Master Chen walked out of the training room, his face calm but lined with the exhaustion of the monumental task he had just undertaken. The family, who had been waiting in tense silence, immediately surged toward him, their eyes wide with desperation, hope, and fear.
Zhang Mei was the first to move, her heart hammering in her chest as she searched behind Master Chen for any sign of her husband. Her breath caught in her throat. *Was he there?* Her eyes darted around, looking for Li Chen, hoping he would follow behind the master with his familiar, reassuring presence. But the doorway remained empty. She clutched her stomach as the twins within her shifted slightly, a reminder of the life that still grew inside her even as her mind feared for the man she loved.
Sun Lixia stepped forward, her hand gripping her husband's arm for support as she addressed Master Chen. "How...did it go? Is he—?" Her voice cracked with emotion, unable to finish the question.
