"It's not fair!"
The childish yell jolted Lu Mian awake.
For a brief second, she couldn't place herself. The ceiling above her was unfamiliar, the room was brightly lit, with natural light pouring in.
It was nothing like the spaces she had known in either lifetime.
Then the memory returned. She was at Uncle Shen's place.
After an entire evening of being dragged around by an overexcited Duoduo, she had retired early, falling asleep almost the moment her head touched the pillow.
"He promised to stay longer this time!"
The voice echoed again from downstairs. Beneath the indignation, Lu Mian caught something sharper- disappointment.
She understood what happened.
Given the nature of Huo Shen's work, his sudden departures were inevitable. Even if it wasn't a long mission, even a short absence for a 4yr old would feel like abandonment.
It struck her again how strange this household was. No aunts bustling about, no cousins, no doting relatives hovering over the only child of a powerful family. Wealthy families really were… different.
Not wanting to dwell on it, Lu Mian quickly changed and went downstairs.
She arrived to find the housekeeper crouched beside the dining table, patiently coaxing a sulking Huo Moshe to eat his breakfast.
"Duoduo," Lu Mian said gently, smiling as she approached. "Since I'm here, how about we take care of each other today?."
"Fairy Sister!" Moshe's eyes lit up. He leapt from his chair and rushed into her arms.
The housekeeper shot her a grateful look. It was always hard to coax the young master - today, having help made it so much easier.
Lu Mian understood. She gave them a brief nod and focussed her attention on Moshe.
She patted his back lightly. "It's okay to be upset," she said softly. "But you see, Uncle Shen is doing very important work. He's protecting people- so more children like Duoduo can grow up happy."
"I just want him home…" Moshe wailed, voice breaking. "My friends tell their dads everything. And when something goes wrong, their dads stand up for them."
Lu Mian's heart clenched.
"Did something happen at school?" she asked immediately.
Moshe clamped his mouth shut and shook his head stubbornly.
She sighed inwardly. She was still a stranger to him -this kind of trust took time.
Then she smiled again. "How about this? Why don't you write Uncle Shen a letter? You can tell him everything you want. He'll read it- and if something happened, he'll talk to your teacher."
Moshe's eyes widened. That's a good idea! His mood lifted instantly. "Thank you, Fairy Sister!"
"If you like, I can see you off today," Lu Mian added carefully. She didn't want to overstep- but sending a sobbing four-year-old to school alone didn't sit right with her.
Moshe hesitated. He felt embarrassed about his outburst… yet he wanted, desperately, the luxury his classmates had -someone to send him to school.
Seeing his conflicted expression, Lu Mian laughed. "Fairy Sister has to go out anyway. It's on the way."
That did it. Moshe cheered, shoveled down his breakfast, and rushed out the door.
In the car, he chattered nonstop.
"Moshe," Lu Mian said after a while, her tone warm but steady. "You're very smart. And very loved. If you ever feel wronged, you know your father will help you, right?"
Moshe nodded. "Duoduo wants to be sensible too," he admitted quietly. "Daddy is very busy."
Lu Mian sighed. This child was far too considerate. "If you ever want to talk," she said gently, "I'm here too. You see, most children only have parents. Duoduo is very lucky. He has a sister too. So don't be sad, ok?"
Moshe was ecstatic - he had someone to care for him, someone to hug him, talk to him and send him to school. This was something even his grandma didn't do!
He gave her a cheerful smile, and with mood lighter than it had ever been, ran out to join his friends.
Lu Mian watched him go, letting out a soft breath.
In her previous life, she had never had children. Between Pei Yan and the demands of her research, the thought had never even been allowed to take root.
She didn't know if she would ever have children in this life, either. But she knew one thing - no child on her watch would feel unwanted or unloved.
After a moment, Lu Mian pulled herself back to the present. She hadn't lied to Duoduo. She had intended to go out today. She needed to open a bank account for herself - under her own name.
Though Boss Qin had given her a card, Lu Mian was hesitant to use it. She wanted to earn her own money.
She could do assignments as Lumina to earn - however, she didnt want the Lu or the Pei family knowing about it. Now she was free of them, she could happily open an account for herself.
It was done in less than ten minutes. Lu Mian looked at the little bank card and laughed.
Such little things used to be out of her reach before! Now, the future was laid out to her with endless possibilities!
Reveling in her new found independence, Lu Mian treated herself to some milk tea - as she planned for the future. She was determined to make a name for herself.
Earning as Lumina was only temporary. What she needed was capital to start her own company - maybe it's time to play in the stock market she mused.
She slowly walked around, taking in the sights of the capital enjoying the sunshine.
Vaguely thinking of getting a gift for Huo Shen and Moshe to show her gratitude, Lu Mian drifted to the old part of town.
Clothing was out of the picture -it felt too intimate. Her mind inadvertently went to the time she cried against Huo Shen - the gentle hands and the sturdy chest.
His embrace was so warm and secure. She blushed and shook herself. Don't be silly LuMian.
Then… jewellery? She by chance happened to see an antique jade shop.
That's right - healing, health preserving Jade!
In her past life, she had learnt Jade appreciation and carving skills from a master. Initially, it was something she learnt to be an accomplished wife for Pei Yan. But, eventually, it became her hobby - an exercise to calm her mind with each controlled precise stroke.
It helped ground her when everything in her life seemed uncontrollable. In this life, her old hobby could be a joyful one - to relax and celebrate the people around her.
She could very easily carve a tiny wellness jade - a matching pair for father and son to thank them for taking her in.
With the plan in mind, she went in - meaning to identify the pieces she wanted and then come back with money.
The atmosphere in the antique shop was well crafted. It was tranquil, the air was cool - to preserve the jade in their store.
Soft Guzheng music played in the background and a gentle waterfountain in a corner added to the ambience. It was a tastefully decorated store with understated opulence.
Taking a deep breath of the delicate sandalwood incense, Lu Mian went to the display case of single jade stones to see if there was something she liked.
As she moved around appreciating the beauty, she became beautiful scenery in someone else's eyes.
Tang Feng noticed her the moment she entered.
It was hard to ignore Lu Mian. With her graceful figure and elegant temperament, she was as beautiful as a painting. Her hair was tied back in a high ponytail. While it emphasised her youth, it also brought attention to her swan like neck.
Every time she bent down to see a jade stone, loose strands caressed her neck. Unexpectedly, Tang Feng found it hard to look away.
As the eldest grandson of the Tang family -one of the top 4 families in the capital, he moved among the upper circles of society.
He was considered quite a catch - wealthy and capable. Beautiful women had always gravitated toward him.
His upbringing was very strict however, and he didn't casually date. The Tang family was also quite traditional. It was an open secret that his marriage alliance would be for benefits. His family was looking at an accomplished girl who would bring connections to further the Tang family business.
Huo Yixuan was the top choice.
Even if there was nothing formal between the families, his mother pushed him to accompany the Huo family daughter - hoping something would come out of it.
Tang Feng was cold by nature. He did his duty and never overstepped the line. He didn't feel anything for Huo Yixuan particularly. If his parents decided on the match, he would marry her - just like he would any other girl.
He had accompanied her today to select a gift for Grandfather Tang, whose birthday was coming up. The outing was exactly as he had anticipated, with the girl clinging on his arm and chattering away, while he gave curt replies.
It was boring, rather unremarkable. He thought all women were the same, till he caught sight of Lu Mian.
Her quiet composure and grace drew his eyes and he was transfixed. For the first time, Tang Feng forgot about his "duty" and openly stared.
Unfortunately, someone noticed him noticing her - and didn't like it one bit!