Long Wei Woke and went to the kitchen, where his mother was waiting for him.

As the sun streamed through the kitchen window, illuminating the cozy space, Long Len turned to her son with a thoughtful expression. "Wei, today I think it's time for you to learn how to make baozi," she said, her tone light yet purposeful. "It might help take your mind off everything happening with the draft."

Long Wei looked up, a hint of surprise crossing his face. "You want me to learn to cook? I thought cooking was for you and the women in the village."

Long Len chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Cooking is for everyone, my son. It's a skill that brings comfort and joy, and in times like these, we can all use a little extra warmth." She gestured toward the ingredients on the table—flour, yeast, meat, and vegetables ready for filling.

"Alright, then! I'm ready!" Wei replied, enthusiasm bubbling within him as he stepped closer.

As they began to mix the dough, Long Len guided him through each step, her hands deftly demonstrating how to knead the mixture until it was smooth and pliable. "Feel that, Wei? The dough needs to be just right. Cooking is about understanding the ingredients and giving them love," she explained, her eyes twinkling with maternal pride.

"Like how you put love into every batch of buns?" Wei asked, smiling as he recalled the many times he had savored his mother's delicious baozi.

"Exactly!" she said, laughing lightly. "Now, let's prepare the filling. What do you think we should add?"

Together, they chopped vegetables and seasoned the meat, the kitchen filling with fragrant aromas. As they worked side by side, Long Wei felt his worries begin to fade, replaced by laughter and the rhythmic sound of their movements.

Long Len glanced at him, sensing the change in his demeanor. "You see, Wei? Cooking can be a great distraction. And when we share food, we also share love and hope."

Wei nodded, his heart lightening. "I understand, Mother. I'll do my best to make these baozi as wonderful as yours."

With each step in the process, their bond deepened, their laughter echoing through the kitchen as they prepared their meal, savoring the moment amid the uncertainty of the world outside.

After a joyful morning of cooking, Long Wei and his mother sat at the table to enjoy the baozi they had made together. The golden-brown buns were steaming and fragrant, filled with a savory mixture of meat and vegetables. The flavors burst forth as they bit into the warm dough, making Wei's heart swell with satisfaction.

"Mother, these are incredible! I think I might have a talent for this," he said, grinning from ear to ear.

Long Len chuckled, wiping her hands on her apron. "You certainly do, Wei! Just remember, it's not just about the cooking—it's about the love we put into it. Every bun tells a story."

They finished their lunch, the table filled with laughter and shared memories. Once the last baozi was devoured, Wei stood up, feeling energized.

"I should bring some of these to Father. He'll love them!" Wei went out to the wheat fields with a few remaining steamed buns wrapped carefully in cloth. The sun shone brightly overhead, illuminating the rows of golden stalks that swayed gently in the breeze. He spotted Long Ye working hard, his hands skillfully tending to the crops."Father!" Wei called, waving as he approached.

Long Ye turned, a smile breaking across his weathered face. "Wei! I see you're back from the kitchen. How did the baozi turn out?"

"Delicious! Mother and I made a batch together, and I brought some for you," Wei replied, holding out the warm buns.

Long Ye wiped his brow and accepted the offering, his eyes twinkling with appreciation. "You made these? Let's see if they live up to your mother's reputation!"

As they sat down on the edge of the field, Wei watched eagerly as his father took a bite.

Long Ye's expression shifted from curiosity to delight. "These are fantastic, Wei! You've done well. I knew you had it in you!"

Feeling a rush of pride, Wei grinned. "I couldn't have done it without Mother's help. Cooking is a team effort!"

They continued to eat, sharing stories about the day's work, the laughter and warmth enveloping them.

Long Wei sat beside his father, Long Ye, on the edge of the wheat fields, their empty baozi wrappers strewn about them.

The sun hung high, casting a warm glow over the golden stalks swaying in the breeze. After a moment of comfortable silence, Wei turned to his father, curiosity lighting up his eyes.

"Father, I've been thinking about something," Wei began, his tone earnest. "What is Ariel, exactly? I've heard you mention it in your talks with the other farmers, but I’m not quite sure I understand."

