"Mother! Mother! I'm here! I'm right here!" Li Xiaoya's face lit up at her words, and he hurriedly called out.
"It isn't a dream! It isn't a dream! It really is my little Ya Ya!" Mother Li cupped Li Xiaoya's face and gazed straight at him, repeating the words through her sobs.
"Mother! It really is me, Xiao Ya! I'm not leaving! I'm not going anywhere!" The sight made Li Xiaoya's heart tremble, and a wave of warmth welled up inside him as he murmured.
"Ya Ya!" Mother Li threw her arms around Li Xiaoya and began to sob.
"Mother! Mother!" A little embarrassed, Li Xiaoya gently eased her away.
"Silly boy! Still getting embarrassed!" Mother Li burst into a laugh, took out a handkerchief, and gently wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. Only after straightening her appearance did she speak. At last regaining her composure, she sighed. "I never imagined I would have another chance to see my Ya Ya in this lifetime!" With that, she started to get out of bed, and Li Xiaoya hurriedly supported her.
"Oh! Your mother isn't some doddering old woman!" Mother Li said with a smile, allowing Li Xiaoya to support her before sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Mother..." Li Xiaoya looked as though he wanted to speak but could not find the words.
"I know, you have a bellyful of questions!" Mother Li suddenly became exceptionally calm again and spoke quietly. After a pause, she continued, "But I need you to promise me one thing!"
"Mother! Forget one thing-even ten or a hundred things, I'll promise you!" Li Xiaoya declared solemnly.
"Mm!" Mother Li nodded gently in acknowledgment, then paused before continuing, "Do you still have that necklace with the black bead?"
"Yes!" Li Xiaoya was taken