Li Jun descended the staircase, the polished wood cool beneath his feet. Downstairs, Li Wei was speaking quietly with Chen Guo, the family's driver, who had just arrived with his children. Chen Yu, fifteen, and little Chen Lan, five, followed respectfully behind him.
"Good morning, Mr. Li. Mrs. Zhang. Grandparents," Chen Yu said, bowing slightly.
"Good morning," Zhang Mei replied, forcing a smile despite the tension in her chest. "Thank you for bringing them today."
"Shall I drive Master Li Jun to school now?" Chen Guo asked politely.
"Yes, please," Li Wei said, relief softening his tone for the first time that morning.
Li Jun nodded to his family. "Goodbye, everyone," he said softly. "I'll be back later."Zhang Mei, Li Wei, and the grandparents watched as he approached the sleek black car waiting in the driveway. As Li Jun opened the door to slide in, his eyes caught the reflection of a man in flowing robes inside the car, watching quietly — Master Wu, the shaman.
For a moment, Li Jun paused, a chill running down his spine at the intensity in the shaman's gaze. He closed the door gently, ignoring the uneasy feeling, and sat down. Chen Guo took the wheel, and the car pulled smoothly away from the mansion, heading toward Li Jun's high school.
Inside, Li Jun's mind wandered back to his little brother upstairs. Weak as he was, Li Ming's murmurs, his frailty, and the weight of the family's hopes pressed on Li Jun like a tangible thing. The reflection of the shaman lingered in his thoughts, a quiet reminder that the day had only just begun, and the true test for the family was yet to come.