Long Ye paused, considering his son's question. "Ah, Ariel," he said slowly, a thoughtful smile playing on his lips.

"It's the essence that flows through everything—people, plants, even the air we breathe. In our work, we cultivate not just the land, but the essence that nourishes it."

Wei nodded, intrigued. "So, what form does your ariel take? How do we processes it and make use of it?"

"Good question," Long Ye replied, his eyes glimmering with pride. "I have the ability to manipulate Fire. But when I say fire I mean that it is only a small spark that is very weak. We are all born with Essence, I’ve heard Martial masters mention how there is Nano Essence in our surroundings In the air, ground, water and so on.

I have heard them mention that it can be absorbed. What makes them different from an ordinary person is that there capacity for Ariel has grown larger from it initial state allowing them to store more essence then ordinary people.

When we work hard are body's may absorb trace amounts of nano essence but that is just my personal conjecture . I am not sure how effective it may be."

"Can we feel it?" Wei asked, leaning forward, eager to absorb more of his father's wisdom.

"Personally I Can’t really feel it," Long Ye said, his voice steady. "But you could try going out in the fields, to take a moment to breathe deeply. Feel the wind, the warmth of the sun, the earth beneath your feet. I have herd from your uncle that you sense nano essence moving around you. If the nano essence is dense enough even I would be able to feel it."

Wei closed his eyes for a moment, trying to picture it. "So, if I’m calm and focused, I can feel nano essence?"

"probably," Long Ye affirmed, his expression proud. "Just like when you made the baozi today. You poured your heart into it, and that love infused the food. When we share that food, we share the nano essence that is in the food."

Wei smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him. "I want to learn more, Father. I am sure there are applications not just in cooking, but in everything I do."

Long Ye placed a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder. "Then you shall, Wei. Just remember, it takes patience and practice. The journey to understanding Ariel is a lifelong one, and I am sure that you could achieve it."

Together, they sat in the sun-soaked fields, the bond between them deepening, united not only by family but by the shared understanding of ariel. At that moment, a midst the sprawling fields and the comforting taste of home, Wei felt a sense of peace, if only for a little while, as the world's worries faded.

Meanwhile uncle Li ambled into the cozy kitchen, his weathered face breaking into a warm smile as he spotted Long Len at the table. "Ah, Len! Just the person I was hoping to see," he said, holding up a small bundle of vibrant orange carrots. "I brought you some fresh carrots from my garden. Thought you could use them for your cooking."

Uncle Li was the village elder, a respected figure in Shu Village known for his wisdom and kindness. With his silver hair and gentle demeanor, he had a way of bringing comfort to those around him. Often seen with a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye, he was a source of guidance for the villagers, sharing stories of the past and offering advice during difficult times. Today, he had stopped by to visit Long Len, bringing with him a small bundle of freshly harvested carrots, a gesture of camaraderie and support in challenging times.

Long Len’s face lit up with delight as she accepted the gift. "Thank you, Uncle Li! These are beautiful! I can already picture them in a stir-fry or maybe even a soup."

Uncle Li chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "You always know how to make the best of what you have. The village is lucky to have your cooking to keep our spirits up during these times."

"Well, it’s the least I can do," Long Len replied, glancing out the window. "Everyone is feeling the weight of the draft. We all need a bit of comfort, don’t we?"

"Indeed," Uncle Li said, nodding solemnly. "I’ve been speaking to some of the villagers. There’s a lot of uncertainty in the air. But I believe that together, we can find ways to support one another."

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Long Len sighed, placing the carrots on the table. "It’s hard to see our children facing such challenges. I worry about Wei and his friends. They’re at an age where they should be dreaming of the future, not worrying about being drafted."

Uncle Li’s expression softened. "You’re right, Len. But remember, in every storm, there’s a chance for growth. The resilience of our village is strong, and our children will learn from us how to navigate these troubled waters."

Long Len smiled faintly, feeling reassured by his words. "You always have a way of putting things into perspective, Uncle Li. Your wisdom is a balm to us all."

