Muted Love
Ep 1
A dimly lit, cold house. A frail woman sits on the floor, cradling her baby close. The baby, no older than a year, blinks up at her with big, innocent eyes.
Wei Pao (MC mom)
*whispers* Chen Ci, my sweet boy… what should I do?
Her stomach growls, but she ignores it. She brushes a gentle hand over her son’s cheek, feeling the warmth of his tiny body.
Outside, the wind howls against the paper windows. She clenches her fists, determination flashing in her weary eyes.
She stands up, wrapping her thin shawl tightly around her shoulders. She lays Chen Ci carefully on the straw mat, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.
Wei Pao (MC mom)
*softly* Mama will be back soon, okay?
Chen Ci stares at her, reaching out with his small fingers, but she quickly turns and leaves before her resolve crumbles.
The market is bustling with people. The scent of freshly baked bread fills the air, making her stomach twist in hunger.
Her eyes dart left and right. A vendor places a warm loaf on the wooden counter, turning away for just a moment.
She lunges forward, her fingers barely grazing the bread before snatching it up and tucking it under her shawl.
Her pulse races as she quickly walks away, her back tense, waiting for someone to yell.
Her heart drops. She starts running, pushing past people as footsteps pound behind her.
She weaves through the crowd, dodging hands that try to grab her. The loaf of bread presses against her chest as she breathes heavily, desperate to reach home.
The mother stumbles inside their small home, quickly shutting the door behind her.
She gasps for air, sweat dripping from her forehead. The tiny baby in the corner lifts his head at the sound, blinking sleepily.
She rushes to him, kneeling down and tearing the bread into small pieces with shaking hands.
Wei Pao (MC mom)
*panting* Here, my love… eat slowly.
Chen Ci tilts his head, then grabs the piece with his chubby fingers and shoves it into his mouth.
His tiny face brightens at the taste. The mother watches him with teary eyes, her fingers brushing through his dark hair.
BANG! The door slams open
She freezes and turn around
Guard
There she is! *point to her*
The mother shields Chen Ci instinctively, her arms wrapping around him protectively.
Wei Pao (MC mom)
Please, have mercy! I only stole a piece of bread for my son!
Guard
The law is the law. Come with us
Chen Ci watches as the guards grab her by the arms, yanking her away. His little hands shoot out, grabbing onto her sleeve.
Young Chen ci (MC)
*silent gasp, gripping tightly*
The mother struggles, trying to hold onto him.
Wei Pao (MC mom)
*desperate* Chen Ci! My baby-!
But the guards tear her away. Chen Ci falls forward, landing on the cold floor with a soft thud.
He scrambles up, his tiny feet stumbling after her, but the door slams shut in his face.
Chen Ci stares at the door, his hands shaking. Then, his lips tremble, and a silent scream forms on his lips.
He beats his tiny fists against the door, his body shaking with voiceless cries.
Young Chen ci (MC)
*slamming the door, eyes red with silent sobs*
But no matter how much he screams, no sound comes out.
Days pass. Chen Ci wanders the streets, barefoot and alone.
His small hands clutch his empty stomach as he stumbles through the busy roads.
People pass by, barely sparing him a glance.
Chen ci was very hungry and he is all alone
Chen ci still crying, old lady noticed him while walking, the old lady offer Chen ci a free bread/bun
Chen Ci stares at the bun. His hands slowly reach out, hesitant. His fingers barely touch it before snatching it close. He takes a bite, warmth fills his mouth, making his eyes water.
The old lady watches him with a soft gaze, waiting for him to finish.
The old lady say to him this "You have no one, do you? "
Chen Ci looks up at her, then slowly lowers his head. His hands grip the remaining piece of bun tightly.
The old lady hums thoughtfully before gently patting his head.
The old lady offer his hand and ask him "would you like to stay with me and let me take care of you?
Ep 2
The morning sun bathes the village in a soft golden light. The air smells of fresh bread, herbal tea, and morning dew. The streets are alive with merchants calling out their goods, children playing, and villagers going about their day.
