The twins, Yoriichi and Qian Renxue, had finished drinking milk from Bibi Dong, their tiny faces content as they played briefly in her arms, giggling and cooing. Exhaustion soon overtook them, and they drifted into a peaceful slumber, nestled against their mother.
Bibi Dong gently rose, careful not to disturb their rest, and placed them in two modest cradles beside her bed, their designs simple yet warm with her love. She patted their heads, her eyes brimming with affection as she gazed at their sleeping forms, Yoriichi's calm stillness contrasting Renxue's soft breaths.
Bibi Dong walked to the balcony door connected to her chamber, the highest floor of Spirit Hall, and stepped into the cool evening air. The sun was setting, painting the sky with vibrant orange hues that danced around its edges, casting a serene glow over the landscape.
The beauty of the scene washed over her, calming her restless mind. She leaned forward, resting one hand on the balcony railing and the other under her chin, her pristine face and jade-like hands a vision of grace that would captivate any onlooker—though none were near to witness it. My future self never saw this, she thought, regret stirring. I missed these small joys, the things that make life whole.
Bibi Dong: This sunset, this peace—it's fleeting, yet it grounds me. My future self was blind to such beauty, consumed by rage. Evil thoughts creep in again, but my love for my twins makes me stronger. They fade quickly now, but as my soul power grows, so will the Rakshasa God's whispers. I'm helpless to stop it alone. Perhaps the healers can help... or is this my trial as her candidate?
The dark thoughts flickered, but her resilient mind pushed them away in seconds. She frowned, pondering the danger. The stronger I become, the more these evil impulses will haunt me, just like my future self. She considered consulting Spirit Hall's high-level healers in time, suspecting the Rakshasa God's interference, marking her as a candidate for its trial. For now, no solution came, and she let the thought rest, her gaze lingering on the fading sun.
As dawn gave way to night, a knock sounded at her door. The head maid entered, bowing slightly. "My lady, are you ready for dinner and a bath?" Bibi Dong glanced at her sleeping twins, her heart warm. "I'm coming," she replied softly, following the maid. "Do my children need food?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern.
The head maid smiled. "The junior maid will feed them liquid nourishment suitable for their age." Bibi Dong nodded, storing the knowledge. My future self knew nothing of caring for babies, lost to hatred, she thought, determined to be different.
In the bathing chamber, Bibi Dong sank into a hot shower, the warmth soothing her weary body. She changed into soft sleepwear, feeling refreshed, then headed to the dining hall. Qian Xunji was already seated, eating in silence, adhering to the Qian family's custom that husband and wife dine together.
He glanced at her, expecting a reaction, but Bibi Dong offered only a calm nod, her expression unreadable. Xunji huffed, returning to his meal, disappointed by her composure.
The head maid served Bibi Dong, the food surprisingly flavorful. It's my joy for my children, she realized, savoring each bite, unlike the tasteless meals of her past or future self. As she ate, Xunji finished and stood. "I'm going to see my children," he announced, heading toward her room.
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed, her glare sharp. "Don't disturb their sleep," she said firmly. "They were born today and need rest. See them, then leave—they need their mother." Xunji's false smile didn't waver. "I'm a responsible father now. I'll care for them," he replied, thinking, I'll steal their love, make you suffer. Bibi Dong's frown deepened. "Care for them when you have time, but don't touch me," she warned, her voice steady but laced with steel.
Xunji bristled, tempted to command her silence, but the heavy atmosphere stopped him. Not now, he thought, displeased, and left the hall, his back to her. The head maid trembled, sensing Bibi Dong's growing power, exclaiming inwardly, She's stronger than before!
Bibi Dong watched Xunji's retreating figure, her thoughts sharp. Hating him only feeds my darkness. I must focus on my twins, not this poison. She resumed eating, her resolve firm.
In Bibi Dong's room, the junior maid fed the twins liquid nourishment. Renxue giggled, eagerly consuming her meal, while Yoriichi ate silently, his maroon eyes observant. When Xunji entered, both twins turned, expecting their mother, but their mood dimmed at his presence. Still, they smiled politely.
The junior maid attempted to bow, but Xunji waved her to continue. He approached Renxue's cradle, lifting her gently, his heart swelling at her blonde hair and purple eyes. "My little heir," he murmured, satisfied. He then patted Yoriichi, his smile tinged with lingering displeasure from earlier, but he hid it well.
Satisfied, Xunji left for his room, thoughts turning to his duties as Pope. Work awaits tomorrow, he mused, planning to tighten his grip on Spirit Hall. Back in her chamber, Bibi Dong returned, and the twins' faces lit up—Renxue with giggles, Yoriichi with a calm smile.
My son's different, so composed, she thought, then dismissed it, smiling sweetly. "Time for bed, my angels," she said, lifting them to her bed. She nestled between them, their warmth lulling her into sleep, her heart full.
AMV
Bibi Dong: My twins' smiles banish the darkness. Renxue's giggles, Yoriichi's calm gaze—they're my world. Unlike my future self, I'll cherish every moment, shield them from Xunji's schemes.
Yoriichi: Mother's return brings light. Renxue's joy mirrors mine, our bond unbreakable. This world's soul power hums, but her love is stronger. I'll grow, protect them, as Yoriichi reborn.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Hey everyone, if you're enjoying this story, I'd love for you to check out my new original—Twin Blades of the Apocalypse. It's about reincarnation, mana, and the end of the world, and I think you'll enjoy it. Your support there would mean the world to me 💙."