Shiheyuan The Everyday Modifier

In the quiet morning that followed, sunlight painted soft stripes across the worn wooden floor of their small room. Li Wei held Xiaolian close, her small form nestled against him. A gentle warmth bloomed in his chest, a feeling more profound and satisfying than any he had ever imagined in his past life. He brushed a stray strand of hair from her forehead, his touch feather-light. "Are you comfortable, little one?" he murmured, his voice thick with affection.

Xiaolian stirred in his arms, her eyes fluttering open sleepily. A small, content sigh escaped her lips. "Mn, Gege," she mumbled, her voice still laced with the remnants of sleep.

He held her tighter. "We will always be together now, Xiaolian. Always." The vow resonated in the stillness of the room, a silent promise against the uncertainties of the world outside.

Later, he prepared a simple but nourishing meal for her, his movements careful and deliberate. He savored the way her eyes widened with delight at the taste of the warm congee and the sweet steamed bun. Watching her eat with such innocent pleasure filled him with a quiet sense of purpose. *This is it,* he thought. *This is the power I truly desire – the power to care for her, to ensure her happiness.*

Before the inevitable whispers or judgmental glances from the neighbors could even begin, Li Wei made a point of stepping outside with Xiaolian by his side. He held her hand firmly, his gaze sweeping over the nearby dwellings. If any eyes met his, they were met with a look that held a silent, unwavering intensity – a protective fierceness that spoke volumes without uttering a single word. The subtle shift in his demeanor, the steel in his eyes, was enough to quell any nascent gossip or unwanted attention. The neighbors, sensing an unspoken boundary, kept their gazes lowered and their comments to themselves.

Back inside, Li Wei sat on the low stool, gently pulling Xiaolian to sit between his legs, her small back resting against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her, a comforting and secure embrace. "Xiaolian," he said softly, "I want to show you something special."

Concentrating, he focused his intent on his **Internal Space** – the "side-space," as he thought of it, the extra-dimensional storage that existed not within his body but alongside it. With a gentle mental tug, he visualized the entryway opening, a shimmering curtain of light momentarily visible in the small room.

"Woah," Xiaolian breathed, her eyes wide with wonder as they stepped through the shimmering veil.

The space within was not vast, but it felt safe and self-contained, like a secret little world just for them. Sunlight seemed to filter through an unseen source, casting a warm, gentle glow. Xiaolian looked around in amazement, her previous weariness completely forgotten. "Gege, what is this place?"

"Our special place," Li Wei smiled, tightening his hold on her. "A place where we can be safe and learn and grow."

Remembering his fleeting thoughts of other protagonists and their neglected families, a surge of protectiveness washed over him. *Not us,* he vowed silently. *We will face the world together, stronger because of each other.*

He decided to start with something practical, something that would give her a sense of confidence and self-reliance. "Xiaolian," he began, gently turning her to face him, "I want to teach you a little bit about how to protect yourself."

He showed her simple stances, how to make a fist, and the basic movements of a jab. He kept it light and fun, his voice patient and encouraging. Xiaolian, initially hesitant, soon giggled as she mimicked his movements, her small fists punching the air with surprising enthusiasm.

"Good, good!" Li Wei praised, his heart swelling with a mixture of pride and affection. "See? You are strong, Xiaolian. You just need to learn how to use that strength."

As he guided her through the simple exercises, he felt a sense of peace he hadn't known in his past life. There were no grand schemes, no world-saving missions, just the pure, unadulterated joy of spending time with his sister, nurturing her, and building a bond that nothing could break. This was his path now, a path paved with love, care, and the quiet strength of everyday improvement. And with Xiaolian by his side, he knew they could face anything the world might throw their way. Their little "side-space" became not just a storage area, but a sanctuary, a training ground, and a testament to their unbreakable connection.

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Espero que este capítulo capture la emotividad y la belleza de la interacción entre Li Wei y Xiaolian que tanto te gusta. ¡Dime qué te parece!