Zhihao chose to remain silent until they reached an old house that still looked livable. It had a large front yard with grass and a stone path that led to the shop, located in the front area right next to the terrace.
Overwhelmed by an irresistible wave of drowsiness, Zhihao collapsed onto the sofa, succumbing to sleep mere moments after closing his eyes. Meisha observed with a subtle smile, impressed by his remarkable advancements to become a true alchemist.
The night that took them so long was caused by the mistakes they had made. As a result, the inaccuracies would reset all the concoctions as well as start everything from scratch.
Meisha took off her brown outerwear and wore a white simple tunic that accentuated her voluptuous shape. She cleaned up the house and opened the shop named "The Magic Brew" by allowing her brother to relish himself.
"Alright, the cauldron is ablaze," she uttered and took a look at the surroundings. "What remains to be done?"
With a sweep, she opened both the glass and regular cabinets, recording each detail in the book. But then, she turned her head, a hint of wonder in her expression. "Oh, there are still a lot of Vigorous Elixirs," she mused. "Did he make them all?"
She then headed to the visitor room and woke up Zhihao who had dived into the dream world. Shaking his shoulder, an annoyed look appeared on the man's face, hearing the voice, "Wake up! Wake up, Grandpa!"
This was so strange for Zhihao as her voice was different from Meisha's, smaller and childlike, especially when she called him the old man. It was only then that he came to his senses and opened his eyes to something he hadn't expected before.
"Grandpa, are you okay?" she worried, her cute face blinked many times.
Skeptical and surprised, he uttered, "Anastasia?" his voice tinged with disbelief.
The child beamed with a wide smile. "Let's have breakfast together!"
Still unable to summarize what had happened, he rose from his bed, his body burdened with an unusual heaviness reminiscent of his old self. Staggering, he found support in Anastasia, whose small hand clutched his finger, guiding him out of the room.
His eyes welled up with tears at the sight of his daughter, clad in her blue apron, skillfully preparing a meal in the kitchen. She turned around, her smile radiant, and her blonde, braided hair cascading over her shoulder.
"Sit tight, Dad!" she exclaimed with enthusiasm. "I've made your favorite dish this time."
As he approached the dining table, a sense of bewilderment lingered. On the chairs facing each other, Mikael observed Meisha and Xinran engaged in cheerful conversation, their faces radiating happiness without a trace of sadness.
"You took a long time to wake up, brother," Meisha, who had spotted Mikael, chuckled. "Your knack for sleep is quite the challenge to rouse."
Meanwhile, Xinran smiled, as she watched the man who was seated on a chair. "It is because he was awake all night making an elixir," the dark-haired woman chimed in. "No wonder he's in a deep slumber."
The room seemed to be vibrant with a sense of fun and laughter, the sensations he wanted the most. Gathering together, eating together, talking about problems to their heart's content, telling stories of all kinds, it all came together. Mikael didn't care about anything this time except to relish this moment.
But, he stopped savoring his favorite food when he looked at Anisa and Anastasia, his eyes sparkling with tears. At first, Anisa was taken aback and asked, "Dad? What's the matter?"
Trying to hold back the fluid, Mikael had to swallow several times. "No, I'm fine," his lips trembled, "I'm delighted to see you again, dear."
Everyone fell silent at the sight of Mikael in a sorrowful state in his seat. His tears could no longer be hidden, falling heavily down his wrinkled face. Anastasia leaped down from her chair, running as fast as she could to reach Mikael.
"Grandpa, don't cry!" the little angel's voice mirrored his emotion, crying too.
The old man looked next to him, lifted her to his lap, and said, "Thank you, sweetheart, Grandpa tried not to," he sobbed, hugging Anastasia as the others began to approach.
Anisa was seen reaching to her father, while Meisha and Xinran somehow disappeared from there. The room faded, and even the table in front of Mikael vanished. Only the chair he was sitting on and his children were left in the middle of nothingness.
The blonde woman embraced him from the other side, speaking softly, almost like a whisper, "We will live forever in your mind, Dad."
In that fleeting moment, his emerald eyes flickered open, adjusting to the slightly dimmed surroundings. Recollection dawned; he had lain on the sofa with nothing, yet now a familiar blanket enveloped him.
It was his own, adorned with a pattern he recognized from his bed. Yet, what roused Zhihao from that repose was the sound of heavy rain, akin to the time when Xinran sought refuge, punctuated by occasional thunder.
Puzzled and curious, he draped the thick cloth and headed for the shop. "Sister?" he called to Meisha, in case she came out of the house.
Entering the store, he was taken aback to discover Meisha at the cash register, her head nestled in folded hands, serving as an improvised pillow. A slight smile played on his lips as he approached, confirming that she had succumbed to sleep.
In the chilly ambiance, Zhihao swiftly fetched a blanket from the sofa, draping it over her shoulders. She remained undisturbed, neither stirring nor reacting. His two emerald eyes scrutinized her face, revealing signs of exhaustion with parted lips.
Even in her unconscious state, she retained her loveliness, evoking not a hint of concern but rather admiration from Zhihao. His expression reflected respect for his sister, who had concealed her struggles beneath a facade of strength. Meisha worked from morning to night, concocting elixirs until the sun graced the sky again.
But, there was something that caught his attention, fixated on the notebook beside Meisha. "Concoction Recipes," he mumbled as he read the cover. "Seemed impressive."
Without seeking permission, he opened the small book and delved into its contents, until a voice resonated in his mind.
[You have a Mission!]
[Prepare some of the Pills!
Fills the stock:
Pill of Flow: 0/5
Reward:
Profession EXP: 500
Skill Unlocked: Chi Flow (1/3)]
This time, Zhihao furrowed his brows, unfamiliar with the method of crafting the intended pill. The term "Chi Flow" embedded in the instructions perplexed him, leaving the benefits upon completion a secret. Yet, instead of discouragement, this challenge fueled his enthusiasm and determination.
[Pills were outlined in Meisha's notebook.]
Zhihao's face beamed in an instant. "Perfect, I'm excited to learn something new!"