“I’m leaving tomorrow and may not return for a long time.” His tone lowered before he looked at her determinedly. “But I will definitely return when you’re sixteen. You must wait for me!”
“Yes! I’ll wait for you!” she nodded, waving the grasshopper she had folded. “I’ll protect it and wait for you to find me.”
“Okay!” he smiled, holding her hand.
Five years old —
Bermuda
“Shang ge ge, you’re bullying me again, I’ll tell Eleven Dad!” Puffing her cheeks, she glared at Tian Xuan Shang, who laughed in front of her. All ten of her older brothers doted on her, but he always loved to torment her. She would ensure he felt Eleven Dad’s paddle.
“You wouldn’t dare!” His eyes showed fear despite the bravado.
“I will!” She ran towards the house, where her parents were talking to Grandpa White.
“Good little sister, ge ge won’t do it again.” Shang ge ge chased her, but she ignored him. He anxiously tugged at her clothes. ‘Thud—’ She fell to the ground.
“Woo…” It hurt. Lying there, she cried loudly, refusing to be consoled.
“What happened?” A pleasant voice sounded overhead as she was lifted up.
“Xuan ge ge, Shang ge ge bullied me.” Before her was Jiang Uncle’s son, already seventeen, handsome and elegant, inheriting his father’s business talents.
“Little Lian Lian, be good! Don’t cry. Xuan ge ge will make crystal shrimp dumplings for you, okay?”
“Okay!” At the mention of food, she stopped crying, letting Xuan ge ge lead her while giving Shang ge ge a fierce glare. She wouldn’t forget this grudge.
Mommy and Daddy brought my brothers and me to the royal palace, saying there would be many delicious pastries, which excited me.
I completely inherited my mother’s love for food, though unfortunately, I can’t cook. She comforted me, saying it doesn’t matter, and I can just find a husband who’s good at cooking. I am a pampered daughter, and it’s no sin to not be skilled in household chores.
