The sea of memories cascaded through Qin Tianyu's consciousness like a rushing river, each scene painting a vivid picture of the life he now inhabited. As the memories unfolded before him, he could feel the anguish, the joy, the pain, and the love that had shaped the original Qin Tianyu's existence.
He witnessed the chilling presence of Qin Zhao Ren, a man who appeared as a father yet exuded coldness and heartlessness. Memories of disdainful glances, harsh words, and a constant sense of inadequacy washed over him. His heart burned with anger, feeling the weight of years of resentment.
Then, like a gentle breeze, he experienced the warmth of Qin Li Mei, a woman whose love and care radiated from every memory. Her loving embrace, her soothing words, and the unwavering support she had shown despite her own struggles left him with a lump in his throat. He had never experienced a mother's love, and witnessing it now tugged at emotions he didn't even know he had.
The memories continued to flow, painting a heartbreaking picture of being treated as an outcast due to his lack of cultivation talent. The humiliation of being shunned by his own family, the sneers of those who saw him as worthless, it all etched itself into his soul. And then the memory that cut the deepest – being kicked out of the Qin family, the place where he should have belonged, and the shame his mother had endured.
Tears welled up in Qin Tianyu's eyes, a mixture of anger, humiliation, and sorrow surging within him. But amidst the maelstrom of emotions, a beacon of love shone through – the love he had witnessed in every interaction with Qin Li Mei. It was a love that transcended blood ties, a love that had kept her strong through the darkest of times.
With a deep breath, he looked up at the ceiling, his voice a mixture of gratitude and determination.
"Thank you, system, for showing me those memories. Now I feel more like I belong in this body."
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In response, a chime echoed, [The system reminds the host that his mother is waiting for him for breakfast]
Tianyu quickly got out of bed and washed up, his mind racing with a newfound sense of purpose. As he stood before the clothes, he couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness. He was a modern man thrown into a world of unfamiliar clothing. He turned to the system for guidance.
[Host! In this world, these are the common clothes worn, in your original world these would be similar to your 'Hanfu', 'Daopao' or 'Shenyi'. Most commonly are just referred to as 'Robes' or for martial artists they wear 'Battle Dresses' which provide them with more protection!]
[Host! The system will impart the knowledge of how to dress, free of charge!]
He couldn't help but retort, "Are you mocking me?"
The system's reply was swift and candid, [Yes, host!]
Tianyu huffed, both frustrated and amused, as he followed the system's instructions to get dressed.
Walking down the hallway, he observed the worn surroundings, each detail a testament to a life he had never known. As he entered the kitchen, the aroma of breakfast filled the air, and his eyes settled on the woman who had shown him a love he had never experienced.
Qin Li Mei's warm smile welcomed him, and her voice held a melody of care and affection as she greeted him. The pained look that briefly flashed across her face when she placed a simple bowl of rice before him didn't escape his notice. Yet, he was filled with gratitude and a longing to provide more for her.
Breakfast passed in quiet companionship, a mixture of unfamiliarity and genuine love between mother and son. She shared her plans for the day, inquiring about his well-being, and he responded, still grappling with the reality of having a mother. Her struggles had never ceased, yet her strength and love remained steadfast.
As breakfast concluded, Qin Li Mei cleared the table, her actions a testament to her role as both a mother and a provider. Tianyu's intention to retreat to his room wavered, a desire to convey his feelings pressing against his uncertainty.
Approaching her from behind, he pulled her into a hesitant hug. She started but didn't resist, her surprise mingled with a warmth that mirrored the love he had seen in her memories. In a quiet whisper, he expressed his gratitude, his determination to improve their circumstances. As he released her, he closed the door to his room, leaving her with a small smile and a tear in her eye.
In his room, Tianyu's thoughts churned with determination. He had seen the struggles, felt the emotions, and embraced the love that defined this world. "System!" he called out.
[Yes, host?]
"It's time to get started!".
[Yes, host!]
Tianyu's voice held a newfound resolve, a commitment to reshape his destiny, protect the love he had found, and stand against the adversities that lay ahead.