After the final class, everyone agreed to have a farewell dinner before leaving.
That afternoon, Lily Evans left the academy, disguised herself in the carriage, switched vehicles in secret, and made a trip to Evans Manor.
"Oh my, Lily is here! Old man, Li Dong, Yaya, come out quickly!" Aunt Martha Wang spotted Lily Evans and greeted her with such warmth that she seemed even happier than seeing her own daughter.
Uncle David Wang rushed out of the house, his eyes lighting up with joy at the sight of Lily. "Oh Lily, come in and have a rest!"
"Aunt Lily!" Emily 'Yaya' Wang happily ran over and hugged Lily around the waist. Lily measured her height, patted her head, and smiled, "Yaya, you've grown taller and prettier!"
Emily blushed shyly, and Aunt Martha Wang gently pulled her aside. "Yaya, let your Aunt Lily come inside first before you chat."
Lily was ushered inside by the enthusiastic Wang family. William 'Li Dong' Wang was especially happy to see his cousin Lily. He was a simple farmer and didn't talk much, but his broad smile showed all his white teeth, clearly delighted.
"I'll go call your third uncle." Aunt Martha Wang said with a smile as she headed outside.
Now, Uncle Yuan Jie and his family had moved to their newly purchased home. Zhang Mu and Wu Caiwei, along with little Chou Chou and Doctor Wu, lived in the separate courtyard behind the spice shop. So only the Wang family and Sam Evans were left living at Evans Manor.
Mentioning Third Uncle Sam Evans, Lily turned to David Wang, "Uncle, how has Third Uncle been lately?"
David Wang sighed, "Your third uncle… he's not well. Ever since Lana Evans disappeared, he's been like a different person. He barely eats, barely sleeps, and spends all day wandering outside, searching for her."
Aunt Martha Wang added, "He doesn't listen to anyone. Every night, he comes home exhausted and covered in dust. He won't let anyone help."
Lily Evans felt a pang in her heart hearing this. She followed Martha Wang outside to the courtyard, where Sam Evans was sitting under a tree, lost in thought.
Sam Evans looked up and saw Lily. His eyes lit up, but the smile on his face quickly faded.
"Lily, you’re back." Sam Evans’s voice was hoarse, as if he hadn’t spoken in days.
Lily squatted down beside Sam Evans, her voice gentle. "Third Uncle, you look tired. Have you eaten today?"
Sam Evans shook his head, his face full of worry. "I’m not hungry. I just want to find Lana. If only I could find her, I’d be fine."
Lily Evans felt her nose tingle. She wanted to comfort him, but didn’t know what to say. She could only sit quietly by his side.
The Wang family quietly watched from nearby, not daring to disturb the pair.
After a while, Sam Evans stood up and walked toward the gate, his back hunched and steps heavy, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders.
Lily Evans watched him go, her heart aching. She silently vowed to help find Lana Evans, no matter what it took.
The Wang family gathered around Lily, each offering words of comfort and encouragement. Evans Manor was filled with warmth and hope, even in the midst of worry.