The sun rose gently over the capital, its golden warmth brushing against the tiled roofs and polished wooden floors of Jia Lan's courtyard residence. Everything gleamed — from the glass windows to the lacquered banisters — a clear reflection of the Jia family's high status and the care they'd taken to ensure their daughter lived comfortably.
In the cozy dining hall, breakfast had been laid out on the carved wooden table — freshly steamed dumplings, lightly stir-fried greens, soft porridge, and sweet bean buns from the best pastry shop in the capital. Aunt Li, the housekeeper, had even added an extra bowl of bird's nest soup for Jia Lan. But the usually lively air of the household was heavy today.
Mother Jia was unusually quiet, picking at her chopsticks without truly eating. Her eyes looked puffy, and from time to time she dabbed the corners with a handkerchief. Father Jia, always the calm and composed pillar of the family, also seemed subdued, although he still placed food gently into Jia Lan's bowl.
"Eat more, Lan Lan," Father Jia said, voice softer than usual, "You've lost a little weight since we came to the capital."
Jia Lan smiled faintly and obediently took a bite of the dumpling, but her heart was tight.
Across from her, Mother Jia's voice trembled as she finally spoke. "You've never been away from us before… My heart feels like it's being carved out."
"Ma…" Jia Lan reached out to hold her mother's hand.
"You're grown now," Father Jia said gently, clearing his throat, "This is a new chapter. You've always been smart and capable. Your mother and I are proud. But still " he paused, "if anything ever happens, don't hesitate to contact Uncle He. He and his family will be here for you, they will help you if needed don't be shy in asking for help from them. That's why we introduced you to them this week."
"I know, dad." Jia Lan nodded. "You both have given me everything.I will take care of myself and won't let you worry."
Father Jia nodded approvingly, but the corners of his mouth trembled slightly and his eye turned wet.
The bicycle stood just outside the hallway, gleaming in the sunlight — white with thin silver stripes, a gift from her father bought the previous day from the capital's best women's bicycle store. A delicate woven basket adorned the front, perfect for carrying books or flowers, father jia choose this jia lan himself knowing which bicycle is prefect for jia lan.
"I want you to go out, explore, don't just sit in the courtyard," Father Jia had said when he'd bought it. "Ride with pride after all, my daughter has taste!"
After breakfast, the quiet bustle of departure began. The luggage was already packed. The car sent by their associate was parked at the entrance of the courtyard.
Jia Lan followed her parents to the gate. She wanted to go to the train station with them, but when she try to say that she want to go along with them to train station -
"No," Father Jia said firmly. "It's crowded, and there are thieves everywhere. We'll be fine. Just see us off from here."
"Yes, baby," Mother Jia added, her voice catching. "Be careful here. Don't skip meals. Always lock the gate at night. And if you ever feel sick or something is wrong—call us. Your father had the phone line installed yesterday."
Jia Lan nodded, eyes brimming. "I'll call every few days, I promise."
Mother Jia stepped forward and cupped her daughter's face, placing a kiss on her forehead. Her hands were trembling.
"You've made us proud. You've always been strong… But remember, you don't have to be strong all the time."
Father Jia hugged her tightly, one hand smoothing down her hair.
"Stay safe, Lan Lan. Your mother and I will visit when we can."
Their suitcases were placed in the trunk. The chauffeur opened the door.
As they stepped inside, Mother Jia waved from the window, her eyes still shining with unshed tears. Jia Lan stood still, her red shoes pressed to the wooden floor, waving, crying silently as the car slowly disappeared into the morning haze.
Even after the car was gone, she stood there, hand lifted mid-air, staring at the quiet road beyond the courtyard gate.
Aunt Li, watching from the side, stepped forward gently. "Miss Jia, come inside. It's warm today… you'll get dizzy standing out here too long."
Jia Lan sniffed and nodded slowly.
Inside the house, everything suddenly felt too quiet. Too big. Too lonely.
She made her way to her bedroom, the curtains open and sunlight spilling in from the window. The golden light fell on the silk bedding, on the polished floor, and on her — reminding her of home, of warmth.
As she sat on the edge of her bed, the loneliness finally settled.
"It's the first time since I transmigrated that I'm alone… The Jia family made me feel so loved… cherished. How lucky I am."
Her gaze shifted to the window, where tree shadows danced in the breeze.
Ding!System Check-in Successful!
You have received:
[Refined Detoxification Tablets x50]
Description: Herbal-based medicine to purify and remove all toxins accumulated in the body. Regular use promotes clear skin, high energy, and immune defense.
Jia Lan looked at the small ceramic bottle that had appeared on her desk. The label was elegant, old-style calligraphy. She picked it up and smiled faintly.
"At least I'm not entirely alone…"
She tucked the bottle into her drawer, stood up, and took a deep breath. A new chapter had begun, and she will be ready for it . She will make jia family proud .
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