My girls, thank the good Lord you're alive and well! I've missed you so much!". Mother wept hysterically as she held Li and Xinga in her arms. I rolled my eyes.
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'She's so dramatic! I was only 12 when we left'. I thought plainly.
"Have you been taking care of yourselves? You weren't hurt or violated in any way were you!? ". She said worriedly as she looked them over.
Li and Xinga exchanged a nervous glance before shaking their heads vigorously.
"No, Mother, we've been fine". Li reassured her, while Xinga nodded in agreement, her eyes wide with a mix of relief and embarrassment.
"Why would you even- I'm not that irresponsible to let anything happen to them! They were my top priority, I'll have you know!". I said angrily with a tick mark. She looked at me.
"Meigui-".
"Don't even start with me woman! They came after me, I didn't tell them to come along-".
"I'll scold you three later. Li, Xinga, go bathe and change out of those clothes. The servants will take you to your old room". She ordered. They bowed before being escorted away. She looked back at me.
"He's waiting for you. I'm sure you remember where". She said in a serious tone.
"I do, I'll head there now". I said as I walked but she grabbed my hand, making me stop.
"Mind your words, even if you're his favorite child, his attitude changed after you left". She warned.
"I will". I said, she let go and I left to where my father was.
He had his own estate a bit away from the Water Lily Pavilion. It was more of a study hall for him and a place to relax.
'My heart is beating so fast; I can't help but feel nervous and scared- everyone says he's changed a lot since I left'. I thought worriedly as I walked in. The door closed behind me.
'Why does it feel so scary and tense all of a sudden!?'. I thought with anime tears as I looked down.
"Are you done with your childish act? is it out of your system?". He asked suddenly which made me jump.
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"I-".
"Yes, or no? I expect a straight answer from you!". He said more firmly.
"He's pissed!'. I thought in fear.
"Y-Yes-".
"Don't stutter or did you forget how to act in etiquette?". He said. I heard him get up which made me more nervous. I put my hands in front of me and bowed.
"Forgive me-!". I said apologetically.
"You didn't answer my previous question!". He said firmly.
"Yes, it is. I can explain-".
"I don't want to hear your excuses! I should have you punished for what you've done! Do you have any idea how much shame and dishonor you brought to me!?". He said snapped angrily.
"I don't deserve your forgiveness. If you wish to punish me then I'll accept whatever punishment you decide". I said, looking down with guilt and shame.
"Do you understand how much danger you put you and your sisters in? You could've been kidnapped or killed. You're lucky those damn Wen Dogs didn't hear!". He said firmly as he stood in front of me.
"I'll accept the punishment and my sisters as well. They're not at fault". I spoke.
"Not at fault? They followed you and spent the next four years in Japan. They had a choice to stay or follow". He said.
"I'll still accept their punishment; I take full responsibility as their elder sister". I said.
"Still care about your sisters. I see the Meigui from the past hasn't changed. Don't know if I'm disappointed or happy about it". He said as I felt his hand on my head.
"Baihe Dong has reported an injury to your face. Lift your head". He ordered.
"It's not as bad as it looks-".
"Lift. Your. Head!". He ordered firmly, and I mentally flinched. I slowly stood straight and looked up, avoiding his gaze. He stared for a few seconds.
"Explain how you got this". He said.
"I was in a conflict before we left. She struck me because she thought I harmed her little sister". I explained the short version.
"It was a female that did this?". He asked.
"Yes". I answered. He then grabbed my arm that Natsu grabbed which made me flinch.
"What's this from? this arm was uneven when you bowed which only means it's bruised- who did this?". He asked.
"Someone who I used to be friends with, he was the one who started the conflict". I said. He lifted up my sleeve and saw that it was deeply bruised which angered him.
"A man did this?". He asked.
"Yes". I replied with a frown.
"You seem pretty hurt. Did you have romantic feelings for this man?". He asked, I blushed slightly.
"Of course not! I don't see him in any type of way, only an acquaintance". I said in slight embarrassment. It was so sudden, it caught me off guard.
'I forgot how forward he is'. I thought with a sweatdrop
"Then why the frown?". He asked.
"He forced a little girl to lie for him out of fear. No one bothered to listen to me and to quickly turn on me from his lie". I said, he hummed.
"Betrayal is to be expected. You did lie and manipulate them, Baihe Meigui. You can never return there". He said as he pulled my sleeve back down and let go of my arm.
"I wasn't planning on going back again. I felt out of place and missed home". I said. It was quiet for about a minute before he placed his hand gently on my bruised cheek.
"Do not hesitate to face me, Meigui. Although I may be upset with you right now, I've missed you immensely. It's a relief to see you home safe and sound". He said more gently, I looked at him.
"You grew up beautifully, Meigui. I can tell you've matured greatly in your experience". He spoke.
"Father-".
"It's over, don't speak about it again". He said as he pulled me into a hug. I got teary eyes.
"Welcome home, my daughter". He said with a hand behind my head. I hugged him back with tears streaming down my face.
"I miss you so much!". I cried; he held me close.
I don't care about anything else now, Meigui, you're back home with me, that's all I care about". He said before kissing me on the top of my head.
"Everything is okay now". He said softly. Suddenly, I felt a mix of relief and sorrow as I buried my face in his chest. He melted away the fear and pain I had been carrying for so long. In that moment, I felt safe again.
