At Grandpa Lao's words, Vanessa's expression brightened.
Seeds of hope wormed its way into her heart, and as a gusty breeze blew her hair, the smile that curved her lips became so radiant that it flooded the world with a soft golden light.
Doves flew out of ivory towers, angels descended from the heavens with their trumpets, and Grandpa Lao fell backwards as he shielded his eyes with his hands.
"Girl, stop! Your radiance is blinding me!"
But Vanessa did not hear him. She seized his hands, and after clasping them in prayer, she said excitedly, "Grandpa, you could help me? How?"
Granpa Lao's white beard twitched, and his face turned solemn. "You really want to know?"
"I want to know!"
"I don't think you want to know."
"Grandpa, I want to know, I want to know!"
Glancing at the excite
