…
Those memories were warm, yet incredibly distant.
Tears were swirling in her eyes.
At that moment, a warm hand gently settled on her hair.
Then it slipped down to her shoulder, giving it a comforting pat.
"Don't be afraid, Qiuqiu, I'm here."
Qiuqiu was startled and turned to look at him.
Sunlight streamed through the car window onto his profile, and her heart suddenly felt empty as she buried her head into his chest.
She could no longer hold back her tears.
Sobs echoed intermittently inside the quiet car cabin.
…
The motorcade slowly drove into the village shrouded in winter fog.
Instantly attracting the attention of everyone along the way.
Sparking a wave of pointing and whispering.
Finally, it stopped in front of a half-collapsed ancestral courtyard at the north end of the village.
Relatives like the eldest uncle, second aunt, and others who had been waiting were gathered there.
Some were smoking, some eating sunflower seeds, chatting and laughing.
