Chapter 25: A Special Day

Yu woke up early, brimming with excitement. He quickly got ready, wearing his best outfit, and stepped out of his room. Spotting his father in the courtyard, he approached him with a wide grin.

"Where are you off to, all dressed up like this, Yu?" his father asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nowhere special," Yu replied, trying to sound casual. "But Mom is coming back today, so I thought I should look nice!"

His father chuckled. "I see. Well, that's good, but where do you think you're going now?"

"I'm going out to play," Yu said, turning on his heel to dash away.

Before he could take another step, his father grabbed his ear. "Just because your mother is coming doesn't mean you can skip studying! Go to your room and get to work. And while you're at it, change out of those clothes. You look like you're going to a festival!"

Yu groaned in protest. "But when else am I supposed to wear these clothes if not today? And why do I have to study on such a good day? You should relax too, Dad! Let me enjoy myself for once!"

His father's stern gaze didn't waver. "If you don't want to be punished, you'll march back to your room right now and study."

Defeated, Yu sighed. "Fine, Dad. I was just joking anyway. I'll go."

As he walked away, he glanced toward the main gate, as if hoping his mother would arrive early, then reluctantly headed to his study.

On his way, Zian spotted him. "Yu, why are you dressed like that? Are you going somewhere?"

"Can't I wear something nice for no reason?" Yu replied, rolling his eyes. "My mom is coming today, and I want to look good when I meet her."

Zian raised an eyebrow. "Your mom's coming. Does that really mean you have to dress like this?"

Before Yu could reply, Master appeared behind them. "That's exactly what I said, but this boy just doesn't listen."

"You don't understand," Yu muttered, hurrying off to avoid further scolding.

Just then, a servant arrived, bowing respectfully. "Master, Miss Shima has arrived."

The Master nodded. "I'll be there shortly."

Yu didn't wait. He bolted toward the main gate, yelling, "Mom!"

Shima, Yu's mother, smiled warmly as she opened her arms to hug him. "How are you, my dear son?"

"I'm fine, Mom! How about you? Are you still sick?"

Shima shook her head. "Not anymore. Thinking about you made me recover quickly. I couldn't stay away from you any longer."

"Does this mean you're not going to leave again?" Yu asked, his eyes sparkling.

"That's right. I'm staying here now," Shima assured him.

Yu grinned, hugging her tightly. "You're the best, Mom! I'm so happy you're back!"

The Master approached and gently placed a hand on Yu's shoulder. "Yu, your mother has traveled a long way. She needs to rest now."

"But I still want to talk to her!" Yu protested.

"You can talk to her tomorrow," the Master said firmly. "Now go back to your studies."

Yu turned to his mother, his expression pleading. "Mom, they never let me rest. It's always about studying. Please, tell him to let me have some fun today!"

Shima laughed softly. "Yu doesn't need to study today. Let him enjoy himself."

Yu's face lit up. "Thanks, Mom! You're way better than Dad!"

As he ran off, he called back, "Mom, I made a new friend named Zian. I'll introduce you to him tomorrow, okay?"

Shima waved at him, smiling. "Okay, Yu."

Once Yu was out of sight, the Master sighed. "You've spoiled him even more. Now he'll never listen to me!"

Shima chuckled. "It's fine. If he doesn't play with his friends now, when will he? He's still a child."

The Master frowned. "He's old enough to focus on his studies now. Playtime is over."

Shima's eyes twinkled with amusement. "He takes after you, you know. His stubbornness is all yours."

The Master crossed his arms. "I'm nothing like that boy!"

Shima laughed, patting his shoulder. "Sure, you aren't."

Shaking his head, the Master turned to leave. "I'm heading out for some errands. Make sure to rest."

"I will," Shima said, watching him go. A soft smile lingered on her face as she thought about her family finally being together again.