Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Crossing (2)_1 Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Crossing (2)_1 She strained her eyes wide open and immediately froze, for the figures standing before her were the very same family she had just seen in her dreams.
“Little sister, you’ve awakened, that’s wonderful.” A beautiful young girl bent over the bedside, tears still clinging to her face.
“Little Sister, if you feel any discomfort, speak out. Your sister-in-law will find someone to treat you.” An older woman nervously asked, concern and happiness etched on her face.
“The grace of God,” sighed an older man in relief, standing nearby.
“Second Sister, this is great, you don’t need to die.” Little Bun, leaning over the bed, had a face smeared with tears and snot.
“Second Sister won’t die.” Another even smaller child was teary-eyed as well, a sight that broke one’s heart.
“Thirsty.” After a struggle, Lin Ziyin managed to groan out a single word.
“Don’t worry, Sister-in-law will boil some water for you now.” The older woman sprang to her feet and left hastily.
“There’s still some cold boiled water in the teapot. Give it to her to ease her thirst first.” A young man reacts faster, joy flickered across his face as he swiftly left the room.
Soon, water was brought forward. Lin Ziyin, heedless of its chill, drank it under the young girl’s assistance.
“How do you feel, are you better now?” The elder man asked.
“My head hurts, I’ve forgotten a lot.” Lin Ziyin didn’t know how to deal with the people before her, so she made an excuse for the time being.
“Do not fear, we will call a master to come and see you.” The elder man’s voice was full of compassion, “All of you, go outside and let the girl rest. Changshu, go to the temple to invite the master.”
“Alright, I will leave immediately.” With that, the young man left.
“Little sister, rest well. The master will be here soon.” The younger girl comforted her, voice gentle.
“Okay.” Lin Ziyin closed her eyes.
Everyone in the room exchanged glances before leaving in mutual understanding.
Only after the room quieted down, did Lin Ziyin open her eyes and start to take in her surroundings.
If she still continued to deceive herself at this point, she would only be a coward.
Years of rigorous training in the military academy, along with the fact that all her friends were from military backgrounds, had sharpened her physique and willpower.
Since she’s here, might as well make the best of it! After all, the people on that side…
Thinking of her family, Lin Ziyin let out a long, sad sigh. As they wished, they would never have to see her again in their lifetime. They should be happy about her passing, right?
As for her closest friends and her young uncle? The thought of them grieving for her brought a bitter smile to her face. She could envision them embroiled in a lifelong feud with her family because of her.
That was the last thing she wanted! She only hoped that the ones who cared for her could live happily for the rest of their lives.
Moving forward, she needed to figure out how to avoid arousing the suspicion of this family. From the amalgamated memories she now had, Lin Ziyin was aware that the Lins here were a very closely-knit family. As the younger sister, she was pampered and cherished by her brothers, sisters-in-law, sisters, and grandfather. Even the two youngest children, whom she had spent considerable time with, were very reliant on her.
However, the one drawback was that they were very poor—strictly speaking, everyone in this village was poor. Considering the house she resided in; as she and her sister were girls, the best rooms were allotted to them by her brother and grandfather. Still, the best room only had a bed, an old cupboard and box left behind by their deceased mother, patchwork quilts, and a curtain full of patched holes.
One could easily imagine the condition of the houses the others lived in.
Having considered this, Lin Ziyin resolved that since she could not go back, she would have to use the knowledge she possessed to improve her family’s living conditions.
But what if her changes lead to her family growing suspicious? She didn’t want to be treated as a monster and killed.
How could she evade their suspicion? This was a dilemma. Lin Ziyin was plunged into a kind of distress she had never experienced before.