The man's expression crumpled with the weight of memory as he rubbed his forehead, his pale fingers trembling slightly.
"She wanted to explore this world…" he began, voice raw. "You see—your mother—she was a scientist. Exceptionally talented in gene editing and modulation. One of the finest minds of our time."
His gaze dropped for a moment, as though looking into the past. Jian stood frozen, saying nothing. The air between them was thick with everything unsaid.
"She became so excited when the path to Earth finally opened up. Even though she was carrying you—three months along—she insisted on going. She said it was a chance that would never come again."
He laughed bitterly, without joy, the sound brittle.
"We argued. Over days. Nights. I tried to explain the risks. Earth was no longer the innocent planet we once knew. Civilizations had risen and fallen. They had weapons, empires, bloodied hands…"
He looked up, straight into Jian's eyes.
