The scent of antiseptic lingered faintly in the air as Zhang Wei stood beside the hospital bed, holding his sister's hand. The soft rays of morning sunlight filtered through the window, glinting off the polished floor tiles. Zhang Yuna, now no longer bound to her bed by weakness, stood with newfound strength. Her once-pale cheeks had color again, her eyes sparkled with life, and her steps though still delicate were steady.
Zhang Tianhai, their father, signed the final discharge papers at the counter, his hands slightly trembling. Not from fear, but from a complex storm of emotions he dared not show too easily.
"Are you ready to go home, Yuna?" Zhang Wei asked gently, crouching to meet her eyes.
Yuna nodded eagerly, her eyes misty. "Mm! I can finally walk… thanks to you, Gege."
Zhang Wei smiled, brushing her hair back. "Then let's go surprise Mom."
The three of them exited the hospital quietly. Zhang Tianhai already arranged a taxi which was waiting at the gate, its engine rumbling softly. The three of them boarded the taxi, Zhang Tianhai sat in the front seat with the driver glancing at Zhang Yuna and Zhang Wei by the front mirror, He saw how they both were smiling at the back seat, though they were around the age of 13 and 15, but for him they both were small kids. He smiled with a small tear in his eyes.
Back at Home – An Hour Later
The front gate creaked open slowly.
Inside, Mother, in her apron and kitchen slippers, hummed softly as she prepared a humble lunch of stir-fried vegetables and steamed buns. She glanced toward the door absentmindedly only to freeze.
Her eyes widened.
She dropped the spoon in her hand with a loud clang, the clatter echoing like a thunderclap through the home.
"Yuna?! Zhang Wei?!"
Zhang Yuna barely had time to smile before her mother dashed across the room, falling to her knees and pulling her daughter into her arms. Tears poured freely down her cheeks.
"My baby… my sweet girl… you're walking… You're standing! You're healthy!"
She hugged Yuna so tightly it looked like she might never let go again.
Zhang Wei stood silently, watching them with moist eyes. His chest ached, but it was a sweet pain, the kind that came only when years of worry melted into joy.
Then, his mother turned to him.
"You…" she whispered. "Did you… do this?"
Before he could reply, Zhang Yuna beamed and said, "Gege gave me a sweet-tasting medicine! It was yummy and it made me feel all warm and strong inside!"
Their mother gasped and threw her arms around Zhang Wei, sobbing harder than ever. "Thank you… thank you for bringing her back to me…"
Zhang Wei couldn't hold back anymore. Tears streamed down his face as he hugged his mother and sister tightly. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, his broken family felt whole again.
Behind them, Zhang Tianhai stood near the doorway, his hand gripping the frame. His lips were tight, his chin lifted proudly, but his eyes shimmered. A single tear tried to fall, but it never did.
Fathers don't cry in front of their children.
But he was proud. It can be seen by his gentle smile.
That Evening – Around the Dinner Table
Laughter filled the small home, echoing off the walls like music.
Simple dishes filled the table steamed rice, pickled cabbage, pork belly, stir-fried tofu. It wasn't fancy, but it was warm. It was home.
The family ate together, smiling, laughing, teasing. Zhang Yuna chatted animatedly about all the things she wanted to do now that she could walk. Their mother kept refilling everyone's bowls, scolding them lovingly for not eating enough.
For Zhang Wei, it was paradise.
But as dinner came to a close, Zhang Tianhai cleared his throat.
"Zhang Wei," he said calmly, "Come to my room after you've finished. I need to speak with you."
Zhang Wei nodded slowly.
After the dinner, Zhang Wei and the family chatted ,laughed and smiled, It was a house filled with warmth.
Later – Inside Zhang Tianhai's Room
The small room was lined with old books, dusty scrolls, and the faint smell of sandalwood incense. His father sat on a wooden chair, arms folded, face unreadable.
"Sit," he said.
Zhang Wei sat.
There was a pause. Then...
"How did you heal your sister?"
Zhang Wei looked his father in the eye. Then, slowly, he spoke.
"A few weeks ago… a hermit cultivator took me as his disciple. He gave me a miraculous pill one that can suppress any illness for a month. It can be used ten times before it loses effect. He only gave me one and I used it on Yuna."
Zhang Tianhai studied his son's face for a long, heavy moment.
"I see," he said finally. "Then you must ask your master for more. One month will fly fast."
Zhang Tianhai knew that his son was lying ,but still he didn't ask more.
"I will," Zhang Wei nodded, lowering his gaze. "I promise."
There was silence again.
Then the father reached across the table and patted his son's shoulder.
"You've done something… I never could," he said. "I'm proud of you, son."
Zhang Wei's breath caught.
His eyes widened.
Proud?
He blinked, mouth slightly open, trying to respond, but no words came.
Zhang Tianhai stood, walked to the window, and stared out at the stars.
Zhang Wei reaches the door and leaves for his room.
Zhang Wei lay on the old mattress, staring at the ceiling, tears silently leaking from his eyes.
"…System…" he whispered.
[Yes, Host?] the screen blinked.
"Thank you," Zhang Wei choked. "My dad… He's never said those words to me before. But because of you… he did."
The screen shimmered.
[He'll say it again. And again. You've only just begun. Try your best to grow stronger host]
Zhang Wei smiled through the tears.
"Then let's grow stronger. Together."
[Affirmative, Host.]