The Jiang family's dining room was a place of quiet opulence — sunlight poured in through carved wooden screens, falling across the long rosewood table where porcelain bowls and silver chopsticks were perfectly arranged.
Her father sat at the head of the table, newspaper in one hand, reading glasses perched low on his nose. Beside him, her mother ladled congee into a celadon bowl, humming softly.
Weiwei paused in the doorway for a heartbeat, taking it all in. The scene was identical to a hundred mornings from her past life — except this time, she wasn't the same woman walking in.
"Morning love," her mother greeted warmly, setting the bowl in front of the seat reserved for her. "You're up early. Nervous about Saturday?"
Weiwei slid into her chair, lifting the spoon with steady fingers. The congee's steam carried the scent of preserved egg and lean pork — her favorite. "Saturday?" she asked lightly.
"The engagement party," her mother said, laughing at her feigned ignorance. "Your dress will be delivered this afternoon, remember?"
Her father glanced up from his paper. "Everything is in place. This alliance with the Zhao family will be good for both sides. You and Mingfeng will complement each other perfectly."
Weiwei stirred her congee slowly, eyes lowered. In her past life, she would have smiled and agreed without question. Now, she let the silence stretch just long enough for her father to look at her over the paper.
"I suppose…" she said, her tone measured, "if it's truly what you both think is best."
Her mother's brows lifted. "You suppose?"
"I just mean," Weiwei continued gently, "our family is highly respected. I'm sure the Zhaos aren't the only ones interested in an alliance." She spooned up a bite of congee and blew on it, as if the thought were nothing more than casual curiosity.
Her father set the paper down, watching her more closely now. "Is there someone else you have in mind?"
Weiwei smiled faintly, as if amused by the idea. "Not at the moment. But it's always good to keep one's options open, isn't it?"
Her mother gave a soft, indulgent laugh. "You sound like your father when he's negotiating."
Weiwei lifted her gaze just enough to meet her father's eyes — a brief spark of understanding passing between them — before returning to her breakfast.