Re-birth: The Beginning after the End - Chapter 108

Chapter 108: RISING AT NOON

Once the siblings finished their meals, Li Hua walked both brothers back to their rooms and cleaned up.

Before entering her own room, she stood in the hallway between their chambers, listening to their soft breathing. In the quiet of night, with no one to see her carefully maintained composure crumble, the full weight of what had happened finally crashed over her.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as guilt threatened to suffocate her. The “what ifs” she’d been suppressing since their rescue now flooded her mind mercilessly. If she had left with them that day instead of staying behind, would her brothers have been spared such torture? The memory of Li Wei’s body wrapped in temporal chains, of Li Hao’s form riddled with burns—it was almost too much to bear. Her brothers, who had always protected her, had suffered so terribly while she had been safe in her space.

Her shoulders shook with silent sobs as she pressed a hand against the wall to steady herself. She was their little sister—the one they had always cherished and defended—and she had failed to prevent their pain.

Never again, she vowed silently, her fingers clenching against the wall until her knuckles turned white. In her past life, she had no family but Li Min—an adopted sister who neither cared for her nor valued their bond. But this time was different. This time she had brothers who loved her unconditionally, who had endured torture rather than betray her—and she would become strong enough to protect them, whatever the cost. This world had shown its cruelty; she would show it what happened when someone dared harm her family.

Wiping away her tears with trembling hands, she straightened. They were alive. They were together. And she had ten years to ensure no one would hurt her family again.

She finally made her way to her own room, her body feeling heavier with each step as the day’s events caught up with her. After a quick bath to wash away her tears, she collapsed onto her bed. The moment her head touched the pillow, exhaustion claimed her completely—her usually vigilant mind surrendering to the deep sleep that only came after surviving something you feared impossible.

When the sound of clattering bowls and muffled voices stirred Li Hua from her slumber, it took a moment for her brain to catch up. For an instant, her instincts flared, but they quickly settled as she registered her brothers’ familiar essence signatures drifting from the kitchen. The stream of sunlight pouring through her window told her it was well past morning—a rare, almost impossible occurrence for her in two lifetimes. It felt strange, unfamiliar, but strangely comforting all at once.

Following the noise, she found both her brothers in the kitchen. Li Wei was carefully measuring ingredients with his usual scholarly precision while Li Hao appeared to be attempting to recreate their mother’s spirit rice recipe, though his movements were still somewhat stiff from yesterday’s injuries.

“You’re finally awake!” Li Hao’s face lit up upon seeing her, his voice carrying its usual warmth despite the lingering fatigue. “We woke up not long ago ourselves. Looks like we all needed the rest—it’s already past noon.”

“We thought to prepare lunch,” Li Wei added. “Though perhaps we should have waited for your guidance, considering our current state.”

Li Hua took in the sight of her brothers attempting normalcy despite their wounds, their determination to maintain routine touching her heart even as her protective instincts urged her to send them back to rest.

“You both should be resting,” Li Hua chided gently, moving to take over the cooking, but Li Wei raised a hand to stop her.

“We’ve rested enough,” he said, his dignity somewhat undermined by the way he had to lean against the counter for support. “Besides, the medicinal bath did its work. We’re not completely helpless, little sister.”

Li Hao nodded enthusiastically from where he was stirring the pot, though his usually boundless energy was notably subdued. “And we wanted to do something for you. You took care of everything yesterday.”

Li Hua felt her heart squeeze at their efforts. Even injured, they were trying to look after her. She compromised by pulling up a chair at the kitchen table, close enough to intervene if needed but allowing them this small victory. “At least let me help if you start feeling tired.”

“Sister,” Li Hao’s grin was infectious despite his obvious fatigue, “did you know you slept through Li Wei trying to reorganize the entire kitchen according to some system?”

“It wasn’t—” Li Wei started to protest, but a slight smile tugged at his lips. “I merely suggested a more efficient arrangement for the herbs and spices. The same system Mother uses back home—everything in its proper place.”

The familiar bickering washed over Li Hua like a healing balm. This was what she had feared losing forever—these simple moments of family, of her brothers being themselves despite everything they’d endured.

Just as they finished preparing the meal, subtle movements from the pot caught her attention—the congee had reached that perfect consistency their mother always aimed for. Li Hua watched with pride as Li Hao ladled out portions with surprising grace despite his injuries, while Li Wei arranged the table with his usual precision.

The siblings gathered around the simple wooden table, steam rising gently from their bowls. While her brothers were arranging the dishes, Li Hua took the opportunity to retrieve spirit water from her inner space. She filled three cups carefully and placed them beside each bowl of congee—they all needed the spiritual nourishment.

The meal passed quickly, their bodies demanding more sustenance after yesterday’s ordeals.

“Thank you for the meal,” she said, watching them finish their portions. “After this, I want to examine both of you and heal what I can with my essence.”

“Sister, don’t worry—we don’t want you to push yourself too—” Li Wei began, his features arranging themselves into familiar concern.

“I’m feeling much better today,” she cut in firmly. “Besides, the faster you both heal, the faster we can begin training.” Her tone softened as she saw their continued hesitation. “The medicinal baths helped, but there might still be damage that needs attention. Let me do this for you both.”

Li Hao glanced at Li Wei, their shared look speaking volumes about their little sister’s stubborn nature when it came to protecting them. Finally, Li Wei nodded, his pragmatism winning out. “Very well, but you must promise to stop if your body shows any sign of strain.”

“And you have to let us know if you start feeling tired,” Li Hao added, his usual playfulness giving way to brotherly concern.

Li Hua’s lips curved into a small smile as she gathered their empty bowls and cups, her movements efficient and practiced. She quickly wiped down the table before turning back to her brothers. “I promise. Now, who’s first?”