A Warm Welcome at the Shin Clan
Early in the morning, Xiao, Zihang, and the others set off for the Shin clan. The journey was brief, and soon they arrived at the clan's gates. The Shin clan had been beautifully decorated for the occasion. Brightly colored lanterns hung in rows, flowers adorned every corner, and the air was alive with the soft hum of chatter and anticipation. The people of the Shin clan welcomed Xiao with open arms and warm smiles, their excitement evident.
One by one, the clan members came forward to greet Xiao, introducing themselves with pride and happiness. Xiao, in turn, spoke kindly to everyone, his demeanor gentle yet reserved. As he interacted with the people, a strange familiarity settled over him. The place felt oddly known, as if he had been there before. He could navigate the pathways and halls without any assistance, as if guided by instinct.
Hao Shin, noticing this, commented, "It seems like you already know your way around here, Xiao. Don't you think you should tell us why?"
Zihang, standing nearby, interjected before Xiao could reply. "He doesn't need to explain anything," he said firmly, though an uneasy look crossed his face. Deep down, Zihang himself was grappling with an unshakable feeling—that Xiao belonged here. However, Zihang stubbornly kept his thoughts to himself, unwilling to voice them aloud.
As the day went on, they spoke of general matters, exchanging stories and laughter. By evening, everyone retired to their rooms. Madam Ying escorted Xiao to a comfortable chamber prepared just for him.
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to come to me," she said warmly before leaving him to settle in.
Alone in the room, Xiao's mind wandered. Despite the love and attention showered upon him by the Shin clan, he felt an unfamiliar sense of loneliness. He thought of Leeming, the friend who had been his companion for so long. Xiao smiled as he remembered how he used to tease Leeming to pass the time. Their bond had grown strong, and now, in this new place, Xiao missed him deeply.
Lost in his thoughts, Xiao eventually drifted into a restless sleep.
An Emotional Afternoon
When he finally woke, the sun was already high in the sky. No one had disturbed him, allowing him to rest as long as he needed. It was Madam Ying who gently woke him, her voice soft yet insistent.
"Xiao, it's time to eat something. You've been sleeping since last night, and you must be starving. Come, I've prepared all your favorite dishes—the ones you used to love," she said with a fond smile.
Xiao blinked at her, confused. "You know what I like?" he asked, curious.
"Of course," she replied. "Your sister even helped me prepare a few things. Now freshen up and join us; we're waiting for you."
Touched by her words, Xiao nodded and got ready. After taking a bath and dressing in fresh clothes, he joined the others in the dining hall. The table was laden with a feast, and everyone gathered around, smiling and eager to hear from him.
As they ate, Xiao began to share his story. He spoke of his life as far back as he could remember, recounting the struggles he faced after being cast out of the village. He told them how he worked tirelessly to earn enough to survive, how he made friends like Leeming, and the challenges he endured.
By the time he finished, the room was silent. Madam Ying and the others listened intently, their hearts heavy with sorrow for the hardships Xiao had endured. Tears welled up in Madam Ying's eyes as she pulled Xiao into a tight embrace.
"We had no idea," she whispered, her voice choked. "You've been through so much, my son. None of our children have ever had to face such trials. I wish we had been there for you."
Her words touched Xiao deeply, though he tried to hide his emotions. He assured them that he had grown stronger because of his experiences, but their concern only deepened.
A Visit to Daima
After the meal, Madam Ying approached Xiao with a thoughtful expression. "There's someone you must meet," she said. "Come with me."
Curious, Xiao followed her through the winding corridors of the clan's residence. They stopped outside a modest room, and Madam Ying turned to him.
"The person inside is your Daima. She's very old and unwell, but she has been waiting to see you. Perhaps your presence will bring her some comfort," she explained.
Xiao's heart sank. "What happened to her?" he asked softly.
"She has been ill for a long time. Her health has worsened recently, but she insisted she would hold on until she could see you," Madam Ying said, her voice heavy with emotion.
Without waiting for further explanation, Xiao stepped forward and knocked gently on the door. "Daima, it's me. May I come in?"
There was no response, but Xiao pushed the door open slowly. Inside, an elderly woman lay on the bed, her frail body barely stirring. Her eyes fluttered open at the sound of his voice, and a faint smile crossed her lips.
"You've come," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I knew you would. I've waited so long for this moment."
Xiao knelt beside her, taking her hand in his. "I'm here, Daima. I'm sorry it took me so long," he said, his voice thick with emotion.
Tears glistened in Daima's eyes as she looked at him. "You've grown so much," she murmured. "I can finally rest now that I've seen you."
Xiao stayed by her side, holding her hand and listening as she shared stories of the past, stories that only deepened the mystery of his connection to the Shin clan.
And in that moment, Xiao felt a profound sense of belonging—a feeling that perhaps, after all his trials, he had finally found his way home.