Chapter 31: The Bonds of Family
Kinship is a truly remarkable thing.
As I looked at Xu Nian's tears, I couldn't help but cry as well.
Xu Nian took a step forward and gently leaned into my lap.
His small hand reached up, and in my line of sight, he carefully removed my mask.
He gazed at the ugly scars on my face, his fingertips brushing over them with delicate concern.
"Mom." He tilted his face up to call me, his voice soft.
My tears flowed freely, and I lowered my head, pulling him into a tight embrace.
Xu Nian, calm and steady as he was, a child raised by his father's hands, broke down and began to sob in my arms.
In that moment, he let it all out—his grief, his confusion, his longing.
As I held him, my own sobs became more uncontrollable.
Through all of this, Qin Jinnan remained by my side, sitting quietly, watching us with a still and earnest gaze.
It wasn't until he heard my choking sobs that he could no longer hold back.
He gently reached over, pulling Xu Nian away from me, his voice firm yet soft: "Your mom needs to rest."