The golden winter sunlight spilled gently through the carved wooden lattice windows, casting patterned shadows across the floorboards and warming the embroidered curtains that swayed faintly with the draft. Dust motes drifted lazily in the light, dancing like tiny stars in the quiet morning air. Outside, the garden seemed to hum with life despite the season's chill. Birds hopped along bare branches, their feathers puffed up against the cold, chirping in cheerful harmony as though announcing the arrival of another peaceful day. From the tiled roofs, a pair of sparrows darted down to peck at crumbs left in the courtyard, their wings fluttering like quick beats of a drum.
Somewhere down the lane, a dog barked lazily, followed by the faint clatter of a neighbor drawing water from the well. The courtyard itself carried the subtle freshness of pine resin and the faint sharpness of soap, as though Aunt Li had just scrubbed the paving stones clean earlier that morning. The cold air nipped gently at the skin, but the sunlight softened it, wrapping everything in a delicate warmth. Even the thin wisp of smoke curling from the kitchen chimney seemed to glow golden under the sun's touch, promising hot porridge and freshly steamed buns within.
It was the kind of morning that seemed painted tranquil, vivid, and so full of life's simple details that one couldn't help but linger in it.
f morning.
Inside, Jia Lan was still nestled in her wide, soft bed. The quilt was warm, almost too comfortable, and she buried her face deeper into the pillow with a small groan. When she finally glanced at the clock, the hands pointed to nearly ten.
"…Ah, it's already this late?" she muttered, though without much urgency.
The truth was, she had barely stirred since dawn. The bed was far too indulgent, wrapping her in warmth like it wanted to keep her prisoner forever. Only after a long stretch and a few more minutes of stubborn procrastination did Jia Lan push the quilt aside and slide out of bed.
She washed up carefully, brushing her teeth with minty foam, then picked out a comfortable but elegant outfit in soft winter tones. Her skincare routine followed, each step leaving her cheeks fresh and glowing. By the time she was done, she looked more like a refined young miss than a student weary from yesterday's train ride.
When she stepped out, the smell of damp earth and faint floral sweetness greeted her. Aunt Li was crouched in the garden, trimming some potted greens with her sleeves tucked up. Hearing Jia Lan's soft footsteps, the older woman straightened and smiled warmly.
"Good morning, young miss," Aunt Li greeted, wiping her hands on her apron. "I didn't wake you up earlier you must've been so tired from yesterday's long journey."
Jia Lan's lips curved. "Thank you, Aunt Li. You were right. I slept like a log."
Aunt Li chuckled. "Then that's good. A girl your age shouldn't be overworking herself."
She disappeared inside to prepare breakfast. While she was busy warming the dishes, Jia Lan sat for a moment, letting her thoughts drift.
Her life… it was smooth. Perhaps too smooth.
Every day seemed to unfold without a ripple. She had her hidden planting space, where rice, vegetables, and fruits appeared in such abundance it could make any housewife green with envy. She had a family in the city who adored her without reserve every smile, every bowl of soup, every teasing remark weaving a cocoon of warmth around her heart. The system, ever silent and watchful, slipped treasures into her hands as though she were the favored child of fate itself. Even money, once a shadow that loomed heavy in her past life, was no longer a pressing worry.
The more she thought about it, the more unreal it felt. As though she had somehow stepped into a dream spun too perfectly, where every thread glittered with kindness, comfort, and ease. Sometimes she would pause, gazing at the sunlight spilling across her desk or the scent of hot tea curling through the air, and wonder if such a blessed life could truly be hers.
"All I need," she mused wryly to herself, lips curving in a half-smile, "is for no nonsense people to come stir up trouble. Then life would be perfect."
She chuckled softly at her own thought, not knowing that somewhere in the great weave of destiny, life was already preparing a certain "nonsense person" for her. Not the kind who would bring misfortune or hardship, but rather a big, foolish, infuriatingly persistent man the type who barges into one's days with clumsy charm and stubborn loyalty. An idiot, yes, but one with a heart so warm and doting it could melt through even the thickest winter frost.
Of course, Jia Lan had no inkling of this yet. For now, she only basked in the comfort of her too-smooth days, blissfully unaware that trouble of the affectionate, silly kind was already on its way to knock at her door.
Her life… it was smooth. Perhaps too smooth.
Her musings were interrupted as Aunt Li called, "Breakfast is ready, young miss!"
On the dining table lay a warm spread: fluffy steamed buns, golden fried crullers, a bowl of preserved egg and lean pork congee, and pickled vegetables on delicate dishes. A plate of sliced winter pears glistened with moisture, their fragrance fresh and crisp.
Jia Lan sat down, chopsticks in hand, while Aunt Li hovered nearby. "Eat while it's hot," Aunt Li urged, settling across from her.
As Jia Lan nibbled on a bun, Aunt Li leaned forward with a conspiratorial look. "Oh, by the way, did you know? Old Lady Mu's youngest grandson has come to visit her."
Jia Lan blinked, pausing mid-bite. "Old Lady Mu?"
"You know, the Mu family that lives two houses down," Aunt Li explained quickly. "Her husband, Old Ji, was once a very respected military doctor. Back in the day, he held the post of Chief Medical Officer of the Army Hospital. Retired now, of course, but the couple is still quite influential."
"Oh," Jia Lan nodded, sipping her congee. "So it's their grandson?"
"Yes, yes. He's the son of their daughter," Aunt Li said animatedly. "Old Lady Mu told me yesterday—he's such a fine young man. Smart, hardworking, and so caring toward his grandparents. The way she spoke, you'd think there was no better grandson in the world."
Jia Lan smiled faintly, listening as she chewed. Aunt Li always had her finger on the pulse of the neighborhood.
"And do you know," Aunt Li continued, lowering her voice as though sharing something precious, "Old Lady Mu's daughter is married into quite a big family. Her father-in-law was once a Major General before retiring. That family has two sons and three daughters—all grown now, and let me tell you, big families have big frictions."
Jia Lan raised her brows with amusement. "You got all this information in just a week after I left?"
Aunt Li gave a little snort. "A week? No, no. Old Lady Mu told me everything the very first day I went to greet her after her grandson arrived. That woman, once she starts talking, it's like a river with no end."
Jia Lan couldn't hold back her laughter, setting her chopsticks down. "Aunt Li, maybe you should work for the government. You gather intelligence so easily, you'd put their agencies to shame."
Aunt Li laughed too, clearly delighted by the joke, but also a bit proud. "Oh, don't tease me, young miss. I'm just good at listening."
The two continued chatting over the warm meal, the winter morning outside bright and lively, while inside the courtyard, life remained as comfortable and sweet as ever.