Morning at the Liu residence arrived quietly, wrapped in pale mountain light.
Mist still clung to the treetops outside, dew beading on the stone paths, when Tang Yuze walked down the corridor with light steps. In his hand was a small porcelain jar—an ointment Old Liu had personally handed him, the kind only veterans trusted, brewed from years of experience and care.
He stopped outside Meilin's room.
Pushing the door open just enough, he slipped inside.
The room was peaceful.
Meilin was still asleep, curled slightly on the bed, her long hair fanned across the pillow. Zimei was tucked close to her, the little puppy rising and falling with her breathing, one paw resting possessively on Meilin's arm as if guarding her.
Tang Yuze's expression softened.
He moved closer, careful not to wake her, and gently lifted the blanket from her injured leg. The faint redness from yesterday was still there. His brows knit almost imperceptibly.
Careless, he thought, though there was no real reproach in it.
He dipped his fingers into the cool ointment and applied it slowly, methodically, his touch light yet practiced. The medicinal scent filled the room—earthy, calming. Meilin stirred slightly, brows furrowing, but didn't wake.
Only after he was done did Tang Yuze straighten.
He moved to the head of the bed and spoke softly, his voice low but firm.
"Meilin. Get up. We'll be leaving after breakfast."
She murmured something unintelligible, turning her face toward the pillow.
Tang Yuze chuckled quietly and left without another word, closing the door behind him.
A few minutes later, Meilin woke.
Sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting the room in warm gold. Zimei was still pressed against her, tail giving a small wag when she stirred.
As Meilin shifted, she felt it—the faint coolness on her ankle.
She lifted the blanket and saw the ointment already applied neatly around her injured leg.
Her lips curved into a small, genuine smile.
Second Brother…
The pain had eased, not gone completely, but manageable. Enough to walk.
She got up slowly, washed up, tied her hair, and changed into comfortable clothes, moving with more care than usual. When she finally stepped out and went downstairs, the dining hall was already lively.
Everyone was waiting.
Grandpa Tang looked up the moment he saw her.
"How's your leg?" he asked, sharp eyes missing nothing.
Meilin smiled reassuringly.
"I can walk now. Still a little pain, but it's fine, Grandpa."
Only then did the old general nod, satisfied.
Breakfast was simple but warm—steamed buns, porridge, pickled vegetables, and freshly brewed tea. The mountain air made everything taste better, grounding, comforting.
After breakfast, there were brief farewells.
Old Liu stood at the entrance, leaning on his cane, waving them off with a smile as the Tang family prepared to leave.
The black SUV rolled down the mountain road, leaving the misty residence behind.
Inside the car, the scenery shifted—green hills giving way to winding roads. Meilin rested her head lightly against the window, watching the trees blur past.
Her thoughts, however, were far away.
Zihan…
She had half a mind to visit him.
To see him again—just for a moment.
But when her ankle throbbed faintly, reason returned. With this leg, showing up unannounced wasn't wise.
Her eyes softened instead.
I'll surprise him at college.
The thought alone lifted her mood.
Outside, sunlight broke through the clouds as the car continued toward the capital—
and Meilin smiled, already planning their next meeting.
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