A Dream by the Creek, a Curl of Smoke

Ye Xi woke up in the wilderness with a pounding headache.

“Mother, you're finally awake! An'er was so scared.”

She looked at herself, then at the child. “I'm not your mother.”

“You are.”

“I'm not.”

“Yes, you are. An'er went to so much trouble to find you. Are you going to abandon An'er again?”

Tears welled in the child's eyes. Unable to bear it, she tugged at him.

“Kid, where's your family?”

“Right here, Mother.”

Ugh, my head hurts.

A few years later, a man and a boy glared at each other.

“Tell me, did you run off with my mother again? I haven't seen her in ages.”

“Is that how you talk to your father? Your mother and I were properly married after all the formalities. You little brat, I've left you alone for a few years, and now you're getting cheeky.”

“What are you two doing?” Ye Xi came over.

“Dear, your son is bullying me.” The man heard her voice and immediately put on a pitiful look.

“An'er, your father isn't in good health. We should take good care of him.”

“Mother, he... I didn't...”