Assignments and Silk Shadows
The afternoon light slanted through the wide windows of the Jia residence, painting golden squares on the polished wooden floor. A gentle breeze filtered in through the open balcony, fluttering the pale linen curtains. The scent of green tea lingered in the air, mingled with the subtle camphorwood fragrance of antique furniture.
Jia Lan sat curled on a cushioned rattan settee, dressed in a soft cotton blouse with embroidered cuffs and a high mandarin collar. Her hair was braided neatly, pinned in a coiled bun by Xiao Qin earlier that morning. The simplicity of her outfit spoke volumes about refinement—nothing flashy, yet every stitch exuded quality.
Today was still her first day in this world.
Her system's first reward—✨ Skin Like Porcelain — Graceful Glow (Permanent)—remained active, lending her a natural radiance. But Jia Lan wasn't idle. With a half-read copy of People's Daily folded beside her and a pot of freshly brewed green tea in front of her, she was mentally preparing.
The door creaked open. Jia Chenghai stepped in, still in his crisp tunic, his expression stern but warm. Lin Shunhua followed, her movements composed, her eyes kind.
"Lanlan," her father said, taking the chair beside her, "you've rested enough. Your work assignment has come through."
Jia Lan blinked. "Already?"
Her mother nodded. "It's been arranged. Two days from now, you'll report to the Youth Cultural Arts Bureau as an administrative assistant. It's light work and close to home. A respectable post."
Jia Lan exhaled slowly. The Cultural Arts Bureau—yes, that tracked. In the original novel, Jia Lan had gone there through family connections, much to the chagrin of the hardworking female lead.
But this time, she wasn't going to squander her opportunity.
"That sounds perfect," she said sincerely. "Thank you, Father. Mother."
Lin Shunhua's lips curved in approval. "Good. You'll accompany me and Ruiyu tomorrow to get fitted for proper attire. We'll visit Master Liu, our usual tailor."
"Master Liu's still taking clients?" Jia Lan asked.
"Only old families," Jia Ruiyu's voice chimed in as she entered gracefully, her steps light but poised. Dressed in a clean cheongsam-style top and dark skirt, she looked every inch the elegant eldest daughter.
"Master Liu does things the traditional way. Quiet, discreet, and precise. You need two sets of formal wear and a good woolen coat," she continued. "You can't show up to the bureau looking like a spoiled girl."
Jia Lan smiled. "So I should look like a refined one instead?"
Jia Chenghai gave a dry chuckle. "Exactly."
From behind, Xu Li's voice piped up, "Oh, let her wear a little embroidered scarf! It'll brighten her complexion."
Yao Jing, not far behind her, smirked. "And distract her new coworkers from how unskilled she is."
Everyone laughed, including Jia Lan.
It was odd—how easily warmth bloomed in this household. The Jia family, for all their elite bearings and precise etiquette, were affectionate beneath it all. In her past life, she had only dreamed of something this intact, this whole.
"Your grandfather and grandmother are proud," Lin Shunhua added quietly, adjusting the tea tray. "They said you're growing into a proper lady."
Jia Lan felt a lump rise in her throat. Madam Qiao Meiyun and Jia Yuming—her paternal grandparents—had both held high-ranking medical and military careers. Their approval meant something. So did Lin Zhongsheng and Madam Sun Ruilan's quiet pride—her maternal grandparents, each formidable in their own right.
She couldn't let them down.
After dinner, Jia Lan retired early, a rare moment of solitude wrapping around her like a shawl. The lights were dim, a single lamp flickering beside her as she flipped through a cloth-bound journal from the desk.
> Ding! Daily Check-In: Completed Location: Jia Residence - Urban Elite Courtyard Reward: "✨ Poise and Composure — Refined Elegance (Permanent)"
She blinked at the message.
Another reward.
Her fingers brushed her cheek—still smooth, glowing. Now, there was something new in her posture. A stillness, a balance, like ripples settling over water.
"Not bad," she murmured. "If I'm going to live in this era, might as well be the most graceful girl in the city."