A Bond Rekindled
Xiao immediately hugged Daima tightly, tears welling in his eyes. "I missed you so much," he said softly. "Get well soon, and once you're better, I'll take you out for a walk. We'll visit all the beautiful places you love."
Daima smiled warmly, her frail face lighting up with joy. "I'll hold you to that promise, Xiao," she whispered.
The two began talking, their conversation filled with laughter and memories. Xiao gently helped her sit up, offering her water when she started coughing. Though her body was weak, her spirit seemed to rejuvenate in Xiao's presence.
Outside the room, Madam Ying stood watching through the door. She smiled at the sight of Xiao and Daima sharing such a tender moment, but a small pang of jealousy tugged at her heart. She adored all her children, but she had always been strict and precise, which often made them hesitant to joke or speak freely with her. Seeing Xiao so relaxed and happy with Daima, she couldn't help but feel a little left out, though her happiness for them outweighed her envy.
Leeming's Restlessness
Meanwhile, back at the clan, Leeming was feeling Xiao's absence keenly. The once lively and chaotic atmosphere around him had grown silent and mundane. There were no mischievous pranks to deal with, no Xiao to keep him on his toes.
For the first few days, Leeming enjoyed the peace, but soon he realized how much he missed his friend. Xiao's endless antics, though often troublesome, had given his days a unique charm. Now, without him, life felt dull.
Leeming debated visiting Xiao at the Shin clan, but he couldn't summon the courage to admit how much he missed him. "I'll make an excuse," he thought, but lying was never his strong suit. He knew he'd be caught immediately.
Just as he was lost in these thoughts, news arrived that the Shi clan was in turmoil. The head of the clan had passed away, leaving a power vacuum. Without a leader, chaos reigned. The wealthy exploited their riches, oppressing the poor, who suffered greatly under their tyranny.
Both the Jiang and Shin clans had refrained from imposing their own rulers, believing the Shi clan should have the right to elect their own leader. However, this idealistic approach had failed, leaving the clan in disorder.
When a delegation from the Shi clan came seeking help, Leeming was sent to provide assistance. He worked tirelessly, distributing food to the hungry and mediating disputes among the people. However, some problems proved too complex for him to handle alone.
Eventually, more emissaries arrived, this time seeking help from the Shin clan. In response, Hao Shin was sent to join Leeming in resolving the issues. Together, the two young men tackled the challenges with determination, restoring some semblance of order to the Shi clan.
When their work was done, Hao prepared to return to the Shin clan. As he turned to leave, he noticed Leeming lingering behind.
"Aren't you going back to your clan?" Hao asked, raising an eyebrow.
Leeming hesitated before replying, "My father has given me another task. I need to deliver something to someone in your clan."
Hao smirked. "Then come with me."
---
A Joyful Reunion
Hao and Leeming arrived at the Shin clan together. Leeming was warmly welcomed, with the clan members treating him like an honored guest.
Xiao, who had been sitting by the river reading, heard the news of Leeming's arrival. Excited, he ran straight to the drawing room. As soon as he saw Leeming, a broad smile spread across his face.
"Leeming!" Xiao called out, his voice filled with joy. "It's so good to see you again!"
Leeming stood and greeted him with a nod, but before he could respond, Hao interrupted with a mock frown.
"You didn't even ask about me," Hao said, feigning hurt. "It seems you didn't miss me at all. Do you even care about me?"
Xiao, ever the teaser, grinned mischievously. "Who would care about you, Hao? You're just the same useless guy you were before. How could anyone possibly miss you?"
The room erupted in laughter at Xiao's jab, but Hao's face turned red with embarrassment. He rarely got angry, especially with Xiao, but this time, the insult stung.
"You've gone too far this time, Xiao!" Hao snapped, clearly upset.
Seeing his friend's rare display of anger, Xiao couldn't hold back his laughter. "Finally! I made you angry!" he exclaimed, clutching his stomach as he laughed.
Realizing he'd been played, Hao sighed and shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. The others in the room chuckled, their affection for Xiao evident.
For the Shin clan, Xiao was more than just a family member—he was a beacon of light, someone who brought happiness wherever he went. His presence had a way of lifting spirits, and it was no wonder the entire clan cherished him deeply.