The Grandparents’ Visit

Three days after Li Wei was discharged from the hospital, the Li residence became unusually lively.

Early in the morning, the servants began cleaning more carefully than usual. Fresh flowers were placed in the living room, and the kitchen was busy preparing light dishes suitable for someone recovering from illness.

Li Wei sat on the sofa, a thin blanket over her legs, quietly reading a book.

Shen Meilin walked back and forth nervously.

“Junhao,” she whispered, “do you think Father and Mother will blame us?”

Li Junhao adjusted his glasses and sighed softly.

“They won’t blame us. They’re just… worried.”

Li Chenyan stood near the staircase, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on Li Wei.

“You don’t have to sit so straight,” he said. “Grandpa isn’t an examiner.”

Li Wei looked up and smiled gently.

“I know, Gege. I just don’t want them to worry.”

That sentence alone made Li Chenyan pause.

Before he could respond, the sound of cars stopping outside echoed through the hall.

“They’re here,” Shen Meilin said quickly.

Old Master Li entered first, supported by a cane, his sharp eyes scanning the room immediately. Behind him was Old Madam Li, dressed elegantly, her expression anxious rather than stern.

The moment her eyes landed on Li Wei, she forgot everything else.

“Weiwei!”

She walked over quickly, ignoring the servants trying to help her.

Li Wei stood up at once.

“Grandma,” she called softly.

Old Madam Li cupped her face in both hands, examining her carefully.

“You’ve lost weight,” she said, voice trembling. “Your face is so pale. How are you feeling now? Does your chest still hurt? Are you dizzy?”

Li Wei shook her head gently.

“I’m much better now, Grandma. The doctor said I just need more rest.”

Old Master Li cleared his throat heavily.

“Sit down first,” he said gruffly. “Don’t stand too long.”

Li Wei obediently sat back down.

Old Master Li’s gaze lingered on her for a long moment before he spoke again.

“You scared us.”

The words were simple, but heavy.

Li Wei lowered her eyes slightly.

“I’m sorry,” she said sincerely.

Old Master Li frowned.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t apologize for surviving.”

Li Junhao felt his throat tighten.

Concern and Guilt

Old Madam Li sat beside Li Wei and held her hand firmly.

“Do you know,” she said, tears glistening, “when we heard you fell into the lake, your grandfather didn’t sleep for two nights?”

Old Master Li snorted.

“Nonsense.”

But he didn’t deny it.

Li Wei’s fingers curled slightly around her grandmother’s.

“I’m sorry I made you worry,” she said again, softly.

Xu Yuran stood nearby, hands clasped together, her face full of concern.

“Sister Weiwei,” she said gently, “I was so scared that day. I kept blaming myself for not watching you properly.”

Old Madam Li glanced at her briefly, then turned back to Li Wei.

“Yuran, you’re a child too. This isn’t your fault,” she said politely—but her tone was distant.

Xu Yuran’s smile stiffened for a fraction of a second.

Li Wei noticed it.

She also noticed how her grandparents’ attention never left her.

Old Master Li tapped his cane lightly on the floor.

“Weiwei,” he said slowly, “do you remember what happened that day?”

The room went quiet.

Shen Meilin’s breath caught.

Li Wei looked up calmly.

“I remember playing near the garden,” she said. “Then I slipped.”

Her voice was steady. No fear. No tears.

Old Master Li studied her carefully.

“And before that?”

Li Wei met his gaze directly.

“Nothing unusual.”

Xu Yuran let out a quiet breath of relief.

Li Chenyan’s eyes darkened slightly.

Old Master Li nodded slowly.

“Good,” he said. “What matters is that you’re alive.”

He paused, then added,

“If anyone ever makes you uncomfortable again—no matter who—it’s okay to speak up.”

Li Wei’s heart stirred.

She nodded.

“I understand, Grandpa.”

Old Madam Li brushed Li Wei’s hair gently.

“From now on, you’ll stay away from the lake,” she said firmly. “And you’ll learn to swim properly. I’ll arrange the best instructor.”

Li Wei blinked in surprise.

“Grandma?”

Old Madam Li smiled softly.

“Girls should know how to protect themselves too.”

Li Wei smiled back.

“Yes. I want to learn.”

That answer made Old Master Li raise an eyebrow.

“…You’re quite sensible,” he said.

Li Wei lowered her head slightly, looking shy.

Inside, her heart was calm.

I already know how, she thought.

But I’ll learn again—properly.

Before leaving, Old Master Li placed a small jade pendant into Li Wei’s hand.

“Keep this,” he said. “It’s from our family. You’re the Li family’s treasure. Don’t forget that.”

Xu Yuran’s fingers tightened until her nails dug into her skin.

Li Wei accepted it with both hands.

“Thank you, Grandpa.”

Old Madam Li hugged her tightly.

“Rest well,” she whispered. “Grandma will visit again.”

After they left, the living room fell silent.

Li Wei looked down at the jade pendant in her palm.

Warm. Solid. Real.

She wasn’t unloved.

She never would be again.

And this time—

She would protect herself.

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