With all that done, he finally relaxed. In a flash, he returned to the home he hadn't seen in a year.
The Li family's residence.
"Ah Wen!" His mother, Wang Juan, was the first to see her son push open the door. She rushed forward, studying him carefully.
"You weren't hurt over there, were you? I heard it's full of terrifying Demon Kings..."
She held Li Wen's hand, chattering on as if pouring out a year's worth of worry and longing.
His father, Li Hong, stood to the side. Though not as outwardly emotional as his mother, his eyes were filled with relief and pride.
"It's good you're back! It's good you're back! There's just one more dish to go. Hurry and sit down."
With that, he returned to the kitchen, leaving Wang Juan and Li Wen in the living room.
A comforting, home-cooked meal was soon laid out on the table. The familiar flavors filled Li Wen with a profound sense of warmth.
