Encouraging Dreams

"Alright, got it! I won't let down the Party's cultivation—oh, no, I mean I absolutely won't betray your trust in me! Haha." Meng felt a bit more confident in herself, though from the look of her carefree demeanor, I couldn't help but wonder how things would turn out in the end. Whatever happens, I'll support her to the very end! No one can shake my resolve!

Hmph, anyone who stands in my way will regret it! "That's more like it. Let's stop here for today. See you tomorrow! Bye-bye."

"Mm, see you tomorrow." After hanging up, Xiao opened the wardrobe next to her, took out the pajamas she'd brought from home yesterday, and prepared the clothes she would change into the next morning. She closed the wardrobe, pajamas in hand, and walked into the bathroom attached to her room. Though it was in her own room, it was every bit as luxurious as the one downstairs.

Opulent bath products lined the shelves; a large bathtub sat in the corner, with a faucet above spraying water, reminiscent of a hot spring. After washing her hair, Xiao stepped into the tub and soaked herself in the warm bath. "Ah, nothing feels better than a bath," she sighed aloud. She soaked for a long while before rising, drying off, and putting on her pajamas. At the vanity, she took out the hair dryer and blew her hair dry.

Climbing onto her bed, she picked up the alarm clock. It was only seven-thirty—still early. She wondered if her brother had fallen asleep yet. Perhaps she should go check on him.

With a flip, she climbed out of bed, slipped on her shoes, and skipped toward Han's room, which was diagonally across from hers. It only took a few steps to reach it. "Oh, the door isn't locked," she noticed. Han hadn't locked his door; Xiao didn't bother to knock and simply pushed it open. Inside, Han was sitting on his bed, reading a report.

"Brother!" She suddenly dove into Han's arms. Han had known Xiao would come before she even opened the door, so he wasn't startled; he simply embraced her as she fell into his arms, gently stroking her hair.

"Why aren't you asleep yet, hmm?" She snuggled in his embrace, acting spoiled.

"No, it's still early! Why don't you tell me a story? Please?"

"You! You're so grown up and still want to hear stories? Very well, come lie down." He let Xiao settle beside him, then began to speak slowly.

"Once upon a time, there was a very poor man. He lived his days never having enough to eat or warm clothes to wear. One day, the sky poured rain, and the roof above him leaked constantly. So he cried out to the heavens, 'Oh heavens, I've never asked for anything in my life, but now, please grant me an umbrella! I promise to cherish it dearly!' The next day, there really was an umbrella at his door. It was beautiful. True to his word, the poor man revered it as though it were sacred.

But from the moment he received the umbrella, it never rained there again. The poor man now had no water to drink. Suddenly, he remembered the umbrella. Ever since he got it, it hadn't rained. In anger, he threw the umbrella away! That very day, it rained heavily, flooding his house. There was nowhere dry to rest, and finally, his house was submerged. The poor man died."

As the story ended, Han glanced down at Xiao in his arms; she had already drifted off to sleep, though he didn't know when. Han smiled, quietly gazing at her. He fell into memories, his mind drifting back to that year. From a young age, he'd been taught that a man must be independent and resilient, so he started learning to help his father manage the company when he was still a child.

He had a mother with a childlike spirit, who doted on him dearly. One day, his mother became pregnant and asked whether he preferred a little brother or a little sister. He said he wanted a brother, so he'd have someone to keep him company.

----- Author's Note -----
Desperate writing mode has been activated. If you haven't already bookmarked this story, please do so! Thank you for your support!