Chapter 11: Sisterly Bonds

Liu Ruyan watched her heartbroken father, unable to bear it any longer. She tried to comfort him, “Father, look at me. I’m really fine now, just a few bruises on my wrist.”

Liu Ruyan then looked at Gu Qingyi and Nangong Lin, her expression full of gratitude. “Thank you both so much for helping me. If it weren’t for you, I…” Her eyes turned red. “I would’ve lost my innocence to Wang Qiang today. He would have ruined me.”

She glanced at the two of them, a little embarrassed. “May I ask your names? Let me introduce myself first. My name is Liu Ruyan.”

“I’m Nangong Lin.” Then she pointed at Gu Qingyi who stood beside her. “And that’s Gu Qingyi.” Nangong Lin introduced them both, her voice bright and friendly.

Liu Ruyan paused when she heard the surname Nangong. Testing the waters, she asked, “Miss Nangong, are you by chance the City Lord of Xuanwu City’s daughter?”

Nangong Lin thought to herself, It’s not like anyone else here has this surname. Without hesitation she admitted openly, “That’s right!”

Liu Ruyan pointed towards the door at Wang Qiang’s body, which couldn’t have been more dead, a trace of worry flickering across her face. “Are you sure this won’t cause you any trouble?”

“Don’t worry, Sister Ruyan. It’ll be fine,” Nangong Lin replied with confidence. “Sister Ruyan, why don’t we become sworn sisters today? Once we’re sisters, nobody in Xuanwu City will dare bully you.” She quickly reached out and took Liu Ruyan’s slender hand, stroking it gently as she gave her word.

Liu Ruyan was so startled by Nangong Lin’s sudden proposal she almost panicked. “That’s not proper… I’m of humble birth, I’m not worthy of such an honor.”

Nangong Lin looked up at Liu Ruyan with big, pleading eyes, her voice sweet and coquettish. “Please? Pretty please? Just say yes.” Holding on even tighter, she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Alright…fine, I agree.” In the end, after all the coaxing, Liu Ruyan finally gave in.

……

In front of the ancestral tablets of the Liu family stood a graceful and beautiful young lady.

That day, two voices rang out together. “I, Nangong Lin. I, Liu Ruyan.”

With heaven and earth as witness, from this day forward, we are sisters at heart.

Rich or poor, we will never abandon each other. We are sisters—family, now and forever.

May we walk together for many years, sharing joy and hardship. Even if we go hungry, as long as we’re united, nothing matters. May our bond be unbreakable and our hearts content with even a cup of water.

This affection will never change. Even if seas run dry and stones turn to dust, our hearts remain steadfast.

Today, we become sworn sisters. Tomorrow, like the legendary bird spreading its wings, we’ll soar together.

If we ever break this vow, may we choke on cold water and our hands cramp. From now on, we are one family, our sisterly bond unwavering until death.

After the ceremony, Liu Yuan grinned from ear to ear. “Miss Nangong, why not stay at the Liu family for a few days? Let Uncle Liu take good care of you.”

Nangong Lin answered cheerfully, “That sounds great!”

As if suddenly remembering something, she quickly turned to Liu Ruyan and her father. “Sister Ruyan, Uncle, I need to step out for a bit. I’ll be back soon!” With that, she dashed out the door.

By the time she reached the gate, everyone who had gathered to watch the drama was long gone.

Nangong Lin thought hard for a moment. Granny Wang Wan was from a nearby village, so she figured someone would know her if she asked around.

Wasting no time, she visited every village nearby, but still came up empty-handed.

Evening had already fallen, and Little Stone Village was steeped in tranquil twilight.

Nangong Lin trudged forward, exhausted. Only one thought kept her going: I have to find Granny Wang Wan!

Her stomach rumbled in protest, making it clear she’d gone hungry too long.

She knew wandering aimlessly was like searching for a needle in a haystack, but what else could she do?

So she asked everyone she passed, “Do you know a granny named Wang Wan?” Her voice echoed through the quiet village, but no one answered.

She searched for ages, until she was completely out of breath and her footsteps grew unsteady.

At last, barely able to move, she found a random spot to sit down and rest.

Hunger and exhaustion had battered her body to the edge. She felt like a dried leaf caught in the wind, ready to fall at any moment.

Meanwhile, at Wang Wan’s house, a woman was calling out anxiously. “Aunt Wang, are you home? There’s a little girl at the village entrance looking all over for you. You should go and check.” With that, she hurried off.

Wang Wan was washing vegetables in the backyard. When she heard the shout, worry hit her and she quickly wiped her hands and rushed out.

