The moment Zheng Ren came out of the room, Yan Mei rushed into his arms. Zheng Ren heaved a sigh and patted her back gently. Yan Mei clutched his shirt.
"Fa-Father…"
Her words broke up and all she could utter was shattering sounds. Hot tears streamed down her face and soaked her father's shirt, piercing straight into Zheng Ren's heart.
Yan Mei felt like she was drowning in a pool filled with acid. She could feel herself struggling to breath. She held her father's shirt tightly for dear life.
Zheng Ren said nothing and just held her. His precious daughter was once a bright woman full of life and happiness. Zheng Ren could still remember how her smile could brighten his day anytime he stared at her in the shadows.
Yet, one day. Everything changed. Her smiles ceased and the light in her eyes disappeared. When she smiled, she looked like she was doing tedious work. She became an empty can whose eyes were always in a haze.