“Young Master,” Jacob called out to Alexander. The boy turned and saw his uncle smiling warmly from a distance.
Lingzhi froze in shock at the sight of a familiar figure seated in a wheelchair. Her heart skipped a beat, and her surprise deepened when Alex ran toward the man with unrestrained joy.
“Daddy!” Alex shouted excitedly as he dashed forward. Everyone tensed at the sudden movement.
“Careful, Alex!” Lingzhi and Alex’s uncle called out simultaneously, their voices laced with concern.
Alex stopped just in time, beaming up at his uncle. “You’re here! I’ve been waiting for you.”
“You’ve been waiting for me?” his uncle asked, his expression soft.
“Yes! And I want to introduce you to someone.” Alex turned and waved Lingzhi over. She stood up from the bench, feeling flustered, and walked toward them.
“This is Lingzhi. I want her to be my mom. Can I?” Alex’s innocent request left everyone stunned—Lingzhi, Jacob, and even Julian.
Lingzhi’s mouth opened, but no words came out. “Alex… remember what we talked about—”
“But my mom and dad are gone,” Alex interrupted softly but firmly. “He’s my uncle, and he said it’s okay to call him Dad. He adopted me. He’s my dad now.”
Lingzhi’s breath caught in her throat. So this is the boy—the one from the news. The tragic accident that claimed his parents’ lives. The six-year-old who survived a month-long coma. She glanced at Alex’s uncle with newfound understanding.
“Aunt Lingzhi?” Alex’s small voice broke through her thoughts.
“Huh? Oh… it’s a pleasure to meet you,” she finally managed, giving a polite smile. “I’m Lingzhi.”
“I’m Julian Yu,” he replied, polite but guarded. “Alex’s uncle.”
Lingzhi shifted awkwardly. “I should go now so you two can spend time together. I’ll see you tomorrow, Alex.”
“Okay, bye, Aunt Lingzhi!” Alex waved enthusiastically as she walked away.
Lingzhi glanced back once more. The sight of Alex and Julian standing together filled her with a strange, bittersweet warmth. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something new and extraordinary was just beginning.
