The First Bloom 6

"Sorry to disappoint you," Jianyu said, ruffling A-Lian's hair affectionately, "but we're not a country. We're just a group of survivors getting by together."

The children looked a bit crestfallen at first, but their laughter soon returned when A-Lian cried out, "Then let's make a name for our group, gege! So we can feel like a real family!"

Jianyu smiled, letting them immerse themselves in their innocent imaginings.

Suddenly, a young man—A-Lian's older brother—approached them. His face was serious, a stark contrast to the children's playful chatter. "Gege," he called out in a calm but firm tone.

"Hm?" Jianyu turned to face him, raising an eyebrow slightly.