Words.

That’s what eluded Zhao Xing as he watched his Zhao Li ran towards him, powder puffing from her skin likes mist. She leapt into his arms, heartache like no other pulsed within his chest as he held her, trying to find comforting words for his daughter. What have they done to her? He thought. No, what have I done to her?

He forced a smile and cradled her in his arms. The longer she stayed in his embrace, the more he could feel the pain and desperation emanating from her. She was crying softly, her tears mixing with the white powder that covered her face.

Zhao Xing’s heart ached for his daughter. He’d always known that life in the village would be hard, especially for someone like her, who was different from the others. But he’d never imagined it would be this bad. This is my fault; I never talked to her about the difference in skin color, but the intentions of the heart are true.

He stroked her hair gently and whispered, “It’s okay dear, Daddy’s here. Everything’s gonna be alright.”

Xing knew his words were empty, but it was best he could off right now. In truth, he didn’t know how to fix this, but worst of all he didn’t know how to make Zhao Li feel accepted, but most importantly. He wanted to be loved from everyone around you.

“Sweety, you have to wash up and get ready. I’m taking you by Aunty Lin.”

“But daddy.”

“Please Li’er.” He said calmly, but firmly.

Zhao Xing led Zhao Li to the nearby river. The water flowed gently, reflecting the afternoon sun. He knelt beside her at the river's edge, his weathered hands gently cupping the cool water.

“Li’er come,” He said softly.

“Yes Da?” She said looking up.

“Let’s wash up.”

“But Da,”

“Li’er…lets wash up”

“Fine,” She said in protest.

Xing undressed himself and walked into the water holding Zhao Li’s hand.

As the water rose to Zhao Li’s waist, she became frantic. The white flour dissolved from her skin, swirling away in pale eddies around her small body. Her eyes widened in panic, and she began to thrash in the water, trying desperately to keep the powder on her skin.

“No, no, no!” She cried out “Da, its coming off! Make it stay!”

Zhao Xing felt his heart constrict, the desperation in his Zhao Li’s voice made him feel helpless. He gently but firmly grasped both of her hands, steadying her in the flowing river.

“Li’er, look at me,” Xing said, trying his best to hide the turmoil brewing within his chest. He squeezed her hands reassuringly, trying to anchor her with his touch. “It’s okay. Let it wash away. You don’t need it, you’re beautiful as you are.”

The tears streamed down Zhao Li’s face, cutting trails through the remaining flour. “But Da, I want to be like everyone else! I don’t want to be different anymore!”

Xing swallowed deeply, fighting back his own tears. He continued to hold her hands, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles on her palms. “I know it hurts, Li’er. I know everyone around you don’t have your skin colour, but that doesn’t matter. Your heart is what matters.”

“They call me a Demoness father,”

“A Demoness is someone evil Li’er, are you evil.”

“I don’t believe I am,”

“You aren’t sweety.” Xing said softly. He squeezed her shoulder and knelt down in the water. “What you do, decides who you are. Your actions influence your decisions and your decisions influence your actions.”

“They don’t like me…” She said, burying her face into his head.

Zhao Xing, stood up and hugged her tightly. “Because they’re ignorant.”

Zhao Xing gently lifted Zhao Li’s chin, encouraging her to look around them. The riverbank was dotted with an array of wildflowers, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the green grass and the flowing water.

“Look at the flowers, Li’er,” He said softly. “Look at the difference they all have. There are red poppies, purple violets, yellow daisies, and white chrysanthemums. Each one is unique, just like you.”

As he smiled down at her, the words he’d been looking for finally came to him. “Your skin is like this violet, rich and beautiful. And look at that patch of sunflowers over there - their golden petals remind me of the warmth in your smile.”

Zhao Li’s eyes widened as she looked from flower to flower, then back to her own skin. “The chrysanthemums may be pale, and the poppies may be bright red, but does that make either of them less beautiful?” Xing asked gently.

“No, it doesn’t. Each flower is perfect in its own way, just as you are.”

“You, my dear Li’er, are the most beautiful flower in my garden. Your skin is like the richest soil, nurturing and full of life. Never be ashamed of it.”

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

A small smile began to form on Zhao Li's face, her eyes lighting up with understanding. She looked at the colorful array of flowers around them, then back at her own hands, seeing them in a new light.

“Thank you, Da,” She whispered, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.

Zhao Xing's heart swelled with relief and love as he returned the embrace, feeling the tension leave his daughter’s small body. He knew there would be more challenges ahead, but for now, this moment of understanding was enough.

The father and daughter walked further into the water, the last of the flour washed away, Zhao Li’s sobs gradually subsided into hiccups. Xing gently pulled her closer, the cool water swirling around them both. “Let's get you cleaned up properly now, okay?”

Zhao Li nodded weakly, her small body still trembling slightly. Xing cupped his hands, bringing cool water up to wash her face tenderly. As he cleaned away the last traces of flour and tears, he couldn't help but marvel at the resilience in his daughter's eyes, even as they shimmered with unshed tears.

“Let’s get ready, let me take you to Aunty Lin for a bit, its times for lunch.”

“Yes Da,”

*

Zhao Xing carried Zhao Li on his back to Xiabo Jun’s abode. As he leapt from tree to tree, he couldn’t help but think about all the times he had tried to shield her from the harsh realities of the world. He had thought that by keeping her close to him, he could protect her from the prejudice and cruelty of the villagers.

But he had been wrong. He had only succeeded in isolating her, making her feel even more alone and different.

As the father and daughter approached Xiabo Jun’s abode. The sight of Zhao Li’s tears was lingering in his mind, despite his smile. Xing knew he had to do something. Anything, to protect her. But the path ahead was uncertain, and his options were limited. Where are you Su’er? I need you RIGHT NOW, He grumbled to himself.

