Ling Li turned to see El Padre striding into the castle, his long coat trailing behind him like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the sunny laughter in the room. Trailing closely behind was El Capitan, whose gait was both relaxed and alert, his keen eyes sweeping over the space with the instinct of a man who had weathered a thousand storms.
"You’re back?" Ling Li queried, rising gracefully to her feet.
El Padre nodded, a flicker of weariness in his gaze. "We left after Lily’s competition to monitor our territories in Shanghai. There were delays — trivial matters, all now settled."
His eyes drifted to the twins, curiosity evident. "So, what needle technique were you discussing?"
Ling Li crossed her arms, an amused smile playing on her lips. "I started teaching them acupuncture. But I need to forge needles that are small enough for their hands."
"Leave that to me!" El Capitan declared, stepping forward with a flourish.
"Thank you, Grandpa Captain!" the twins squealed in unison, their voices harmonizing like a joyous melody as they raced toward him.
El Capitan’s hearty laughter filled the room as he scooped them up, one in each arm, spinning them around with delight. "Since when did I become Grandpa Captain?"
Ling Li chuckled, shaking her head. "You walked right into that one."
Chin Chin, ever the mischief-maker, grinned mischievously. "You’re called El Capitan! It means Captain, right? So we can call you Grandpa Captain!"
El Capitan raised an eyebrow, laughter rumbling in his chest. “Ha ha ha, okay, I get it. So what do you call El Padre?"
"He’s Grandpa Father!" Chin Chin proclaimed proudly, her tone filled with the kind of earnestness that only a child could muster.
The room erupted in laughter, the sound vibrant and warm, even Butler James — usually the epitome of composure — stood by the doorway, his shoulders shaking with mirth.
"You can call me Grandpa Du, and El Padre can be Grandpa Liu," El Capitan suggested, setting the twins down gently.
Kim Kim’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as if she had stumbled upon a great secret. "Oh! Are those your real names?"
Together, they ambled through the castle’s inner hall, the soft glow of lanterns enveloping them in a golden embrace.
"Yes," El Capitan replied, leaning down conspiratorially, his smile infectious. "My name is Du Guotai, and El Padre is Liu Takming."
He leaned closer, eyes twinkling with mischief. "But this is our secret, so you can’t tell anyone."
Chi Chin’s brows knitted together in concentration. "Ah? Your names are a secret to keep?"
El Capitan glanced at Ling Li, his eyes pleading for assistance in handling this delicate matter.
Ling Li snorted lightly. "You asked for it."
Turning to the twins, she explained earnestly, "Because your grandpas are involved in very serious work. Underground work. Mafia work. It’s best not to reveal their names to anyone."
Kim Kim’s eyes widened in astonishment, her voice a hushed whisper. "Like spies?"
"Like shadows," El Padre replied, his tone low yet playful, a smile dancing in his eyes. "But never mind that. What are you worried about?"
Chin Chin nodded solemnly, her small face serious. "We promise to keep the secret. But only if you help us with the needle lesson!"
El Capitan’s laughter rang out again, rich and full. "Deal!"
As the family ventured deeper into the heart of Peonies Castle, the weight of the outside world receded into the night. Laughter echoed through the halls, weaving a tapestry of warmth and love, while secrets remained safe in the hands of those who knew how to guard them fiercely.
Dinner at Peonies Castle: Joy, Bonds, and the Storm Ahead
As dusk enveloped Peonies Castle, its golden light poured through the arched windows, bathing the grand hall in a warm, amber glow. Shadows danced gracefully across the polished wooden floors and luxurious silk-draped walls, conjuring an atmosphere of serene elegance. The air was fragrant with the enticing aroma of jasmine tea and roasted lotus root, mingling seamlessly with the gentle hum of footsteps echoing through the stone corridors.
One by one, the trainees emerged from the day’s rigorous drills — dusty, flushed, and still bubbling with laughter. Their voices created a vibrant tapestry of youth and camaraderie, filling every corner of the castle with their energy.
Ling Li stood at the threshold of the dining hall, her arms folded against her chest, a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips. She radiated a motherly warmth that contrasted delightfully with her commanding presence.
"Go wash up so we can have dinner," she instructed, her voice firm yet tinged with affection.
Four Eyes, the eager soul he was, was the first to respond. He leaned in, planting a quick kiss on her cheek before bending down to offer each twin an affectionate kiss on the forehead, eliciting giggles from Kim Kim and a mock grimace from Chin Chin.
"Eww, sweaty kiss!" Chin Chin wrinkled her nose in playful distaste, prompting a chuckle from Ling Li as she watched the two dart away, infectiously spirited.
Moments later, Ren burst into the room, her clothes slightly disheveled, her eyes sparkling with exhilaration. Trailing behind him was Reginal, quiet and watchful, a contrast to Ren’s buoyant energy.
"Mom!" Ren exclaimed, nearly bouncing off the walls. "Shinsei wants to take me as his grand-disciple! What do you think?"
Ling Li’s eyes widened, a smile blooming across her face, suffused with pride. "That’s wonderful news! We should start planning the ceremony right away."
Ren nodded enthusiastically, her excitement palpable. "Yes! Shinsei said you could handle all the arrangements — keep it small and simple, though."
With a knowing smile, Ling Li replied, "I’m familiar with his style. Let’s arrange it for when your brother returns. Is that alright with you?"
Ren froze for a moment, then laughed with delight. "That would be perfect! Having Shi Min there will make it special. He’ll be my senior brother now! How complicated but amazing!"
Her laughter echoed joyfully through the hall, lightening the mood, even as Reginal cracked a small smile.
"I asked a question and made everyone laugh. That means I win. That’s how it works. Vote, comment, and recommend, or I’ll ask more confusing questions. Power Stones and Golden Tickets are cool. Gifts? I’ll hug you paired with a sweaty kiss!"