Among them, a young man moves gracefully, his long black hair swaying slightly as he walks. His eyes, gentle yet observant, scan the bustling market.
Chen Ci (MC)
💭 "Another peaceful morning. The children must be waiting."
A few children spot him from afar and dash toward him excitedly.
Children
Teacher Chen Ci!
Children
You’re here! Are we learning new words today?
Chen Ci stops walking and turns to them with a small, warm smile. He raises his hands and starts signing.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "Yes. Let's go."
The children beam and follow him eagerly as he continues toward a modest wooden building, a small school at the edge of the village.
Inside the classroom, the children sit eagerly on the wooden benches, their eyes fixed on Chen Ci. He stands at the front, his fingers moving with elegant precision.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "Today, we will learn to count."
The children mimic his signs, their little hands moving clumsily as they try to copy him.
Children
Like this? *He holds up his fingers in an attempt to form the right sign*
Chen Ci watches, then steps closer, gently adjusting the child’s fingers.
Chen Ci (MC)
*nodding, signing* "Yes. Good job."
The child grins, clearly pleased. The others giggle and continue practicing.
Children
Teacher, if we can learn words with our hands, can we also tell stories?
Chen Ci pauses, slightly surprised. Then, he smiles and nods.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "Of course. Stories do not need a voice."
Chen Ci (MC)
"They need only a heart willing to tell them."
The children’s eyes sparkle with excitement. But before they can continue-
The heavy sound of hooves and armored footsteps echoes from outside.
The children flinch at the sudden noise. Chen Ci immediately turns toward the open classroom door, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Children
*whispering* Who is that?
A moment later, several heavily armored guards march into the village, their expressions cold and authoritative.
The imperial emblem gleams on their armor, making it clear who they serve
Guard
Search the area! No one is to leave until we find him.
Chen Ci (MC)
💭 "Who are they looking for? Why come here?"
One of the guards steps forward, his sharp gaze sweeping across the village. His eyes land on the school and, more specifically, on Chen Ci.
Guard
You there! Come forward.
The children tense, clutching the edges of their seats as they look at their teacher in worry. Chen Ci exhales quietly before stepping forward, his expression calm but unreadable.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "Is something wrong, officer?"
The guard frowns, clearly not understanding. Another villager steps in to translate, but the moment they speak, the guard’s expression darkens.
Guard
Enough. Just answer our questions.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "I will, if I can."
The guard stares at him, his patience wearing thin. The air around them grows tense as the silent teacher and the imperial guard face each other.
Ep 3
The air in the village is thick with unease. The imperial guards stand tall, their cold stares making the villagers whisper nervously.
Chen Ci remains still, his deep eyes locked onto the Guard Captain, waiting for the next words to come.
Guard
We are searching for a fugitive.
Guard
Have you seen any suspicious strangers in this village?
Chen Ci blinks, then slowly shakes his head. His hands move swiftly as he responds in sign language.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "No. I have seen no strangers here."
The Guard Captain scowls, irritated that he must rely on someone else to translate. A nearby villager hesitantly speaks up.
Villager
Teacher Chen Ci says he has not seen anyone suspicious.
The Guard Captain’s expression hardens. He steps closer, towering over Chen Ci.
Guard
You seem very calm. Are you hiding something?
The villagers tense. The children inside the school peek through the window, fear in their young eyes. Chen Ci, however, remains composed, though his heartbeat quickens.
Chen Ci (MC)
💭 "Why is he pushing? Does he suspect me for no reason?"
He raises his hands again, his fingers forming precise movements.
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "I have no reason to lie."
Chen Ci (MC)
*signing* "I only teach here."
A long silence stretches between them. Then, a second guard steps forward and whispers something to the captain. His brows furrow before he turns away sharply.
He casts one last glance at Chen Ci.
Guard
You, stay where you are.
Chen Ci exhales softly but does not move. The children watch him anxiously, waiting for his signal that everything will be alright.
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