"Mother... Mother... I'm back..."
In a daze, Madam He seemed to hear the voice she longed to hear the most once again.
"Xiaojiu..." As if they shared a special bond, Madam He opened her eyes and saw Ye Jiu right by her bedside, holding her withered hand.
"Mother, I'm back... I'm sorry, I returned too late..." Tears streamed uncontrollably down Ye Jiu's cheeks.
"Not late... just in time..." Madam He squeezed her hand, trembling, still feeling the warmth of her daughter's skin, such a stark contrast to her own weathered skin.
Yet, she felt at ease.
Her Xiaojiu was doing well, becoming exactly what she had hoped for, and that was enough!
"Mother... I've already spoken with Amo about bringing you to stay at the Royal Residence for some time, you..."
She blamed herself for making this decision too late.
In fact, Ye Jiu had mentioned several times before about taking her to the Royal Residence, but Madam He always refused.
