THE REAL PROTEGE-Chapter 483: THE GIFTS

The Twins' Reactions

The twins stared at the pile.

"...."

Chin Chin's heart sank. Deep inside, she wanted to scream: 'No more books! It's Kim Kim who wants to read, not me!' But she couldn't betray her sister.

Kim Kim's eyes lit up.

"Mom! Thank you! We will definitely read and learn well!"

Chin Chin nodded, hiding her reluctance. She only stayed because Kim Kim promised her chocolates.

Ling Li bit back laughter, her eyes twinkling at their contrasting reactions.

The Break

Ling Li straightened, her tone firm but kind.

"Alright, take a break. Come with me to check your little sisters' gifts."

Chin Chin bolted forward, relief flooding her face.

"Yes! Coming!" she shouted, running after her mother.

Kim Kim sighed, shoulders slumping.

"...."

With resignation, she followed, her mind already planning which book to tackle first.

As they left the library, Butler James and Rockie exchanged amused glances. Ling Li walked ahead, her daughters trailing behind — one eager, one reluctant.

Her heart swelled with pride and worry. "Genius children… fragile triplets… the heavens truly test us in every way." She murmured.

The library doors closed behind them, leaving the pile of books waiting for the twins' inevitable return.

The Second Hall – Gifts for the Triplets

Ling Li walked with Kim Kim and Chin Chin down the polished corridor, Butler James and Rockie following behind. The doors to the second hall opened, revealing a spacious, brightly lit room. Instead of ancient ceremonial displays, the hall was arranged like a modern exhibition: tables lined with neatly wrapped boxes, sleek gift bags, and velvet cases, each tagged with the sender's name.

The twins gasped, their sneakers squeaking against the marble floor.

"Mom! Look at all these!" Kim Kim exclaimed, eyes wide. Despite her mature demeanor, she's still a child.

"Are they all for our three little sisters?" Chin Chin asked, bouncing on her toes.

Ling Li smiled, her voice warm but steady.

"Yes. Every gift carries a blessing, a wish for their future. Some are practical, some symbolic."

The Gifts and Reactions

Educational Tablets – Sent by allies from the Hidden Valley, preloaded with cultivation manuals and martial philosophy texts.

Kim Kim immediately tapped the screen, her eyes sparkling.

"Mom, they can start learning even before they talk!

Ling Li chuckled. "Let's wait until they can at least hold the tablet without chewing on it."

Customized Training Gears – Tiny martial arts uniforms in pastel colors, embroidered with the Li Clan insignia.

Chin Chin picked one up and held it against her chest.

"They'll look like little warriors!"

Rockie grinned. "Start them young, and they'll surpass us all."

Blessing Scrolls – Elegant scrolls from the elders of the Hidden Valley and the Li Clan, written in calligraphy but mounted in sleek acrylic frames for modern display.

Butler James carefully unrolled one and another, reading aloud:

"May their qi flow like rivers, unbroken and eternal."

"May fortune bloom like spring."

The twins tilted their heads.

"Mom, why do grown-ups always write so many words instead of giving chocolates?" Chin Chin muttered.

Ling Li laughed, covering her mouth.

Smart Cribs with Qi Sensors – A gift from El Padre, designed to monitor the babies' breathing and qi fluctuations.

Kim Kim leaned over the sleek design, fascinated.

"Mom, it even glows when their qi changes!"

Ling Li nodded thoughtfully. "Technology and cultivation — this is the world we live in now."

'And only El Padre would think of these kinds of things.' Ling Li added in her thoughts with a chuckle.

A Basket of Red Eggs and Modern Sweets – Traditional blessing updated with chocolates, cupcakes, and candies.

The twins immediately reached for them.

"Mom, can we eat these? Just one?"

Ling Li raised a brow. "Sure, just one for now. And share the rest tonight after dinner."

Chin Chin pouted, whispering to Kim Kim, "We should've hidden them before Mom saw."

Kim Kim "...."

"If you read more with me, I'll secretly place two more in your pocket," Kim Kim whispered.

Chin Chin nodded with her twinkling eyes.

Ling Li, not far from them, pretended not to hear. 'It seems Kim Kim could only bribed her sister to read and study with her. Hm, nevermind, let them be for now,' she thought.

Three golden rattles shaped like a phoenix – The twins squealed, shaking them until the sound echoed.

"This is perfect for Brother Shun's fire sutra!" Kim Kim said proudly.

Ling Li chuckled. "Perhaps one day, one of your little sisters will wield fire too."

Three carved wooden horses – Rockie lifted it, the craftsmanship exquisite.

"This symbolizes strength and endurance. A warrior's gift."

Kim Kim hopped onto it, pretending to ride. Chin Chin followed suit.

"Look, Mom! We are charging into battle!"

Ling Li shook her head, half amused, half exasperated.

Three jade bracelets carved with lotus petals – Chin Chin slipped them onto her wrist, admiring them.

"Mom, it's so pretty! Can I keep one?"

Ling Li shook her head, amused. "It belongs to Ruixiang. But one day, she may share it with you. But you have your own jade bracelets, which I was going to give you when you grew up. I'm afraid you would break them and hurt your wrist."

"Ah! Then, Mom, can I see it later?" Chin Chin said as she placed the bracelets back on their carved boxes.

"Sure," Ling Li said with assurance.

As the twins explored, Ling Li stood back, her gaze softening. Each gift was more than an object — it was a promise, a thread woven into the triplets' destiny. The scrolls carried the weight of tradition, bassinets reflected modern innovation, and the sweets reminded her of the innocence of childhood, along with a lot of jewelry and clothing they could use from infancy to adulthood.

Her daughters' laughter rang through the hall, innocent and pure. For a moment, Ling Li allowed herself to breathe, to feel pride and joy.

"The heavens test us with genius and fragility, but they also bless us with love. May these gifts remind my daughters of the world's faith in them."

__________

Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for joining me on this journey! If you've enjoyed the story so far, please don't forget to vote, recommend, and leave your comments — your thoughts mean the world to me and help shape the chapters ahead.

Your generous gifts and support are a powerful source of inspiration, fueling my passion to write even more thrilling, heartfelt, and unforgettable scenes for you. Every gesture, big or small, reminds me why I love telling this story.

Let's keep building this world together.

With gratitude,

Sirius M