"Sister-in-law!" Liu Mei called out with unrestrained joy, dashing forward and throwing herself into Ruby's arms.
Ruby laughed, warmth blooming across her face as she caught the spirited girl in a tight hug.
"Mei'er, Yifeng, how many times must I have to tell you two to atop feeding spirit grains to the chickens?"
Ruby pinched the bridge of her nose, an expression so familiar it mirrored her brother's when he was exasperated.
She glared at the coop where dozens of chickens clucked happily, too happily for normal poultry.
"But Aunt Ruby," Liu Mei chimed innocently, "just imagine how many of them could hatch into spirit chickens! Think of the potential!"
Shan Yifeng nodded solemnly. "Exactly, it's worth the experiment."
Ruby sighed, deep and heavy, as if carrying the weight of every decision that had ever led her to this moment. "Yifeng, you're already sixteen. And you too, Mei'er. It's time you both started acting more responsibly, don't you think?"
