Soon, Mother Han stepped into the main room, wiping her hands on her apron. When she saw Bo Xi, her brows lifted in surprise.
"Daughter-in-law? When did you return?" she asked, walking closer.
"I came back yesterday," Bo Xi replied respectfully. "It was already late, so I didn't want to disturb you. That's why we came today."
Before Mother Han could respond, Han Fei's face brightened. "Mother, my wife passed the exam."
Mother Han froze for a heartbeat, then broke into a wide smile. "Good! I knew you could do it," she said warmly, her eyes filled with approval as she looked at Bo Xi.
Just then, Father Han returned carrying two steaming cups of warm water. "Drink first. Warm yourselves."
Bo Xi accepted the cup with both hands. The heat seeped into her palms and spread through her body, easing the chill she had brought in from outside. Han Fei also drank quietly, his shoulders relaxing.
Bo Xi and Mother Han chatted for a while about the journey, the exam, and village matters. The atmosphere was warm and comfortable.
After some time, Bo Xi stood. "Mother, Father, we'll head back now."
"Stay and have lunch before you go," Father Han urged.
"No need, Father," Bo Xi said gently. "We'll eat at home. I'm planning to hold a small celebratory banquet for the family."
"A banquet? That's such a waste," Father Han protested instinctively.
"It will only be a small one," Han Fei quickly added. In truth, passing the exam usually called for a feast for the entire village—but Bo Xi barely knew anyone beyond polite nods.
Father Han finally nodded. "Alright, if you insist."
As they prepared to leave, Mother Han's expression turned serious. "Winter is coming earlier this year. Store more food. Don't sell the autumn potatoes. Grain prices will rise."
Bo Xi nodded thoughtfully. That had already been her intention. When she collected her monthly allowance, she had received a letter warning that disaster would arrive sooner than expected.
Winter would not be easy.
Bo Xi and Han Fei returned home together, their footsteps slow but content.
Soon, days passed. Winter tightened its grip on the village. Snow began falling quietly at first, soft flakes drifting from the sky like feathers.
The first morning it snowed, Bo Xi had been delighted. She stood in the courtyard, looking up as the white flakes dusted her hair and lashes. Later, she even built a small snowman near the gate, its crooked smile making Han Fei laugh.
But the snow did not stop.
It fell through the night. And the next day. And the next.
Each morning, Bo Xi rose early to shovel the thick layers piling up at the front entrance. After that, she climbed carefully to the roof to clear the accumulating snow, afraid the weight would cause it to collapse. The cold wind cut through her clothes, numbing her fingers despite the gloves.
That afternoon, after clearing the roof once more, she finally sat at the table with Han Fei. He handed her a cup of warm ginger water. Steam curled into the air as they sipped quietly.
Suddenly—
Thud.
Bo Xi paused.
Then came another, louder crash.
Her eyes sharpened instantly. She set down her cup and walked carefully to the window. Pushing it open just a crack, her breath caught.
Huge blocks of ice were falling from the sky.
Not snow.
Ice.
The sounds grew chaotic—panicked shouting, wood splintering, something heavy smashing into rooftops.
Bo Xi moved quickly and pulled Han Fei toward the bed, shielding him with her body as they sat pressed together.
Han Fei's face had turned pale.
'Why is this different from before?' he thought, fear rising in his chest as the crashing noises echoed through the village.
"Don't worry," Bo Xi murmured, rubbing his back in slow, steady circles. Her voice remained calm, though her eyes were alert.
The barrage continued for what felt like an eternity before it finally subsided. Even then, Bo Xi waited several long minutes before daring to look outside again.
Through the window, she saw devastation.
A neighboring house had a gaping hole in its roof. Snow and shattered wood littered the yard. Children were crying loudly. A woman stood outside, clutching her head—blood staining her sleeve.
Bo Xi's jaw tightened.
"I'm going to check on my in-laws," she said, already standing and reaching for her cloak. The snow had begun falling lightly again, deceptively peaceful.
"Wait—don't. It's dangerous," Han Fei said quickly, grabbing her hand.
Bo Xi squeezed his fingers reassuringly. "I'll be careful."
She picked up a shovel, just in case.
"Then let me go with you," Han Fei insisted, fear and determination mixed with fear.
"No, I'll be back soon," Bo Xi said gently, leaning down to press a soft kiss to Han Fei's forehead.
Han Fei's fingers tightened around her sleeve for a brief moment before slowly loosening. He knew that once Bo Xi made a decision, it was difficult to change her mind.
"Come back quickly," he said, worry heavy in his voice.
Bo Xi nodded firmly, then stepped out into the wind.
The cold air struck her face like knives. Snow swirled wildly across the ground, and the sky remained a dull, oppressive gray. She pulled her cloak tighter and ran toward Han Fei's family home.
Even from a distance, her heart sank.
The house was badly damaged. Large holes gaped in the roof, broken beams jutting out at awkward angles. One side of the structure had partially collapsed, causing half the house to tilt dangerously. Snow and shattered wood were scattered everywhere.
Several villagers stood outside in shock.
"Mother! Are you alright?" Bo Xi rushed forward.
Mother Han was sitting on the ground, her face pale from pain. Father Han knelt beside her, eyes red.
"Her leg is injured," Father Han said, his voice trembling. "The house… it's unlivable now. Our grain, our belongings—they're all buried."
Bo Xi crouched to quickly assess Mother Han's injury. The leg was swollen but didn't appear broken.
"Don't worry, Father," she said steadily. "The village chief will organize people to clear the debris. For now, you must come with me. Stay at our house."
Mother Han tried to push herself up. "I can walk—"
"No," Bo Xi interrupted firmly but respectfully. "It's not safe. Another wave could come."
Without waiting further, she carefully lifted Mother Han onto her back. Though reluctant, Mother Han finally stopped protesting.
Father Han, along with Han Fei's brother and sister, gathered what little they could salvage, blankets, a few clothes, and a small sack of food.
The wind howled as they made their way back.
When they reached Bo Xi's house, Han Fei had already opened the door. Relief washed over his face when he saw them.
"Come in quickly!"
He immediately hurried to the kitchen to boil ginger water.
Bo Xi gently set Mother Han onto a chair near the fire and covered her with a thick blanket. Then she turned to help Father Han carry in the salvaged belongings.
"What happened?" Han Fei asked, though knew the answer in his heart.
"The house collapsed." Just as Bo Xi was going to explain. She heard some things crash.
Bo Xi carefully, as before, opened the window. Looking at the scene, she knew it wasn't over.