The next afternoon, Velin wore plain clothes and stood in Fountain Square, watching the few people step down from behind the carriage, a gentle smile on his face.
The black-haired middle-aged man standing on the left was undoubtedly his cousin-uncle Kadqi. Compared with more than seventy years ago, he had begun growing a beard.
The black-haired youth standing right beside Kadqi was, if nothing unexpected had happened, Paloto. After so many years, he had changed a great deal as well.
His gaze shifted to Sister Laila. Compared with her youthful, lively self from more than seventy years ago, she now seemed gentle and mature, with even more charm.
The black-haired girl holding her right hand looked ninety percent like Laila. If nothing unexpected had happened, she should be their daughter, her tender face carrying a hint of restlessness.
"Cousin-uncle Kadqi, Sister Laila, welcome."
"Velin, long time no see," Kadqi said first in response.
A slightly doting smile appeared on Laila's face, and she said softly, "Velin, after all these years, you still look exactly the same as back then."
Seeing this, Velin said half-jokingly, "Sister Laila, the way you say that makes it sound like I haven't grown up at all."
"I was saying you look young, all right?" Laila rolled her eyes at Velin and said irritably.
After the black-haired youth at the side waited for his mother to finish speaking, he placed his right hand over his chest, lowered his head, and saluted. "Greetings, cousin."
Velin turned to look at Paloto and said with a smile, "You don't call me Uncle anymore?"
"Cousin, I didn't know any better when I was little." Paloto scratched the back of his head, his face slightly red as he spoke with some embarrassment.
Seeing her eldest son's awkward expression, Laila could not