I sat up and was immediately struck by the unfamiliarity of the bed around me. It was an elegant wooden canopy bed, its four sturdy posts reaching up to support a beautifully draped canopy overhead. The rich, dark wood gleamed softly in the light, while the fabric that surrounded the canopy cascaded down like a gentle curtain, creating a sense of intimacy. As I peered through the delicate drapes, I marveled at the intricate lattice work carved into the walls of the canopy, each swirl and pattern beautiful and unique.
I gently shift to the edge of the bed, feeling the coolness of the wooden frame beneath me. In the center of the room, a charming wooden vanity table catches my eye, its rich grain gleaming softly in the light. Atop the table rests an ornate bronze mirror, reflecting the space around it with a vintage elegance. As I take in my surroundings, I estimate that this room measures about 132 square feet, reminiscent of the cozy bedroom my redheaded friends share back home, filled with their laughter and warmth.
"This is so surreal," I murmur to myself, the words escaping my lips like a soft sigh as I cautiously step down onto the cold, polished wooden floor. The sudden chill beneath my bare feet sends a shiver coursing through my body, awakening my senses. Glancing down at my legs, I search for a slipper, only to realize I'm dressed in delicate lavender Hanfu undergarments. The fabric, light and airy, drapes gracefully, offering a sense of comfort and elegance, yet it feels foreign against my skin.
As I kneel to look beneath the bed, my gaze is drawn to my Hanfu shoes tucked away in the shadows. They are stunning, embellished with intricate floral embroidery that seems to dance across the surface.
"This is so weird," I thought to myself. "How do I seem to understand what these are?" I crawled under the bed to retrieve my shoes, and as I tried to get up, I hit my head on the edge of the bed. Memories flooded into my mind—pictures and faces of people flashed through my eyes. "I'm Mei Tao," I said, confusedly, to myself.
I got up slowly and walked over to the wooden stool at the vanity table. As I settled into the seat, I gazed into the bronze mirror in front of me. There, my reflection greeted me—a sight that felt both familiar and distinctly new.
My long, dark brown hair cascaded down my shoulders, its silky texture glinting in the soft light. It framed my tiny, delicate face, drawing attention to my striking features. My big hazel eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief, contrasting perfectly with the gentle curve of my small nose. Below it, my lips were plump and rosy, a touch of color that added warmth to my complexion.
As I examined my skin, I noticed its pearl white hue, smooth and devoid of blemishes. It glowed with a youthful radiance, a reflection of the care I had taken to nurture it. Everything about my appearance felt like a blend of my former self with an added layer of uniqueness, a subtle transformation that set me apart in ways I was just beginning to understand.
I hear the familiar voice of a woman coming from outside my door. "Meimei, are you awake?" It's a soft but insistent tone that pulls me from my haze.
As I blink and try to gather my thoughts, I recognize her as Lin, one of the women who work alongside me at the 'brothel'. She is known for her sharp wit and spirited demeanor. Unfortunately, I find myself so lost in my swirling memories and foggy wakefulness that I don't respond.
I can still hear her murmuring to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. "Doctor Yun said she would wake up today," she says, a hint of skepticism in her tone. "He must be a quack."
Her words linger in the air, and although she thinks I can't hear her, my heightened senses as a wolf allow me to pick up on every nuance of her doubt.
As I step closer to the entrance, my eyes are drawn to the striking double wooden door. Its rich, dark wood is beautifully complemented by intricate latticework, which showcases a delicate pattern reminiscent of a spider's web. The lattice is adorned with soft, pale white paper, allowing gentle rays of light to filter through, casting a warm glow in the surrounding area. This door is not just larger than the window; it stands as a grand focal point, stretching nearly to the ceiling and dominating the rectangular frame.
As I open the door, I'm taken aback to see Lin standing there, her foot suspended mid-air, as if she's preparing to force her way into my bedroom.
When she notices me, a playful smile spreads across her face. She begins to twirl a strand of her silky brown hair on her shoulder and gently lowers her foot, trying to mask the momentary awkwardness. My gaze travels up from her delicate foot to her elegant figure, adorned in a beautiful hanfu: an intricately embroidered white blouse that accentuates her slender frame and a flowing pink slip skirt that sways gracefully with her movements.
She bursts into laughter, a joyful sound that fills the room, and envelops me in a warm embrace. "I'm so happy to see you awake! I knew that doctor was the real thing," she exclaims, her voice bubbling with excitement.
Lin studies me intently, her eyes scanning my face and body, a mixture of concern and relief evident in her expression. With a casual confidence, she steps inside without waiting for an invitation, as if the boundaries of my privacy were mere guidelines among friends. She takes a seat at a quaint little table across from the vanity—a piece of furniture I hadn't even noticed before, its surface gleaming in the soft light.
I close the bedroom door behind me and follow her, taking a seat opposite her. I watch as she pours steaming cups of tea, the warm aroma wafting through the air. She hands me a cup with a bright smile before lifting her own to her lips.
"Ahhh, so refreshing," she sighs after finishing the last sip, her eyes brightening further as she pours herself another cup, the delicate movements of her hands almost hypnotic.
Her gaze turns serious as she looks at me, taking my hands into hers, her touch gentle yet insistent. "Meimie, why aren't you talking? Are you still very mad at me?" Her voice trembles slightly, filled with a mix of worry and earnestness. "I know I messed up, but please don't give me the cold treatment." Her red, watery eyes plead for my understanding, brimming with a sincerity that softens my heart.
"Madam Song said that since I put you in this predicament, I'll have to serve you until you get better," she explains, a hint of frustration coloring her tone. "Ha! She thinks this is punishment, but honestly, I would kill to do this for you."
With a soft sigh, she leans closer, her expression turning more somber. "It was my fault that you got hurt. Please, please forgive me. I promise I'll listen to you from now on." She pouts adorably, releasing my hands and clasping them together as if praying fervently for my forgiveness.
"Lin, you really talk too much. My head is starting to hurt from hearing your voice so early in the morning," I said, attempting to sound stern but secretly relishing the playful banter.
"Oh, Meimie!" Lin exclaimed, her eyes brightening as she rushed over to my side and enveloped me in a tight hug. "I knew you would forgive me!" She let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing. "You're the only person I've ever apologized to, so you should feel special." A grin spread across her face as she laughed at my exaggerated annoyance.
Feeling a bit squeezed and needing a breath of fresh air, I gently pushed her away. "Go sit down and behave like a normal person, for once," I teased, unable to keep a straight face. Lin chuckled at my feigned seriousness and settled back into her chair across from me, picking up her cup of tea and taking a slow, deliberate sip, the warmth of the drink.
"Earlier, I had a conversation with Madam Song, and she conveyed some important news. She informed me that we are currently exempt from attending classes and serving clients until you make a full recovery," Lin said, her expression serious and focused. "According to Dr. Yun, since it has only been a few days since your injury, it's crucial that you get plenty of rest to ensure a proper healing process. He recommended that you prioritize your recovery until at least the end of this month. Furthermore, it's essential that you refrain from taking on any missions during this period to avoid any unnecessary strain."
"Uh-huh," I replied, nodding thoughtfully as I processed the information she shared. I fully understood the importance of allowing myself the time to rest and heal adequately before diving back into my usual responsibilities. This time off would offer me a valuable opportunity to reflect and try to remember what life was like in this original body of mine, piecing together the fragments of memories that seemed just out of reach.