"Whew... this is a bit heavy."
Since they didn't have suitcases, their belongings had to be carried in plastic bags or by hand. Little Mo Xin emerged from her room, her arms laden with a pile of novels, manga, unfinished snack bags, and a few changes of clothes.
"Huh? Where did you get so much stuff?" Mo Xi, who had already finished packing and even changed her clothes, couldn't help but ask in confusion. Apart from a few clothes, she only had some small items left. One could say the luggage of the two felt worlds apart.
Thus, Mo Xin explained, looking a bit weary. "These snacks and books are my daily necessities! After all, even though I don't want to be separated from Sister, I also don't want to burden her. So, it's best to bring as much of this stuff as I can."
Hearing this, Mo Xi couldn't say anything more. Mo Xin was accustomed to a frugal life and also worried that her parents might not like her. After all, her own parents were quite wealthy, but one shouldn't be too presumptuous about anything.
"Alright, let's go. We can come back another day to settle the remaining rent, Sister." With that, Mo Xin prepared to depart.
"Let me take those." The moment the words fell, the books in Mo Xin's hands were already in Acheron's grasp. Acheron held the stack of books with one hand. "Mo Xin, you don't need to worry too much. Our parents are very easy to get along with."
"Really? Thank you! But I can carry them myself..." Before Mo Xin could finish, Acheron interrupted. "It's fine. This weight isn't a problem. No need to be formal. Just interact with me as you normally would, like your sister does."
Seeing Acheron effortlessly hold the stack of books with one hand, Mo Xin ultimately chose to accept. "Then, can I call you Sister Acheron, just like my sister does?" After saying this, she carefully observed Acheron's expression, trying to detect any hint of emotion.
However, Acheron remained expressionless, then slowly spoke. "Whatever you're comfortable with."
"Then, Sister Acheron, you can just call me little Mo Xin or little sister!"
"...Alright."
"Okay, let's go then." Mo Xi interrupted the two at this point, leading the way out the door. Acheron followed closely behind. Bringing up the rear, Mo Xin watched Acheron's back with great interest. 'Just as Sister said, she seems cold but isn't hard to get along with.'
"...The kids are back... Huh? Why didn't you say you were carrying so much? I could have driven to pick you up!" Hearing the door open, Mother Ye immediately came out cheerfully to greet them. Only to see the three of them carrying various items. After all, Acheron had only asked them to prepare dinner, not mentioned moving. As for the extra girl, she must be the little sister Mo Xi mentioned.
"Come on, kids, let us help." Mother Ye naturally took the items from Mo Xi's hands. Father Ye, arriving a step later, silently stepped forward and took Mo Xin's luggage without a word.
"Let me handle it." Father Ye intended to take the things from Acheron, but she politely declined, and they all went to put the items down together.
This scene surprised Mo Xin a bit. The stack of books didn't look heavy, but this slender girl Acheron had been holding them with one hand for so long, and her arm was rock steady, without the slightest tremor. If it were Mo Xin herself, even using both hands, her arms would probably be numb by now.
But she was more concerned about something else. "Sister, is this beautiful lady actually your mother this time?" Mo Xin looked doubtful and uneasy, then leaned in close to her sister's ear again to whisper. Although Mo Xi's expression was exasperated, she nodded in confirmation.
"Yes."
"No way!" Mo Xin's little mouth fell open again, her face filled with disbelief. "This young lady is your mother? Sister, when you stand together, you two look more like sisters!"
Pfft!
At that moment, Mother Ye, with her back to the two, suddenly let out a soft laugh. This surprising turn of events made Mo Xin's heart tighten. 'No way? This time I learned my lesson and paid more attention to controlling my volume!'
Mo Xi: T_T Is 'learning from experience' supposed to be applied here?
Mother Ye slowly turned around, a light smile playing on her lips. "So you're a repeat offender, little one? Although your compliment was nice, be more careful next time. Not everyone is as magnanimous as your big sister here~"
After saying that, Mother Ye hopped and skipped into the kitchen.
Mo Xin: (⊙x⊙;) It's over. This is so embarrassing. I've just arrived and already suffered a social death... Will she think I'm a gossip who talks behind people's backs? Will I be disliked?
'I really want to move to another planet...' Seeing her sister now rendered in black and white, Mo Xi was completely speechless. 'You never learn your lesson. Now you know the consequences.'
Mo Xi shook her head and walked away, leaving her stunned sister standing there... Soon after, the five of them sat around the dining table. Seeing everyone present, Father Ye initiated the conversation.
"You must be Mo Xin. From today on, we are family. Since things were a bit rushed, if there's anything you don't eat, please don't force yourself."
Seeing that Mo Xin still seemed a bit reserved, Mother Ye chimed in. "Don't be shy, child. We don't stand on ceremony here. Just make yourself at home."
Mo Xin, who had been feeling slightly better, became even more nervous upon hearing this, her little ears turning bright red. It wasn't nervousness, but she hadn't yet recovered from the embarrassment, making her unable to face Mother Ye.
Honestly! A playful smile appeared at the corner of Mo Xi's mouth. Of course she understood what her sister was thinking. But compared to that... Mo Xi looked at the warm, lively table before her and the people around it...
Outside, a light drizzle fell today, bringing a refreshing coolness. Inside, the hot pot on the table bubbled, emitting white steam. The red broth churned with Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers. Tripe, beef aorta, and shrimp paste were neatly arranged in bamboo baskets. With a flick of the chopsticks, the entire table was filled with the fragrance of the boiling feast.
For a moment, she was filled with emotion. It had been so long... since she had shared a meal like this with family.
"Don't be shy, eat more." "Here, child, try this tripe." "Mmm..."
Familiar yet unfamiliar words kept echoing in her ears, making her recall the past. When the grandfather who had once taken care of them was still alive, he had also taken them out for hot pot, just like today. But he was long gone, leaving only her and her sister in this world...
"Child... child, are you alright?" Mother Ye, Father Ye, and Mo Xin all looked at Mo Xi with concern. Mo Xi was startled, for without realizing it, a crystal-clear teardrop had rolled down her cheek.
Mo Xi quickly snapped back to reality and explained. "It's nothing, I just... just... remembered my grandfather."
Hearing this, Mo Xin's expression also fell silent. Understanding the situation, the couple didn't know how to comfort her, but a trace of heartache appeared in their eyes. They understood her feelings at this moment very well. Because they had once lost Mo Xi too.
At that moment, Mo Xi glanced out of the corner of her eye at Acheron beside her. She was still as usual. But this time, Mo Xi discerned a flicker of emotion in her eyes. Past words surfaced in her mind once again:
"I too was once remembered by someone. Those insignificant moments, in retrospect, always speak louder than a thousand words. Don't let pain dictate your thoughts. Maintain your true self, and you will stay on the right path."
She felt the blurriness before her eyes clear. Parents, sister, Acheron—their figures were now clearly imprinted in her mind.