Su Jie, unaware of their thoughts, gently brushed Roulan's hair with his palm, like he used to when she was little.
"Now, now, no more tears," he said gently. "You're not a child anymore. Don't cry in front of your master and senior sisters, hm?"
Roulan sniffled again but nodded. She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her robe and took a steady breath.
Su Jie gave her a light nudge on the back. "Go on now. Properly thank your master, and greet your senior sisters. They're your family now, too."
Her heart still carried the ache of longing, but the fog of confusion had cleared. She turned, her eyes clearer than before, and walked over to Xie Ren. She knelt down again, lowering her head with deep respect.
"Thank you, Master,"
"It's only natural," Xie Ren replied with a calm nod.
Su Roulan turned next to the three women standing behind him. She stepped forward, hands cupped together respectfully, and bowed deeply. "Roulan greets senior sisters."
