Chapter 5 — The Three Little Flames
The sun was just beginning to rise, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. Su Yanyue stood in the doorway of the hut, watching the triplets play near the clearing with a soft smile.
Though they were identical in appearance, each boy had a personality that shone through like sparks in a fire.
Xiao Yu, the eldest by minutes, was the most serious. His dark eyes held a quiet wisdom, and he often took it upon himself to look after his brothers. He spoke little, but when he did, his words carried weight beyond his years.
Xiao Ming was the mischievous one. Always grinning, always pushing boundaries, he loved teasing both his brothers and the adults alike. His laughter was infectious, but his cunning was sharp—he could think on his feet faster than anyone else.
Xiao Jun, the youngest, was the quiet observer. He rarely spoke but noticed everything. His calm demeanor was a perfect balance to Ming's wild energy and Yu's seriousness.
As Yanyue called them for breakfast, they bounded toward her, their faces alight with mischief and affection.
"Mother, will you teach us how to catch fish today?" Ming asked, eyes gleaming.
"I want to learn how to cook better," Jun added softly.
Yu just nodded solemnly. "And I will protect the village when I'm older."
Su Yanyue knelt to their height, her heart swelling. "All in good time," she said. "But for now, you must learn patience and kindness."
Yu Shenli watched the scene quietly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile touching his lips.
These three boys, so alike yet so different, were the heart of this strange new world she found herself in.
And as the days stretched on, Su Yanyue knew one thing for certain—no matter the battles ahead, they would face them together.