Till The End Of The Moon [SEASON- 2]

13. Best uncle or dad?

When the two of them reached Miang Tao's house, he handed some of his clothes to Li Susu. After that, he took out another set for himself. Both stood with their clothes in hand-neither saying a word, yet both staring at the other, as if something hovered on the edge of their lips but wouldn't come out.

Miang Tao (raising an eyebrow):
"What's your problem? Why are you staring at me like that? Am I really that handsome? And if you are staring because I'm that handsome, then fine, I'll allow it."

Li Susu (mocking):
"Wow... wow, wow... So you've started praising yourself now. And here I thought you were lonely all these years-how did you manage to develop this delusion that you're handsome?"

Miang Tao (with playful sarcasm):
"So what, you're saying I'm not handsome?"

Li Susu (crossing her arms):
"No, no, not at all. You don't look good in the slightest."

Miang Tao (grinning):
"Then why were you looking at me like you were about to eat me alive?"

Li Susu (flustered):
"Ugh! Don't you even know that I need to change? There's only one room here. Would you mind leaving?"

Miang Tao (mock-offended):
"Oh! Sorry, sorry, I'm going now-my bad!"

Li Susu (pointing):
"Yes, then go! What are you waiting for?"

Miang Tao (backing out):
"Alright, alright, I'm going!"

They both chuckled silently once he stepped out, a soft smile blooming on their faces without permission.

Once they'd changed, Miang Tao knocked lightly on the hut door.

Miang Tao:
"Can I come in?"

Li Susu:
"Yes... you can."

She was wearing his clothes-they were a little big on her, so she had folded the sleeves up to her arms. The light blue fabric made her look gentle, ethereal. Miang Tao stopped in the doorway for a moment, simply staring.

Li Susu (blinking):
"What? Why are you staring at me now?"

Before he could answer, Tantai Jiang stirred from her sleep. She rubbed her eyes and then ran to Li Susu, wrapping her arms around her from behind.

Tantai Jiang (sleepy voice):
"Mumma... good morning..."

Li Susu (hugging her gently):
"Good morning, my child..."

Then Jiang turned to look at Miang Tao. Without saying anything, she gestured with her hand for him to come closer. He knelt down, and as soon as he did, Jiang hugged him tightly too.

Tantai Jiang:
"Good morning... best uncle in the world!"

Miang Tao froze for a second. The word uncle hit him in an odd way, and his fist clenched slightly. He didn't like how it sounded coming from Jiang-not when something deep in his heart stirred, confused.

Jiang kissed him sweetly on the cheek and then turned back to her mother. Li Susu stood silently, her eyes stinging. She had waited so many years to see this: her daughter in her father's arms, even if he didn't remember. All she wanted was for Jiang to have her father's love-and for herself, just once, to be held by the man she loved.

She quickly wiped her tears away before anyone noticed.

Miang Tao (gently):
"Good morning, baby. How are you now? Feeling okay?"

Jiang nodded and stepped back toward Li Susu.

Tantai Jiang:
"Mom, I'm really hungry... I want something to eat."

Li Susu glanced at Miang Tao, who was already looking at her. Just from her eyes, he understood what she wanted to say.

Before she could speak, Miang Tao scooped Jiang up into his arms.

Miang Tao (smiling):
"What should we make, little one?"

Tantai Jiang (cheerfully):
"Anything!"

Miang Tao:
"Anything? Hmm... okay, anything it is."

He set her down gently, and Li Susu stepped forward.

Li Susu:
"Wait, you've already done enough for us. No more. Just tell me where the utensils and ingredients are. Today, I'll cook for all three of us."

Miang Tao (teasing):
"Alright... but please don't burn the food again like befo-"

He suddenly paused, realizing what he'd said-and regretting it.

Li Susu (shocked):
"What... what did you just say? Say it again."

Miang Tao (quickly changing the subject):
"What? I didn't say anything! Anyway, the ingredients and utensils are over there. You'll need to start a fire too-so grab some dry wood from outside. And hey-don't burn yourself, okay?"

Li Susu (rolling her eyes):
"I know how to light a fire. I'm not a child!"

Miang Tao (smirking):
"Thank the heavens! I was honestly worried you didn't know even that."

Li Susu (irritated):
"You-!"

Miang Tao (interrupting, grinning):
"Enough fighting. Our cute little princess is hungry. Go and cook something. What are you still doing here?"

Li Susu finally walked out of the hut, but just as she reached the door, she paused. Then she turned back inside.

Li Susu:
"You know what? You go collect the dry wood. I'll handle everything else."

Miang Tao looked at her with disbelief.

Miang Tao:
"You really do have memory loss, huh? Weren't you the one who just said I've done enough for you? I'm not doing anything else now. Nothing. Nada. Collect the wood yourself!"

Li Susu (pouting):
"Fine, fine... don't do anything. I'll do it myself, happy?"

He chuckled as she turned and left. Then he sat beside Jiang, who was playing with a little wooden toy, and started chatting with her.

Meanwhile, outside in the forest, Li Susu wandered to gather firewood. She was focused, careful-but then suddenly-

Li Susu:
"Aahhh! What the-ahhh!"

She winced as a sharp thorn jabbed deep into her foot. She quickly sat on a nearby rock and pulled it out with her fingers, hissing in pain. She didn't notice the blood... or the faint discoloration beginning around the wound. She thought it was just a normal thorn.

She didn't know-it was a poisonous one.

_________________________

Chapter ended.
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