Yue Ling could no longer hold back the remaining tears gathering in her eyes.
One slipped down her cheek.
She quickly wiped it away, but another followed.
Grandfather Ji's expression softened.
"Come here, child."
She rose from her chair and walked around the desk, kneeling beside him.
The old man opened his arms.
The moment Yue Ling leaned into his embrace, the composure she had struggled to maintain finally crumbled.
"Yeye..."
Her voice broke.
Grandfather Ji wrapped his arms around her, gently patting her back as he held her close. His heart ached at the sight of his granddaughter breaking down, but all he could do was offer her the warmth and comfort of his embrace.
"My child."
Yue Ling buried her face against his shoulder.
She had faced countless dangers without fear.
She had witnessed death, endured pain, and walked through situations that would have broken others.
Yet the thought of losing her grandfather left her feeling helpless.