Arriving at the village entrance, Wang Wan spotted someone sprawled on the stone there.

That familiar figure caught her off guard. When she moved closer, she realized it was the very girl she’d been thinking about—Nangong Lin. Her heart ached. “Oh my, Miss Nangong! What are you doing lying there? Get up—it’s not good to catch a chill!”

The sound of Wang Wan’s voice was like a beacon in the darkness for Nangong Lin.

She opened her eyes. The instant she saw Wang Wan, joy surged through her.

Overcome with excitement, she scrambled down from the stone, only to get herself covered in dirt.

Wang Wan hurried over, brushing the dust off her. “Oh, sweet child, what happened to you? How did you end up in such a mess?”

Bursting with emotion, Nangong Lin clutched Wang Wan’s hand. Her voice trembled a little. “Granny Wang Wan, I finally found you! I’m so hungry. Can we go home now?” Wang Wan’s eyes filled with worry as she led her back home.

The whole walk, Wang Wan spoke gently and comforted her like a mother bird with an injured chick.

Nangong Lin clung to Wang Wan like a tree sloth, her voice catching. “Granny, I looked for you everywhere and couldn’t find you, and now I’m starving.”

Wang Wan laughed softly in surprise. “Oh my, why were you looking for this lonely old lady? Come on now, I just finished making dinner. If you don’t mind simple food, let’s eat at my place.”

“Let’s go, Granny!” Nangong Lin grinned, happily grabbing Wang Wan’s hand.

As soon as they got to Wang Wan’s house, Nangong Lin wolfed down the meal, pausing only to exclaim, “Granny, your cooking’s amazing. It’s so delicious!”

Wang Wan smiled at her with concern. “Eat slow, child. There’s plenty more if you need it.”

“Granny, come live with me, please? You live alone in this big house—aren’t you scared?” Nangong Lin asked after eating her fill, locking eyes with Wang Wan.

“I’d need to pack a few things and say goodbye to everyone first.” Wang Wan wanted to refuse, but in the end, she couldn’t resist Nangong Lin’s pleading. She gave a resigned sigh and nodded.

A gleam of victory sparkled in Nangong Lin’s eyes as she remembered her mother’s advice: Women who know how to act sweet always have it easier. I’ve mastered this trick.

“Granny, I’ll help you pack, just tell me what you need.” Nangong Lin quickly jumped in to help.

And so, the two of them packed up the essentials and walked out the door.

Looking back at the old, weathered house, Wang Wan fell into a deep nostalgia. She’d lived here for decades—leaving now filled her with reluctant emotion.

Hand in hand, the two bid farewell to every neighbor in the village.

Night fell quickly. After a long trek, they finally arrived at the Liu family home.

No sooner had they set foot inside than Liu Ruyan caught sight of a filthy Nangong Lin. Surprised, she called out, “Lian’er, what happened? You look like you’ve been through the mud. Are you hungry? Go wash up, dinner will be ready soon.”

With that, Liu Ruyan gave Nangong Lin’s small nose a playful pinch.

Then she turned and, spotting Wang Wan standing nearby, asked in confusion, “Aunt Wang, what brings you here?”

Nangong Lin quickly explained the whole story to Liu Ruyan and the others, so everyone finally understood what had happened.

In the end, Liu Ruyan made the decision. “Aunt Wang, why not stay with us at the Liu family? It’ll be livelier this way.”

Nangong Lin agreed at once. “Granny, let’s live at the Liu family from now on!”

Wang Wan nodded at their invitation.

Once everyone had eaten their fill, Liu Ruyan called a servant over. “Prepare a nice room for Aunt Wang next to my courtyard, and help her settle in.”

Off to the side, Gu Qingyi calmly sipped his tea. None of Nangong Lin’s antics surprised him anymore—he’d seen enough to get used to it. Ignoring all the commotion, he just kept eating his rice.

“Tonight, I’m sleeping with Sister Ruyan!” Nangong Lin cheered, then shot Gu Qingyi a playful look. “Big Brother Gu, be sure to get some rest too!” Still holding Liu Ruyan’s hand, she whisked her away without looking back.

In Liu Ruyan’s room, the air was filled with the gentle fragrance unique to young ladies.

Nangong Lin lay on her side, hugging Liu Ruyan tightly as she drifted off.

Liu Ruyan found the clinginess kept her awake, so she gave a helpless laugh. “This girl is so attached to me.” She reached out to gently pat Nangong Lin’s head, and finally closed her eyes to sleep. After she drifted off, Nangong Lin’s lips curled in a quiet, satisfied smile.