Chen Hao glanced at her, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
"It's the thought that counts."
Chen Siyao paused, then smiled.
Yes, it was the thought that counted.
Given her brother's status and abilities, what treasure hadn't he seen?
What mattered to him had never been how expensive a gift was.
It was the thought behind it.
She leaned against his shoulder and whispered, "You're the best, big brother."
Chen Hao ruffled her hair without saying anything.
Outside the window, moonlight flowed like water.
The treasures on the coffee table gleamed softly beneath it.
Moontrace rolled over with a soft snore.
In that moment, life was peaceful and sweet.
And Chen Hao's Qiankun Bag held a few more gifts.
Gifts from this era.
After the night's bustle faded, the spacious apartment returned to its usual tranquility. Morning sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, falling across the table piled with rare treasures in the living room.
The imperial green jadeite glowed a soft green, and the faint fragrance of millennium spiritwood lingered in the air. Everything stood in stark contrast to yesterday's lively gathering.
As composed as ever, Chen Hao practiced a set of ancient boxing forms in the balcony garden that morning. His movements were slow and steady, faint spiritual energy curling around him as though he had become one with nature.
By the time he returned to the living room, a simple but carefully prepared breakfast was already on the dining table: all of Chen Siyao's favorites, from soup dumplings and soy milk to plain rice porridge and side dishes.
Before long, rustling came from a room on the second floor. Wearing a light blue school tracksuit with her hair tied in a jaunty high ponytail, Chen Siyao bounded down the stairs, her face brimming with energy.
Gone