Chapter 45

 The Blossoming Memory

Xiang hugged the Goddess Heaven tightly, feeling an overwhelming sense of comfort she couldn't explain. For a moment, it felt like home—like something she had been missing for a long time. But as the emotions became too intense, she pushed the goddess away, her breath hitching. A sudden hiccup escaped her lips as she stumbled back.

"Don't you remember me at all?" the Goddess Heaven asked, her voice trembling with disappointment. "I am the goddess you once loved like your mother. You cherished me, but now you look at me as if I'm a stranger."

Xiang's heart stirred at the goddess's words, but she refused to let her feelings show. Folding her arms across her chest, she replied coldly, "I don't know who you are."

The Goddess Heaven's face fell, her eyes glistening with sorrow. Turning away, she asked Wen Shia, "What has happened to her? Why doesn't she remember me?"

Wen Shia stepped forward, his tone calm yet firm. "She has lost her memories. The King of Sun City Mountain must have done something to her. It's likely a result of his dark magic." He hesitated, glancing at Xiang, who stood with an air of defiance. "We cannot force her to remember—it might harm her further. Instead, we need to gain her trust first and then help her regain her memories naturally. For now, we must be patient."

The Goddess Heaven sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping. Wen Shia gently led her out of the room, saying, "You should rest, Mother. Leave this to me. I'll make everything right."

After the goddess left, Wen Shia turned to Xiang. He approached her cautiously, his voice soft yet steady. "Are you hungry?"

Xiang shot him a sharp glare. "Why have you locked me up here? Let me go! I don't want to eat anything."

Wen Shia didn't falter. "We're not your enemies. We're your family, and I'm your teacher. I promise, no harm will come to you." He motioned to a nearby guard and ordered, "Bring some food for her."

When the food arrived, Wen Shia placed the dishes in front of Xiang. "Here, try this. You need to eat." The spread included chicken dumplings, fried chicken, chicken noodle soup, and mooncakes.

Xiang eyed the food suspiciously and crossed her arms. "I told you, I'm not eating."

Undeterred, Wen Shia picked up a piece of dumpling and gently held it up to her lips. "Just one bite. You need your strength."

Reluctantly, Xiang opened her mouth, letting him feed her. She tried to hide it, but the taste was delightful. Yet, when Wen Shia asked, "How is it?" she scoffed. "It's not good at all."

Wen Shia smiled knowingly. "Your face says otherwise."

After the meal, he handed her a small bowl of medicine. "Drink this—it will help restore your memory."

Xiang glared at him, pushing the bowl away. "I don't trust you. I'm not drinking anything you give me."

Wen Shia sighed and, without warning, gently held her chin and tilted her head back, forcing her to take the bitter medicine. Xiang coughed in protest, her eyes narrowing at him.

"Here," Wen Shia said, handing her a small bowl of mung beans. "This will get rid of the bitterness."

Still scowling, Xiang took the bowl and ate quietly. Wen Shia gave her a soft smile. "Rest now. I'll leave you alone for a while."

Once he left, Xiang lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The bitterness of the medicine lingered, but she couldn't deny that Wen Shia's presence was oddly comforting. After a while, she noticed that no one was guarding her door. Taking advantage of the moment, she quietly slipped out of the room.

Xiang wandered into the garden, where she was greeted by the fragrance of flowers and the soft rustling of leaves. The garden was vast, filled with small flower plants and a towering cherry blossom tree whose pink petals danced in the breeze. She stood under the tree, closing her eyes as the gentle wind caressed her face.

From a distance, Wen Shia watched her silently. A faint smile played on his lips as he walked toward her.

"Do you remember this tree?" he asked softly.

Xiang's eyes snapped open, startled by his voice. She turned to face him. "What are you doing here?"

Wen Shia chuckled, his gaze warm. "I was watching my love, who looks breathtaking in this weather."

Xiang's cheeks flushed faintly, but she quickly turned her face away, unwilling to let him see.

"Stop saying such ridiculous things," she muttered.

Wen Shia took a step closer, his voice gentle. "It's not ridiculous. It's the truth. One day, you'll remember everything, Xiang. And when you do, I'll be here, just as I've always been."

Xiang said nothing, her heart torn between the strange warmth his words brought and the lingering confusion in her mind.

As the cherry blossoms swirled around them, Wen Shia silently vowed to protect her, no matter how long it took for her to remember.