Mia's house buzzed with excitement as her second birthday party was in full swing. The table was adorned with a modest spread of sweets, mostly cookies and simple candies made from fruits, accompanied by refreshing honey juice. Mia, dressed in a beautiful pink dress gifted by her grandmother, basked in the attention of her family, particularly the women who fawned over her.
Amidst the joyful chatter, Huang, Mia's father, found himself lost in deep thought. He was fully present at the party, yet his mind wandered into the realm of possibilities and concerns. He watched Mia interact with her brothers, who teased her playfully, their words tinged with a hint of envy. They couldn't help but wonder why Mia received birthday parties while they had never experienced one. Every time they questioned the adults, the response was always the same: Mia was special, and her celebrations were a way to honor that uniqueness.
In the midst of the festivities, Mia couldn't help but contemplate the concept of a "party." She found it amusing that such a small gathering, with its simple treats, could be considered a grand celebration. Yet, she recognized that the sweets laid out before them held a special significance. Sweets were not something people often went out of their way to make or buy unless they were children. In their own way, those treats held a touch of magic.
As the night began to settle, Mia's father called her to a room she had never been to before in the house. Her eyes widened at the sight of various weapons adorning the walls, accompanied by the eerie display of mounted skulls. Among them were books, a rare sight in her young life.
"What is this place, Father?" Mia asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Huang turned to face his daughter, a mix of emotions playing across his face. "This, my dear Mia, is a room that holds the treasures of our family. These weapons and skulls represent the achievements and challenges overcome by our ancestors."
Mia's eyes sparkled with awe as she took in the significance of the room. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride welling up within her. "Are these weapons really that special, Father?"
Huang nodded solemnly. "Indeed, they are. These weapons are natural treasures, acquired through dangerous quests and battles with monsters. They symbolize the strength and skill that our family possesses."
Mia's gaze shifted to the books on the shelf, her curiosity piqued once again. "And what are these books, Father?"
Her father smiled, a mixture of fondness and pride in his eyes. "These are cultivation manuals and journals. They contain the knowledge and techniques that have been passed down through our family for generations. They hold the key to our family's cultivation method, a way for us to become stronger."
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Huang explained how their cultivation method had been developed through trial and error, constantly refined and improved to minimize risks. He emphasized the rarity of such a successful technique outside of established sects, making their family's achievement all the more significant.
Once the exposition was complete, Huang turned his attention to Mia, his expression filled with a mix of concern and love. "Now, my dear Mia, I want to ask you a question. What do you want to do in the future?"
Mia's mind whirled with images of heroes and heroines, wielding mighty swords, casting spells, and embarking on daring adventures. After a moment of contemplation, she replied with unwavering determination, "I want to fly, Father. I want to wield a big sword and have the power to conjure fire from my hands. Maybe, if luck permits, I would even ride a dragon."
Huang was taken aback by his daughter's response. The weight of her words sank deep into his heart, mingling with a surge of conflicting emotions as what she was saying sounded both adorable and deep at the same time, not that she noticed that what she wanted to speak and what she was saying were two different things. He gently hugged Mia, guiding her towards her bed, and whispered, "I love you, my precious Mia."
As Mia settled into her bed, her mind buzzed with questions. What had her father meant by asking about her future aspirations? And why had his reaction been tinged with a mix of shock and concern?
Meanwhile, in Huang's bedroom, the atmosphere was calm and intimate. The two women in his life, Lin and Marry, were with him, their gazes filled with understanding.
Huang turned to them, his voice filled with worry. "What should I do? Mia has so much potential, more than I ever imagined. But the thought of her facing danger and battles, it terrifies me."
Lin placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "She is still so young, Huang. It's too early to make any decisions or dwell on what the future holds for her. The boys only started to train when they were 5 years old. Let her grow and explore her own path."
Marry nodded in agreement. "We can't control everything, my love. If Mia chooses the path of a warrior, we will support her every step of the way. All we can do is be there for her, guide her, and pray for her safety."
The two women shared a knowing glance, a subtle hint of mischief dancing in their eyes. Marry couldn't resist teasing her husband gently. "And who knows, Huang? Perhaps if Mia had a little sister, she would be too busy being a big sister and forget all about becoming a warrior."
Huang chuckled softly, appreciating the lightheartedness in Marry's words. With a newfound sense of reassurance, he knew that whatever path Mia chose, their love and support would always be by her side.
As the night settled in, the lights were put out, a sign they were going to be more intimate with each other. Huang, grateful for the charm he had acquired, which allowed them privacy, allowed the love and comfort of his wives to envelop him, momentarily easing the weight of his concerns.
Unbeknownst to Mia, her father grappled with his own fears and desires, torn between safeguarding his precious daughter and nurturing her boundless potential.