It was the first time Aunt Li had ever heard the name "Lan."
A name so unfamiliar it sent a chill through her chest, yet it was tied to the softest bond in her heart.
She consoled herself with a quiet relief—at least, the young miss was still alive. As long as she was safe in this world, that was the best result she could hope for.
This was the only comfort Aunt Li could cling to, the only words she could offer to ease both herself and Madam Jiang.
Soon after, the police revealed the truth of what had happened all those years ago. By a twist of fate, Xi had been sent to an orphanage. Two years later, she was adopted by a kind, ordinary couple, and from then on carried a brand-new name—Lan.
When that couple learned the full truth, they did not resist, nor did they shy away. Instead, they agreed to meet Madam Jiang and discuss the child's future.
But as the days passed, Aunt Li never saw the young miss return to the Jiang residence.
The weight in her chest finally broke. For the first time, she raised her trembling voice in a tone of accusation and asked Madam Jiang:
"Where is the young miss? She's been found, hasn't she? Why didn't you bring her home?"
The sudden question caught Madam Jiang off guard, leaving her speechless for a long moment. At last, she spoke slowly, her voice carrying a pain that tore at every word:
"She… is no longer Xi. She is Lan now. Perhaps… staying with that family will bring her more happiness."
With that, she gently handed a photograph to Aunt Li.
In the picture was a family of three, nestled close together, their faces lit with warmth and joy. At the center, a little girl smiled with innocent brightness, and in her features Aunt Li could still faintly trace the childish softness of Xi's younger years. Staring at that smile, Aunt Li's eyes blurred, tears spilling down uncontrollably.
Madam Jiang turned her back, her voice dropping, edged with a cold finality:
"Xi… no, Lan, she no longer remembers what happened before she was kidnapped. Perhaps forgetting… is for the best."
In the years that followed, that couple would occasionally send new photos of Lan, every image radiating peace and happiness. They even hinted quietly that they had given Lan the Jiang residence address. If she ever wished, she could come on her own. And when the time came, the truth should be told to her by the Jiangs themselves.
By the time Aunt Li came back to herself, her tears were already brimming, ready to fall.
And just moments ago, when she had personally led Lan and Di up the stairs, the emotions surging in her chest had nearly broken free. After so many years apart, Lan's eyes held no trace of recognition, no hint of closeness—she had already taken Aunt Li as nothing more than a complete stranger…