"Well, I’ve lived long enough to see my share of storms," he said with a chuckle. "But it’s the small joys—like sharing food and laughter—that help us endure. Speaking of which, I’d be honored to share a meal with you and Wei later. I’d love to taste one of those baozi I hear so much about!"

Long Len laughed, the warmth of the conversation lifting her spirits. "You’re always welcome at our table, Uncle Li. I’ll save some for you!"

"Then it’s settled!" he replied, clapping his hands together. "I’ll bring over some of my special pickled turnips to share as well. A feast for the soul!"

As Uncle Li turned to leave, he paused at the door, glancing back at Long Len. "And remember, Len, no matter how heavy the world feels, we carry the light within us.

Keep cooking, keep sharing, and we’ll weather this together."

With a nod, Long Len felt the weight of her worries lighten just a bit, bolstered by the supportive presence of the village elder.

Later that night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village, a sense of unease settled over Long Wei’s home. The family had gathered for a simple dinner, the comforting aroma of baozi still lingering in the air, when a heavy knock echoed through the door.

Long Ye opened it to reveal an old man, his face etched with lines of worry and urgency. "Long Ye! We need to talk. It’s about the draft," he said, his voice trembling slightly.

"What is it?" Long Ye asked, a frown creasing his brow. Without warning, the old man raised his hand, and the earth beneath them shuddered. The ground rippled like water, forming a pathway that pulled Long Ye toward the door. "You must come with me, now!" he commanded, his voice booming with an unnatural authority.

Long Wei's eyes widened in disbelief. "Father!" he cried, lunging forward, but the earth shifted beneath him, forcing him back.

Long Ye struggled against the force, his expression a mix of confusion and defiance. "What do you mean? I won’t go! I need to stay with my family!"

The old man’s gaze hardened. "There is no time for hesitation. The battlefield awaits, and you have a duty to fulfill." With a swift gesture, the earth tightened around Long Ye, dragging him closer to the door.

Long Len stood frozen, her heart racing, eyes wide with fear. "Please, don’t take him!" she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. "He’s our protector!"

But the old man was unmoved, his focus unwavering. "He must come. It’s the call of duty, and there are forces at play beyond your understanding."

In a last desperate attempt, Wei reached for his father. "Father, fight it! Stay with us!"

But before Long Ye could respond, the ground surged upward, encasing him in a swirling mass of dirt and stone. With a final, anguished look at his family, he was pulled out of the house, disappearing into the night.

The silence that followed was deafening. Long Wei and Long Len stood in shock, the weight of what had just happened settling heavily upon them. The reality of their loss, the uncertainty of their future, loomed over them like a dark cloud, leaving them trembling in the aftermath.

Hua Mei's Pov

As dawn broke over Shu Village, the soft light filtered through the curtains of Hua Mei's small room, gently stirring her from sleep. She stretched, the familiar scent of jasmine tea wafting in from the kitchen, reminding her of the warmth of home. With a contented sigh, she rose and dressed quickly, her mind buzzing with anticipation for the day ahead.

In the kitchen, her mother was already busy preparing breakfast. "Good morning, Hua Mei! I made some rice porridge for you," her mother, Hua Shui, said, smiling as she ladled a steaming bowl. "You need strength for a busy day at Granny Feng's."

"Thank you, Mother!" Hua Mei replied, grateful for the comforting meal. She ate quickly, her thoughts drifting to the tasks waiting for her at the workshop—cutting fabric, learning new stitches, and absorbing Granny Feng's wisdom.

After breakfast, she gathered her things, carefully packing her sewing kit and a few fresh buns her mother had made. As she stepped outside, the village was slowly coming to life, the sounds of roosters crowing and neighbors greeting one another filling the air.

As she walked through the winding streets toward Granny Feng's shop, Hua Mei couldn't shake the weight of recent conversations about the draft. Whispers echoed in her mind, worries about friends and families facing uncertainty. But she pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the tasks that awaited her.

