Chapter 26
“They are her people, loyal to her, and she is among the last from the Mi and Saint Michael family, clinging to the remnants of their legacy.” Zhorin said just to give his opinion even though he was the busiest among them, a voice of reason amidst the rising tide of emotions.
Zhengri stood to his full height, his long limbs stretching, walking across the study to stand before the floor-to-ceiling window and look outside, which was still beautiful, even in the fading light of dusk. Though it is the countryside, with money, even here can be comfortable and everything just a convenience. “In a few months, everything will change. We have to also prepare.” He said, his voice low and serious. He knew certain things, glimpses of the future, but a lot has changed, the timelines altered. The world was on the brink of a cataclysmic event, a reckoning that would reshape civilization as they knew it.
“Yes, there is word online, whispers in the dark corners of the internet, even though people are skeptical, a selected few are still being cautious, stocking up on supplies, preparing for the worst.” Zhorin added, his fingers flying across the keyboard, monitoring the flow of information, tracking the movements of those who knew too much.
“Third brother is right, I had seen it as well,” Zhugri said, running a hand through his midlength hair, his brow furrowed in thought before continuing, “the Si and Su family have already begun to subtly make small moves, positioning themselves for the coming changes.”
“Brother is right, the Yung and Kang families have also done the same,” Zhorin said immediately, pulling up the information on the screen, scanning it quickly. He continued by tapping his screen, opening many other interfaces, and found that his second brother’s were correct. “Many top and small families have also began to slowly make moves.” Zhengri hands behind his back released a breath lifting his had higher a smirk gracing his perfectly shaped thin lips. “At least the world after this event will not fully fall into chaos.”
“Many will still die, countless lives lost in the upheaval. This event will shake the very core of our world, testing the limits of human endurance and resilience.” Zhugri said, uncaring if they did, his indifference a shield against the pain of potential loss. He could only care about his child and woman, sparing his brothers a few words of warning upon a whim when necessary only, all others meant too much effort.
“Yes, but we will survive,” Zhorin rolled his eyes, saying under his breath.
“Do not forget she likes clothes and shoes, designer brands, an indulgence she always enjoyed.” Zhugri added, a fond smile playing on his lips.
“Then we should gather those things, start amassing a collection of her favorite items. She used to like collecting gems, rare and precious stones that sparkled like captured stars.” Zhorin said, his fingers already searching online auctions and private collections.
“Back then, she had room with all of her precious stones inside, a glittering sanctuary filled with her treasures.” Zhugri mused, remembering the awe he felt when he first saw her collection.
“There is an auction soon, one of us can make time to go there and collect some things, acquire some rare gems to replenish her collection.” Zhorin suggested, his mind already calculating the logistics.
“Second brother is correct, we can use the rest of time and collect some of those other items, the things she loves, the things that bring her joy.” Zhengri agreed, his voice softening, a hint of tenderness creeping into his tone.
“Then, should we create a base, a safe haven where we can all gather, a place to protect her and our son?” Zhorin asked, his voice filled with concern.
“Why?” Zhengri looked at his third brother and frowned, his eyes narrowing. “A base should be a safe haven, a sanctuary free from harm, but it usually is not. Problems always arise, conflicts erupt, secrets are revealed. One should think about themselves and their own people, prioritize their safety and well-being above all else.”
“Sorry, eldest brother you are right, anyway she has our son as well,” Zhorin said, backing down, knowing that Zhengri’s protective instincts were always on high alert.
“That is right, children in those times are nothing but burdens,” Zhengri said, pausing before the two. He frowned suddenly feeling his two younger brothers seemed to have different views, it is fine if they did he would be happy to have her for himself.
The two sensing their brother’s emotions through the triplet bond became startled. Zhongri paused what he was doing and focused fully on his eldest brother. “Zhengri, well all have memories of our previous life and know the book because of her. We loved her then and still loved her now. You have gotten to her first before us, but as brothers now, we experienced what you did and felt close to her. We will never let anything happen to her or our son,”
“Third brother spoke the truth, we said those things just to let you know that perhaps—”
“We know the real her; she will never have or show unnecessary mercy to the weak or unworthy. She is a survivor, a warrior, and she will do whatever it takes to protect herself and those she loves.” Zhengri said striding from the study and leaving the two behind. The Hui old house had been changed to one with a better location two hundred years ago, the original was left in the countryside.
It had been maintained by the main branch and their eldest son without much change. Stepping out into the cool night air, Zhengri felt a surge of restlessness.
When he first arrived here he had thought he had been transported to the past. With a mainhouse and several detached buildings, a main courtyard, large lake, pavillions, covered walk ways. It was built well but not like the Mi family home which was made exquisitely, a testament to their wealth and power.
His mind moving, Zhengri found himself walking aimlessly through the sprawling gardens, the moonlight casting long shadows across the manicured lawns. He stood stunned, his breath catching in his throat, looking down at a woman with her child who looked extremely familiar. The woman, her eyes wide with shock, trembled taking a step back and wanted to flee, but would he let her?
Never!
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