The house stood at the edge of the village, framed by a forest of towering bamboo trees that swayed gently in the breeze. It was a peaceful place, far removed from the harsh whispers and judgmental gazes of the villagers.

“Elder Jun!” Xing shouted out, the old man was sitting at his door kneading flour. The gentleman that graced his lips, made Xing feel welcomed.

Throughout the years, his smile hadn’t changed. It was the same warm smile he met that night in the forest when he offered Xing a spot, and a chance to live within the Purple Mist Valley.

“Brother Xing,” Xiabo Jun said, nodding to him before his eyes fell on Zhao Li. “Little Li’er. It’s good to see you as well.”

“Grandpa Jun!” She said loudly, imitating her father. The little girl ran into his hands. The old man hugged her back with a smile on his face, but he ensured he didn’t touched her with his floured hands. “Ah, Little Li’er, are you alright?”

“I am now?” She said muffled with his tunic.

“Alright, I can’t pat you as my hands are dirty, you mind going inside for a bit, play with Little Qing, he’s seems to be in a mood. Aunty Lin has soon finished the soup for lunch.”

“Soup? Really?”

“Aye aye, there’s also dumplings in it,” He said with a wink as he looked down at her.

Xing watched as her smile widened with happiness, that filled him with such joy. She needs this, He mused, she needs to socialise with people.

“Go on Li’er, I’ll be there in a moment, I have something to discuss with Elder Jun,”

“Yes Father,” She said releasing her hug. She turned around smiled at him, then ran inside.

As Zhao Li disappeared into the house, Xiabo Jun turned to Zhao Xing, his smile fading into a look of concern. “Brother Xing, we need to talk about Li’er.”

“We do, that’s why I came.” Xing nodded. “I won’t lie Elder Jun. I’ve been... struggling.”

The two men moved to sit on a nearby bench, the bamboo forest rustling softly behind them. Xiabo Jun sighed heavily, his aged hands clasped tightly in his lap.

“Xing, I haven’t seen Li’er fully grow, but I can feel her desire to be loved. That only happens when a child is neglected. You need to fix that. Look at her, she’s a bright, beautiful child, but...” He said calmly before pausing, choosing his words wisely. “The villagers, they don’t understand.”

“I kn—“

“They don’t care to understand either,” He said, cutting Xing off. “Their ignorance breeds from fear, and that fear... is hurting her.”

“I know.” He said, clenching his jaw as anger and pain flashed within his eyes. “I’ve tried to protect her, shield her from their cruelty, but today...” His trailing into a hoarse.

“Today I realized I’ve only made things worse. She covered herself in flour, Elder Jun. My little girl tried to hide who she is!”

Xiabo Jun placed a comforting hand on Xing's shoulder. “It’s not your fault, my friend. But we must consider whether her staying in the village is truly what’s best for her.”

“And where else can she go? The sect? She’s too young, too innocent for that life. At least here, she has a chance at a normal childhood.” Xing said, pacing back and forth.

“Does she?” Xiabo Jun challenged, his voice rising with passion. “She’s an Axsumite. Her life was never going to be normal. Here. In Huaxia, you know this. Can you truly aim for her to have a normal childhood?”

“I had to try!” Xing snapped, flustered.

“Yet, she’s being ostracized by everyone in the valley. Xing…she used flour to try to change her skin colour because she wants to fit in.

“Elder Jun!”

“I don’t like it either, but she did it for a reason. Life in the sect might be harsh, but at least there, she won’t be alone.”

The two men stared at each other, the weight of their words hanging heavy in the air. Finally, Xing's shoulders slumped, the fight draining out of him.

“One month,” He said quietly. “I want to give one more month. If things don’t improve, if she doesn't find happiness... I’ll take her back to the sect permanently.”

Xiabo Jun sighed before nodding solemnly. “One month isn’t enough, but I understand why you only want to try for a month.”

“Thank you Elder Jun, I know you’re hands are full already with Little Qing.”

“Don’t mention it, Little Qing loves Li’er. We’ll do our best to make her feel welcome.”

Zhao Xing gave the Elder a deep bow and he could hear Elder Jun walking away. “We’re brothers, no need for the bows. I told you this six years ago.

“Thank you none the less.”

Xing made his way into the house, leaving Elder Jun at the door to continue kneading his flour.

He stepped into the house, looking to find Zhao Li. He found her, sitting with Little Qing, laughing over a game. The sight warmed his heart, even as it ached with the weight of his decision.

“Li’er,” He called softly. “Can we talk for a moment?”

Zhao Li looked up, her smile fading slightly as she sensed the seriousness in her father's tone. She nodded and followed him to a quiet corner of the room.

Xing knelt down to her level, taking her small hands in his. “Li’er, I’ve been thinking. How would you like to stay here in the village for a while? With Aunty Lin and Grandpa Jun?”

Zhao Li’s eyes widened in surprise. “Stay here? Without you?”

Xing nodded. “For one month. If things go well, if you're happy here, then... then we'll think about you coming back to the sect with me permanently.”

Zhao Li opened her mouth as if to protest, but then closed it again, her brow furrowing in thought. After a moment, she nodded slowly. “Da. I don’t want to, but I’ll try…”

Pride swelled in Xing’s chest at his daughter’s bravery. He pulled her into a tight hug. “Don’t worry, I’m not leaving right away. I’ll stay with you for three days before I have to return to the sect.”

Zhao Li hugged him back fiercely. “Promise?”

“I promise, Li’er. Three whole days, just you and me.”

As they held each other, Xing silently prayed that this decision