Arriving at the workshop, she was greeted by the sight of Granny Feng hunched over her loom, deftly weaving colorful threads. "Ah, Hua Mei! You're just in time! Today, we'll work on some special garments for the upcoming festival," Granny Feng said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Good morning, Granny! I can't wait to get started!" Mei Hua replied, her spirits lifting as she settled into her routine. The workshop was filled with the soothing sounds of fabric rustling and the rhythmic clatter of the loom, creating a comforting backdrop to her day.

As she began her work, Mei Hua found solace in the patterns and textures, letting the beauty of the fabric guide her thoughts away from the troubling news. For now, at this moment, surrounded by creativity and the warmth of her mentor, she felt a sense of hope for the future.

Hua Mei was apprenticed to an elderly Seamstress who owned a shop in Shu Village. She spent most of her days in the cozy workshop of Granny Feng, surrounded by the vibrant colors and textures of fabric. Each morning began with continuous practice of weaving threads into cloth and stitching together cloths, learning the delicate art of stitching and embroidery.

Under Granny Feng's watchful eye, she practiced creating intricate patterns, pouring her heart into every piece she crafted. Despite the challenges, Hua Mei found joy in transforming simple materials into beautiful garments, each stitch telling a story. Her dreams blossomed alongside her skills as she imagined opening her shop where her creations' beauty could bring others joy.

As the morning light streamed through the workshop windows, Hua Mei carefully threaded her needle, focusing on the delicate fabric before her. Granny Feng sat nearby, deftly weaving colorful threads together on her loom.

"Hua Mei," Granny Feng said, her voice warm and steady, "do you see how the colors blend together in this cloth? It's like life—each thread plays its part to create something beautiful."

Hua Mei looked up, her eyes sparkling. "I see it, Granny. Just like how our skills come together to make these garments. It feels like I'm weaving my dreams into each piece."

Granny Feng smiled, but her expression turned serious as she continued. "But, my dear, the clouds of war cast a shadow over Shu Village. With the draft approaching, many families will face hardships. It could change everything for us."

Hua Mei's heart sank at the thought. "What would you do if the boy you liked got drafted, Granny? I… I don't know how I would handle it."

Granny Feng paused, her fingers stilling on the loom. "Ah, my child, love and duty often walk a difficult path. If that were to happen, I would remind myself that true love means supporting the one you care for, even in challenging times. You must hold onto hope, for love can endure even the toughest storms."

Hua Mei felt a mixture of sadness and comfort wash over her. "Thank you, Granny. It's hard to imagine. But I know I would want to be strong, just like you."

"Strength comes in many forms, Hua Mei," Granny Feng replied gently. "Sometimes, it's simply believing in a brighter future, even when the road ahead is uncertain."

Granny Feng watched as Mei Hua finished her stitching, then smiled. "You've worked hard today, my dear. Why don't you run to the village square and pick up some steamed buns from the vendors? They will make a nice lunch for us."

"Of course, Granny," Mei Hua replied, eager to step outside. She tucked a few coins into her pocket and set off, the sunlight warming her face as she walked through the bustling streets.

As she made her way to the square, she couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation around her. Groups of villagers huddled together, their voices low but filled with urgency. "The recruitment officers will be here soon," one woman whispered, her expression troubled. "They say many will be taken, and we won't know who until it's too late."

Mei Hua's heart raced as she moved through the crowd, the weight of their worries pressing on her. She quickened her pace, eager to get the buns and return to the safety of Granny Feng's workshop. The laughter and chatter of children playing nearby felt distant, overshadowed by the looming specter of the draft.

Finally reaching the vendor, she purchased the steaming buns, their savory aroma filling the air and momentarily distracting her from the heavy thoughts swirling in her mind. "Thank you!" she said, clutching the warm package tightly as she turned to head back.

But as she walked, her heart sank further when she spotted a group of armed soldiers marching into the village, their boots striking the ground in a rhythmic, ominous beat. The sight sent shivers down her spine, and she instinctively pressed herself against a nearby wall, trying to remain unnoticed.

