went to greet their respective relations, Churan remained fixated on the star, her hand resting gently on her chest. A nagging sense of unease and fatigue tugged at her heart, hinting at the possibility of unexpected events ahead. The star's unusual presence seemed to whisper of a forthcoming mystery, leaving Churan to wonder what lay ahead.
As the family welcomed General Mo, Churan's eyes lingered on the star, reflecting her inner turmoil and anxieties about the upcoming familial encounter. Yet, amidst her apprehensions, a hidden curiosity stirred within her, leaving her with an aching question in her heart: What kind of surprises and challenges awaited her in this unfolding family drama?
Churan's gaze was fixed on the captivating star in the sky, her fascination and curiosity on full display. Meanwhile, General Mo's son couldn't help but notice her standing at a distance, her form adorned in a lovely traditional dress. He observed her closely and thought to himself, "She seems preoccupied, but there's something quite alluring about her."
Snapping out of her momentary daydream, Churan approached the group and offered a polite apology, saying, "I apologize for my behavior. I was captivated by the star and momentarily lost my manners. Please bear with me."
Another girl, dressed in elegant and expensive attire, added, "Ah, our dear Churan, always immersed in her own world. It's as if anything but humans could pique her interest. Perhaps that's what makes her unique."
In her thoughts, Churan couldn't help but think, "Yes, I do find people to be terrifying. I would much prefer to hide."
However, she concealed her true feelings and responded with a smile, "Of course not. Family is supposed to be like home. We share the same blood. There is no reason for me to be rude to this wonderful family."
Aunt Mu intervened, chiding, "Now, now, Nana, be polite to Churan."
Churan felt Aunt Mu's gaze, a mixture of pity and understanding. Strangely, it didn't provoke anger in her. Instead, she Felt a profound sense of belonging, as if she had finally found a place where she truly belonged. A pang of unexpected emotion tugged at her heart, The simple gesture of her aunt's understanding glance provided a glimmer of comfort and security in this unfamiliar setting.
Aunt Mu held Churan's hand and said sincerely, "My dear Churan, I can't help but wonder if you've had a difficult time recently?" A touch of sadness laced her tone as she continued, "Your mother passed away five years ago, and I regretfully wasn't there to support you during her final moments. I feel angry at myself for not being there for you."
Churan replied gently, "Please don't feel guilty or angry. You are more important to me than family, and if I may be honest, I don't agree with the saying 'there's no place like home'. What truly matters is what your heart tells you. Your feelings have reached me before any action."
Aunt Mu smiled gently and commented, "You have indeed matured. You're no longer the shy girl you once were."
Churan's father interjected, attempting to conclude the conversation, "I've prepared a wonderful feast for this family reunion. Let's go and enjoy it together."
The table was laden with an array of lavish dishes and snacks, the air filled with the aroma of delicious food. Everyone took their seats, and Churan's father motioned to the food, signaling it was time to eat.
Churan had stepped outside after downing a glass of wine at her father's request and wandered the grounds, her eyes consistently searching the sky for the brightest star. She couldn't understand why she felt connected to it, a silent bond to something unknown.
Li Xun, her cousin, soon joined her, pretending to have just happened upon her amidst their evening stroll. He said, "You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you, five years ago. You've really grown up."
Churan regarded him silently for a while, her gaze fixed on the ground as she kicked idly at the sand
She finally responded after a moment, her voice tinged with vulnerability, "You know, I lost my memory. If a stranger came to me and claimed they were my real parents, I'd believe them without question. I wouldn't even doubt it. It's funny… I shouldn't have drunk that wine…."
Li Xun smiled slightly and joked, "Next time, I'll drink for you."
Churan shot him a quizzical look and asked, "What would you want in return?"
Li Xun replied with a casual shrug, "Just be friends. I'm new here, and I don't know anyone."
Churan responded with a hint of resignation in her tone, "I'm not exactly the most social person. There are so many interesting people here. You'd be better off finding someone else."
She settled back into a large chair, her gaze fixated on the picturesque night sky. Without hesitation, Li Xun joined her, maintaining a small distance between them. He remarked, "The sky is breathtaking tonight."
Churan glanced at him, her smile widening as she reverted her gaze upwards.
Li Xun continued, "In the morning, you smiled and looked like an angel...or a fairy. But now, you seem different…"
Churan turned back to him, her expression curious as she asked, "Different? How so?"
Li Xun observed her, his expression thoughtful as he shared, "Right now, you look like a lonely person, distant and unreachable. I feel like even the moon is closer to me than you are, so much easier to approach."
Churan rose and adjusted herself, replying quietly, "If you reach the moon, you still wouldn't reach me, because I am further away than the moon."
Just as she was about to turn and go, Li Xun suddenly called out to her, his voice firm, "If I can reach the moon, I will make sure I reach you."
Churan allowed herself a soft laugh and continued on her path, her heart heavy with the knowledge that it had been firmly sealed for years, the key to unlocking its secrets long since misplaced and forgotten.
Li Xun watched her go, the distance between them feeling more profound than the vastness of outer space. He found himself wondering if the mysterious girl he had just encountered would ever let him in.
As he stood there, contemplating their encounter, Li Xun couldn't help but wonder if he would ever be able to break through the barriers that she had built around her heart. And, at the same time, a part of him couldn't help but be drawn to the challenge of trying to reach her, even if she thought she was unattainable.