"I'll check on the twins anyway," she said, rising to her feet. "It'll put my mind at ease."

Shi Min nodded, his eyes reflecting understanding. "Go ahead, Mom. I've got things covered here.

Ling Li moved swiftly, her steps silent against the floor as she made her way down the dimly lit hallway. The echoes of the heavenly tribulation still seemed to hum in the air, whispering through the house like fading remnants of fury. When she reached the twins' nursery, she gently pushed the door open.

The soft glow of a lantern illuminated the small chamber.

Inside, Kim Kim sat cross-legged on the bed, her delicate arms wrapped around Chin Chin, rocking her slightly. The younger twin's breathing was soft and even, but dried tear tracks stained her cheeks, a lingering testament to the terror that had gripped her earlier.

Ling Li's heart clenched.

Kim Kim was only a year old, yet she carried herself with the wisdom and composure of someone far beyond her age. This was no ordinary child—she was sharper, more aware, more attuned to the world than any toddler should be.

Kim Kim looked up as Ling Li entered, her small face lighting up in relief. "Mom," she whispered.

Ling Li knelt beside them, reaching out to brush a gentle hand against Chin Chin's forehead, her touch lingering for reassurance. The warmth of her fingertips soothed the child, but Chin Chin remained nestled against her sister, her tiny fingers clutching the fabric of Kim Kim's nightgown as though afraid to let go.

Ling Li turned to Kim Kim, her voice filled with quiet appreciation. "You took care of your sister well," she said, stroking her daughter's hair. "Thank you."

Kim Kim offered a small, proud smile, though the flicker of worry remained in her eyes. "She was scared, but I told her that the heavens were just being noisy," she said in her small, childish voice, carefully pronouncing each word as if trying to make sure she got them right.

Ling Li let out a soft chuckle, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Kim Kim's ear. "That was very wise of you."

Kim Kim puffed out her chest proudly. "Of course! I'm not scared of anything."

But Ling Li could see the exhaustion settling into her Kim Kim's small frame. The way her shoulders drooped ever so slightly, the way her little fingers curled and uncurled unconsciously — she was drained, but she didn't want to admit it.

Ling Li reached out, pulling both twins into her embrace and holding them close. She could feel their warmth, the steady beat of their tiny hearts against her own.

Ling Li sat at the edge of the bed, cradling the twins in her arms. Their warmth seeped into her, their fragile bodies pressed against her chest, their rhythmic breaths steadying her own. She held them tighter as if anchoring herself to the moment — to them. Though the storm outside had calmed, inside her, a different tempest raged.

The first golden streaks of morning filtered through the curtains, illuminating the quiet room in a soft glow. The scent of rain still clung to the air, a lingering reminder of the storm that had torn through the night, leaving nothing but hushed whispers of its passing.

Shi Min and Mushu had already departed, their duty calling them to confront Solaris. The urgency of their mission left no room for delay and hesitation.

Yet Ling Li hadn't slept. She returned from the twin's nursery and had refused to leave Four Eyes' side, watching over him with unwavering vigilance. His breathing was steady now, the fever that had gripped him through the night beginning to loosen its hold. Still, the worry gnawed at her. She dipped a cloth into warm water, wrung it out, and traced it gently over his sweat-dampened skin, her touch both delicate and firm.

And then — he stirred.

Ling Li's heart leaped.

Four Eyes' lips barely moved, but the whisper came nonetheless, fragile and strained: "Water…

Water…"

Ling Li didn't think twice. Instantly, she reached for the pitcher, pouring warm water into a cup before carefully sliding a hand beneath his neck, lifting him just enough so he could drink. The moment the rim touched his lips, he drank eagerly, gulping down the soothing liquid as if it were the first relief he had felt in ages.

Ling Li frowned. "Drink slowly. No one is going to snatch it from you."

Four Eyes paused momentarily, then looked at her with pleading eyes. "Can I have some more?"

She exhaled, shaking her head with a small, tired smile. "Yes, but drink slower," she murmured, bringing the cup to his lips again, watching him intently to ensure he didn't swallow too quickly.

Finally, Four Eyes eased back against the headboard, the tension in his body lessening by a leap.

Ling Li studied him, her sharp gaze scanning his face. The exhaustion was still visible in the pallor of his skin, but his eyes — those ever-watchful eyes — were clearer now, sharper.

Ling Li leaned in slightly, her voice gentle but firm. "How do you feel? Any pain?"

Four Eyes shook his head.

"Are you hungry?"

He nodded.

A mix of relief and exasperation flickered across her expression. 'Is he back to being silent after leveling up to the fifth level?' she mused, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes.

Calling Butler Peng, she instructed him to prepare light dishes for Four Eyes before turning back to Four Eyes.

Then, taking his hand in hers, Ling Li squeezed it gently. "Hon, if you feel any discomfort or pain, you have to tell me." Her tone was affectionate but edged with frustration. 'And I can't stand you returning to silent mode.'

Four Eyes blink was sharp, startled - as though something had just clicked into place.

Wait.

'Had I just heard her thoughts?'

His eyes locked onto her face, searching, questioning, dissecting every expression. Ling Li frowned.

"Is there something on my face? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Her mind raced, her thoughts tumbling wildly. 'Why is he staring at me so silently? He can't be thinking of making out at a time like this, right?!'

Four Eyes stilled.

His breath caught.

And suddenly — he laughed.

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