With her head down and her heart racing, Mei Hua hurried back to Granny Feng's shop, the warmth of the buns contrasting sharply with the chill of anxiety that settled in her chest. She knew she had to keep the news of the soldiers to herself, hoping to protect Granny from further worry.

Long Wei Pov:

The next morning dawned gray and overcast, a heavy blanket of clouds casting a somber light over Shu Village. Long Wei sat at the kitchen table, staring blankly at the untouched baozi his mother had prepared. The comforting aroma that usually filled the air felt hollow now, overshadowed by the events of the night before.

Long Len moved through the kitchen in a daze, her hands mechanically preparing breakfast, but her mind was elsewhere—haunted by the image of her husband being dragged away. Every time she glanced at the empty seat where Long Ye usually sat, a fresh wave of despair washed over her.

"Mother," Wei finally broke the silence, his voice shaky, "what are we going to do? He… he didn’t even get a chance to fight back."

Long Len’s eyes filled with tears as she turned to her son. "I don’t know, Wei. I thought we would be together, that we could find a way to protect him. How could this happen?"

The weight of their situation pressed down on them, each moment stretching into eternity. The usual sounds of the village waking up—children laughing, roosters crowing—felt distant, almost foreign. Instead, an eerie quiet surrounded their home, a reflection of the turmoil churning inside.

Wei stood up abruptly, frustration boiling over. "I need to find him! He can’t be far! We have to bring him back!"

"How, Wei?" Long Len said softly, her voice trembling. "What if he’s already… what if we can’t reach him?" The thought of losing Long Ye completely shattered her resolve.

They both fell silent, their hearts heavy with the unknown.

The bond of their family had been ripped apart, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead loomed like a dark cloud, threatening to consume them. The kitchen, once a space filled with warmth and laughter, now felt cold and empty, echoing the fear and despair that had taken root in their hearts.

As the day dragged on, they held onto each other, trying to find strength in their shared grief, but the shadows of doubt and sorrow loomed large. Each hour that passed felt like an eternity, deepening their anxiety and despair over the fate of the man they loved.

After hours of restless turmoil, Long Len finally felt a flicker of determination igniting within her. She couldn’t allow despair to paralyze her. Long Ye had always been the anchor of their family, but now it was up to her to keep them afloat. With a deep breath, she wiped away her tears and straightened her back, setting her resolve.

“Come, Wei,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt. “We need to tend to the fields. Your father wouldn’t want us to let his hard work go to waste.”

Wei looked at her, a mix of fear and admiration in his eyes. “But, Mother… what if he needs us?”

“I know,” she replied, her heart aching with the weight of uncertainty. “But we can’t let our fear stop us from surviving. If we don’t work the fields, we’ll starve, and that would break his heart even more.”

Reluctantly, Wei nodded, his youthful spirit rekindled by his mother’s resolve. Together, they gathered what they needed—simple tools and a basket for any produce they could gather. As they stepped outside, the cool air wrapped around them, a stark contrast to the heaviness in their hearts.

The fields stretched before them, a sea of golden wheat swaying gently in the breeze. But as Long Len walked among the rows, her heart sank. The vibrant life of the land felt tinged with something ominous, as if the earth itself was mourning alongside her. A chill ran down her spine, and a deep, unsettling fear crept into her thoughts.

As she knelt to begin her work, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was very wrong. The skies above were still and gray, mirroring her unease. Every rustle of the wind seemed to whisper warnings, and she felt as though eyes were watching from the shadows, the weight of an unseen threat pressing down on her.

“Mother?” Wei’s voice broke through her reverie. He was standing nearby, glancing around nervously. “Do you think… do you think Father is okay?”

Long Len paused, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. “I hope so, my dear. But we must focus on what we can control. We can honor his memory by ensuring that this family remains strong.”

As they worked, she found herself stealing glances toward the horizon, half-expecting to see Long Ye returning to them. But with each passing hour, the feeling in her gut deepened. She knew that the world outside their village was changing, and with it, the very fabric of their lives was at risk. The uncertainty loomed, but she pushed through, fueled by love and the desperate hope that they could endure, no matter what lay ahead.