Feihao was pulled into a slow waltz by a giggling old lady.
Zhihao found himself seated beside his opponent, the Go board forgotten as they debated historical war strategies.
Qingqing smiled—wide this time—as Minghao made a face full of banana for a group of grinning grandmas.
And Tang Fei… stood back and watched it all. A soft ache bloomed in her chest.
This wasn't just a visit. This was healing. For everyone.
Would you like to follow this scene with a moment of quiet reflection between Tang Fei and Huo Ting Cheng afterward—or perhaps a sudden call from Aerithya hinting they might know the princess is alive?
Qingqing nodded, her voice a whisper. "It smells like… stories."
Tang Fei blinked, touched. "That's a beautiful way to put it."
She wrapped an arm around the child. Qingqing didn't flinch this time.
