30 Sunset Temple (1/2)
After Khan Bojing left, she walked back home. Even though they were separating for the time being, she didn't feel sad. Instead, she was overwhelmed with a sense of comfort. As she entered through the gate, Aunt Rin ushered her towards the pavilion in the garden. Li Wei obediently sat down and asked, ”Is something the matter?”
”Li Wei, I have great news!” Li Fahrin stated eagerly, interwining their arms together. She smile happily and in excitement, rushed her words. ”Darling, you've left a big impression after your performance in the palace. Everyone is talking about you right now.”
”Eh... Really?” Li Wei didn't share the same excitement. She didn't want to be the talk of the city. Receiving too much attention always brought bad things to her.
”Li Wei!” Song Yuyan rushed into the garden in a hurry. When she saw Li Wei and Li Fahrin sitting in the garden, she didn't hesitate to join them. ”Li Wei, I want to personally invite you to come with us to Sunset Temple.”
Li Wei could only blink as she slowly took in the information. She was being invited... Her, an overlooked orphan, was personally invited to join a family gathering...
Every year in early spring, the wealthiest families in Na'an traveled together to Sunset Temple to camp and spend time together. Sunset Temple was well respected and located just a couple hours away. Other than being convenient, beautiful nature surrounded the small temple. It's been such a popular place in the last couple years that people from all over travelled there to see the amazing views, relax, and pray. Word had it that this temple was most famous for its otherwordly sunsets. When the sun lied halfway on the horizon, the world was colored in a new light.
For sure, going to such a place would be exciting, but... The catch was, she had never been invited before. Every year while the rest of the family attended with others, she stayed home alone.
Song Yuyan sensed Li Wei's hesitation and quickly added, ”Lan'er will also be attending. You've been away for three years and never got the chance to spend time with us. It'll be nice if you and Lan'er get closer during our family trip.”
”I...” Li Wei wasn't busy at the moment and Khan Bojing was away. Should she do as Song Yuyan suggested and used this chance to befriend Li Zhilan? Also, she really had been gone for too long. Additionally, she planned to spend more time with Aunt Rin too. She looked at Aunt Rin's hopeful eyes and finally said, ”Alright.”
”I knew you would agree! I'll let Lan'er know right away. She's been wanting to spend more time with you.” Song Yuyan happily said goodbye and left in a high mood soon after.
Li Wei placed her hand over Aunt Rin's hand and asked, ”Aunt Rin, what were you saying?”
”Nothing, darling. I was just going to say, I'm so happy to see you doing well.” Aunt Rin smiled as she realized just how much Li Wei had grown over the years. In three years, Li Wei had grown into a beautiful and talented woman who could stand up for herself. ”Sleep early tonight, we're leaving tomorrow morning. If you have anything you need, don't hesitate to tell me.”
”En, don't worry.” Li Wei leaned her head on Aunt Rin's shoulder. The two women quietly enjoyed each other's presence in the garden until the evening.
After eating dinner together, she went to her room and slept early. At sunrise, San'er came into her room carrying a dress. Li Wei's eyes could barely stay open, but she still stood up and walked over to the small vanity in the corner. While San'er combed her hair, she was half asleep.
”Li Wei, you're still sleeping?” San'er giggled as she watched Li Wei's head slowly drooped down. San'er gently shook Li Wei's shoulders, but it was hopeless. ”Li Wei, wake up. We're leaving soon.”