The morning sun filtered through the wide windows of the Liang family estate, casting a golden glow across the room where Liang Mei stood. Her lab coat was discarded over a chair, replaced by a more casual outfit that matched the serenity of the early morning. Yet, her mind wasn't at peace. Jin's recent behavior weighed heavily on her heart. She had watched him retreat further into himself, always standing in the shadows of his siblings, especially Yue, whose strength and potential were so obviously tied to their family's legacy.
Mei hadn't had the bloodline powers either—not in the way Yue had, and certainly not the way her family had hoped for her to. But, unlike Jin, Mei had found a way to carve her own path, though it had never been easy. The journey had been isolating, filled with doubt and whispered voices about what she couldn't do. And yet, she had managed to gain recognition in the world of science and genetics, working on projects that even the most powerful families valued.
Taking a deep breath, Mei pushed those memories aside. She had always been a listener, a silent observer when it came to her family. But this time was different. Jin needed her words—he needed to hear that, despite the lack of the bloodline, he could still make his mark.
She stepped out onto the balcony, finding Jin leaning against the stone railing, his eyes lost in thought, staring at the horizon as if searching for something he couldn't quite reach.
"Jin," Mei called gently, her voice drawing him out of his reverie.
Jin turned to look at her, his expression distant. He said nothing, but his tired eyes were enough of a sign that he was struggling with something unsaid.
Mei joined him at the railing, her gaze softening. "You remind me of myself at your age," she began, her voice quiet, as though she were speaking to herself more than to him. "I was often in the same place—feeling like I didn't belong. Everyone expected me to be like Yue, to have powers that would justify my existence in the family. But I didn't have them."
Jin's gaze flickered toward her, confusion clouding his face. "But you're… you're Liang Mei. You're respected now. You've accomplished things."
Mei nodded slowly, her lips curling into a small, almost wistful smile. "Yes, but it wasn't always this way. When I was young, I was terrified. Terrified that I would never be able to live up to expectations, terrified that without powers, I would never matter." She let out a soft laugh, the sound more melancholy than light. "I had a vision for myself, one that I thought would make me worthy of being part of this family, of earning my place. But that vision didn't rely on anything external. It was about discovering my own potential, my own strength."
Jin's brow furrowed. "But… how? What if I can't find it?"
Mei leaned closer to him, her gaze locking with his. "You're already on your way, Jin. You're asking the right questions. You've been thinking about what makes you different, haven't you?" She paused, allowing the question to sink in. "And it's okay to feel lost. But, let me tell you this: The world doesn't measure you by your bloodline. It measures you by what you bring to the table, by what you contribute. Yue's powers are incredible, yes. But that's not the only way to stand out in this world."
She placed a hand on his shoulder, her tone gentle but firm. "You have a mind, Jin. You're quick, perceptive, and you don't always follow the usual path. You'll find your strength. It may not be the same as Yue's, but it'll be yours."
Jin looked at his sister, her words sinking into him like a quiet seed. "I don't know what to do with that," he admitted softly, his voice tinged with doubt.
"I didn't know either," Mei replied, her eyes distant as she recalled her own fears. "But I figured it out, step by step. It wasn't easy, and it took time. But the moment you decide to stop hiding and start becoming the person you want to be, that's when everything changes. Trust me, Jin. You'll find a way."
Jin looked out across the estate, his thoughts swirling. His heart felt lighter now, though he couldn't entirely shake the uncertainty. But he was no longer as afraid to try. His sister's words lingered in his mind—he could find his own way, even if it wasn't the way everyone had expected him to go.
"I'll try," he said finally, the promise small but sincere.
Mei smiled, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "That's all you can do, Jin. That's enough."