The evening sun bled across the horizon in hues of amber and rose, casting long shadows over the tiled rooftops of Lin Mei's mansion. From the top floor balcony, the view was breathtaking—an endless canvas of sky melting into the distant hills, the light shimmering over the garden trees like golden silk.
Lin Mei sat in her rocking chair, its gentle creak in rhythm with the breeze. Draped in a soft robe of midnight blue, she cradled Lin Kai in her lap, his tiny body nestled against her chest, sleeping soundly. His breath was light, his face serene, and the warmth of his presence softened the lines of tension that had long lingered on Lin Mei's brow.
Beside her, Lin Ling sat quietly on the floor, stacking wooden blocks with careful precision, her purple hair catching the glints of sunset. A few feet away, Lin Ming chased Lin Yu in playful circles, their laughter echoing like wind chimes in the dusk.
Lin Mei's gaze drifted between the horizon and her children. The chatter, the giggles, the soft weight of her son—it was a rare moment of peace. Her lips curved into a faint smile, and her shoulders visibly relaxed.
"Girls," she called softly, "come sit beside me. Let's watch the sunset together."
Three little chairs stood beside her, carved from rosewood and cushioned in pale silk. The girls immediately responded. Lin Ming gently took Lin Yu's hand, guiding her with care, while Lin Ling stood and walked slowly, still learning the rhythm of her steps. They settled into their seats, eyes wide with wonder.
Lin Yu leaned forward, trying to peek at the sleeping infant. "Mama, is Lin Kai still sleeping?"
Lin Mei nodded. "He is. Let him rest."
Lin Ming giggled. "He's so small. Like a doll."
Lin Ling tilted her head. "But he's real. And he's ours."
The three girls watched their brother with fascination, occasionally whispering to each other, pointing at his tiny fingers, his soft hair. Lin Mei watched them, her heart full. They're growing, she thought. And now, they have him.
Yulan, the head maid, stepped onto the balcony, her presence quiet but attentive. "Madam, would you like something to eat or drink?"
Lin Mei shook her head gently. "Not hungry. The girls are watching. I don't want to look like a glutton."
Yulan smiled faintly. "Understood. Shall I bring water?"
"Yes. That would be fine."
Within moments, Yulan returned with a tray—one tall glass for Lin Mei, and three smaller ones for the children. She placed them carefully, then stepped back, her eyes lingering on the scene.
She's finally at ease, Yulan thought. It's been so long since I've seen her like this.
Time passed slowly, the sun dipping lower, the sky deepening into violet. Then, Lin Kai stirred.
His eyes fluttered open, blinking against the light. His soul, once dormant, surged awake. No warning? he cursed inwardly. Couldn't it have given me a sign?
His vision was blurry at first, but then sharpened. The first thing he saw was the outline of a woman—her face radiant, her gaze soft, her hair cascading like silk. Beautiful, he thought. She's… my mother?
A strange pride bloomed in his infant heart. To be born to someone like her… I must be blessed.
His thoughts flickered, childlike and fleeting, but then settled. He noticed her watching him, one eye closed, a small smile playing on her lips. She seemed amused, as if speaking to him in a language he couldn't yet grasp.
Embarrassment bloomed in his tiny chest. A giggle escaped his lips.
Lin Mei's eyes widened slightly. "He's awake," she whispered.
The three girls jumped from their chairs, rushing to her side.
"Lin Kai!" Lin Ming called.
"He's moving!" Lin Yu squealed.
Lin Ling leaned in, her voice calm. "He's looking at us."
Lin Kai stared at them, sensing something familiar. They must be my sisters, he thought. I can feel it. They're… connected to me.
He heard his name repeated, and something clicked. Lin Kai. That's me. It's a good name. Joyful… yes, I like it.
Lin Mei stood slowly, cradling Lin Kai against her shoulder. "Let's go downstairs," she said. "I need to rest."
She called for the maids, who arrived promptly to guide the girls. Lin Mei descended the stairs, her steps careful, her body still recovering. In her room, she settled onto the bed and began feeding Lin Kai, his mouth latching instinctively.
"Little guy," she murmured, "play with your sisters. I'm tired."
Lin Kai, somehow understanding, gave a tiny nod.
Lin Mei blinked. "Did you just… nod?"
She chuckled. "You're too cute."
She placed him gently on the floor near the toy corner, where soft cushions and plush animals waited. "Girls," she called, "play with your brother. I'm going to sleep."
The girls turned, spotting Lin Kai crawling—slowly, awkwardly, but determined. They leapt from their spots, rushing to help.
"Careful!" Lin Mei warned. "Don't hurt him."
"We won't!" Lin Ling said. "We'll take care of him."
Lin Mei lay back, her eyes closing. Until Zhang comes home, she thought. Let me rest.
The girls surrounded Lin Kai, introducing him to their toys.
"This is Bunny," Lin Ming said. "She's soft."
"This one's Sparkle," Lin Yu added. "She's magic!"
Lin Ling watched quietly. "He won't understand. Show him how to play."
They began demonstrating—stacking blocks, rolling balls, dressing dolls. Lin Kai observed, fascinated. He noted their faces, their voices, their movements.
The twins, he thought, they look alike. Pink and purple hair… lavender eyes. Which one's older? I'll find out someday.
Then he turned to Lin Ling. Silver hair. Like Mother. And those eyes… like crystal. She's quiet. Thoughtful.
He began mimicking their actions—grabbing blocks, rolling balls, babbling in response. The girls clapped, delighted.
"He's learning!" Lin Yu cried.
"He's smart!" Lin Ming added.
Lin Ling smiled. "He's watching us."
Time passed. The sky darkened. Stars began to blink into view.
At the company gate, Zhang Liu stepped out, his briefcase in hand. The day had been long, but something felt different. His phone rang.
"Master Zhang," Yulan's voice came through. "Madam has given birth. A boy."
Zhang froze. "A boy?"
"Yes. Healthy. Madam is resting."
Zhang's heart surged. He hailed a taxi, urgency in his voice.
A boy, he thought. Finally. The contract fulfilled. She'll see me differently now. We'll be a family. A real one.
He leaned back in the seat, eyes gleaming. She'll smile at me. Talk to me. Maybe… love me.
But the stars outside blinked indifferently. And Lin Mei, asleep in her room, had not changed.
That truth waited in the next chapter.
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Author's Note:
Thank you for reading. If this moment stirred something in you—whether a smile, a sigh, or a quiet ache—I hope you'll stay for what comes next. The story is only beginning to reveal its deeper truths.