Apocalypse Forecast

As for what wish Huai Shi would make, Ai Qing no longer cared. Anyway, this guy will probably just wish for a pile of money, right? A wish of that level, for tens of millions or even hundreds of millions in assets, would be simple to achieve, wouldn't it?

"Then..."

Huai Shi picked up the Wish Fulfillment Crystal in his hands with some unease and asked earnestly, "I want my family to come back. Can it fulfill that too?"

Ai Qing fell silent.

Liu DongLi averted his gaze.

"Ahaha, it can't?" Huai Shi laughed awkwardly and scratched his head. "That's right, such an excessive wish, it probably wouldn't pay any heed..."

In that instant, the crystal in his hand suddenly trembled. Cracks appeared on its surface, one after another. In the blink of an eye, it rapidly grew clouded, turning into something like old glass, devoid of any mystical quality.

In the silence, all three of them were stunned.

Soon, a commotion stirred in the night. Outside the window, they saw a golden light soaring into the sky, tearing through the layers of dark clouds and revealing the brilliant starlight.

The direction from which that light ascended...

Is it my home?!

Huai Shi jumped up in fright.

***

By the time Liu DongLi raced over in his car with Huai Shi, more than ten minutes had passed.

The brilliant golden light had long since dissipated. In its place was the dim, soft lamplight at the front door and Stone Marrow Pavilion's brand-new sign.

Huai Shi jumped out of the car and stared blankly at the completely rejuvenated courtyard behind the fence. The previously overgrown weeds had vanished, and the dust-covered statues were now gleaming as if new. Right in the center of the courtyard, the once-broken marble fountain now gushed with clear spring water.

And just beyond the layers of trees, the main building, lights blazing, showed no signs of damage. It wasn't just the shattered windows and cracked walls; the entire structure seemed as if time had reversed, restored to its former elegance and magnificence.

The dazzling light from crystal chandeliers shone out from the hall, illuminating the slender figure waiting by the door.

That old man, wearing a black bow tie and an immaculate suit, had his mottled white hair combed neatly back. He stood ramrod straight at the foot of the steps, smiling at the young man who had returned.

"Dinner is ready, Young Master."

He opened the door for Huai Shi and took what he was holding, smiling warmly and kindly. "Welcome home."

Huai Shi stared dumbly at that aged face.

Although he had no memory of such a face or posture, for some reason, it felt incredibly familiar, as if they had been companions for over a decade, never separated.

It was as if he were in a dream. He numbly followed the old man through the opened door, entered the hall, and looked around at the antique decorations and those scenes that only ever returned in his dreams.

At last, he walked into the dining room and sat down at the table, looking at the steaming hot dinner before him.

Huai Shi picked up the chopsticks but hesitated, turning to look at the old man behind him. "Is this... for me?"

"Of course," the old man said with an apologetic smile. "I apologize. It has been many years since I last cooked, and our household reserves are somewhat depleted. I could only prepare these in a hurry. Please forgive me."

"No, it doesn't matter."

Huai Shi shook his head, picked up his rice bowl, chose a piece of tender green vegetable with his chopsticks, and carefully tasted a mouthful. His movements stilled, and he slowly put down the chopsticks.

The elderly butler bent down and softly asked, "Does it not suit your taste?"

"No, it's delicious."

Huai Shi lowered his head, rubbing his reddening eyes, unable to hold back his tears. "It's really delicious."

It was just like when he had lost everything. Now that it was all reclaimed, he couldn't stop the urge to embrace his family and weep uncontrollably.

After an immensely long time, after witnessing so many miracles and Disasters, after enduring countless pains and prayers, Huai Shi had finally fulfilled his wish.

He was home.

***

Outside Stone Marrow Pavilion, Ai Qing watched the young man walk through the door. She tapped on the window, reminding Liu DongLi, who was lingering outside, "Now is not the time for visitors; we should go. If there's really something, we can discuss it tomorrow."

"Alright."

He regretfully withdrew his gaze and returned to the car. But then he smelled a familiar scent of smoke and couldn't help but be astonished. "You smoke?"

In the back seat, the Teenage Girl gazed at the warm lamplight in the window and answered calmly, "Only occasionally, when I'm in a good mood."