The morning sunlight poured gently through the latticed window, scattering patterns of gold across the floorboards. Jia Lan stirred, lashes fluttering as she slowly sat up, her blanket sliding off her shoulders. For a moment she lingered, gazing at the dust motes drifting lazily in the light, before finally pushing herself out of bed.
She slipped her feet into her slippers and padded to the washbasin. Cool water splashed across her face as she brushed her teeth, the sharp minty taste helping to chase away the last remnants of sleep. After rinsing, she patted her cheeks dry with a clean towel, her reflection staring back at her calm, composed, every movement precise.
Changing into fresh clothes, she smoothed down the fabric with practiced care, then began her skincare routine. A dab of cream, a gentle massage, a faint glow returning to her complexion. She leaned closer to the mirror and tilted her chin slightly, muttering under her breath, "Beautiful, as always."
But before stepping out to breakfast, Jia Lan closed her eyes and entered her planting space. The rich, fragrant air greeted her instantly, carrying the earthy freshness of fertile soil. Rows of neatly growing vegetables stretched out, their leaves beaded with dew. Tender fruit seedlings had already sprouted, promising a lush harvest in the weeks to come.
She walked slowly between the rows, checking on each plant with satisfaction. She had sown more seeds corn,tomatoes, cucumbers, even a few fruit saplings and each one thrived under the timeless care of her space. The sight of it all gave her a strange comfort, a reminder that no matter what happened outside, she had a secret world that answered only to her.
Her lips curved faintly as she thought, Once these are ready, I'll transfer them home a little at a time. Aunt Li will think I'm buying them at the market. That way, she'll never guess.
With a final glance at the rows of green, Jia Lan pulled herself back into the waking world. By the time she emerged, the courtyard was already awash in light, the last traces of winter chill retreating under the warmth of early spring. The world outside seemed alive, and Jia Lan, perfectly put together, was ready to step into another day.
Just then, Aunt Li's voice floated from the kitchen.
"Miss, breakfast is ready!"
Her stomach gave a timely growl. Jia Lan smiled faintly and made her way into the dining hall. The table was already set with steaming bowls of millet porridge, golden fried dough sticks, and a small dish of pickled vegetables. The scent of sesame oil lingered in the air, warm and inviting.
She sat down, picked up her chopsticks, and tasted the porridge. Smooth, fragrant, the kind of simple food that made her heart feel settled.
Aunt Li bustled over with a plate of freshly pan-fried buns. "Eat more, Miss. You'll need energy for college."
Jia Lan smiled and said lightly, "Aunt Li, I forgot to tell you yesterday my second sister-in-law is pregnant. And my elder sister too."
Aunt Li's eyes brightened, her face glowing with genuine happiness. "Ah, two joys at once! That's wonderful, Miss. No wonder you sound so cheerful today." She chuckled warmly. "In that case, I'll prepare something special for dinner tonight. We must celebrate properly."
Jia Lan nodded with a soft smile, her heart warmed by Aunt Li's simple but heartfelt response.
A sudden ding-ding chimed in Jia Lan's ears.
Her steps paused. For a moment, she blinked, thinking she had imagined it. It had been so many days since she last heard that familiar sound that she had almost believed the system had disappeared completely.
But there it was again clear, crisp, and real
Ding!Ding! System Check-in Complete...!
Today's reward:
A small bundle of baby essentials.
Before her eyes, a faint shimmer appeared in her space. When she focused, she found a neat little pile: soft cotton swaddles in pale colors, tiny mittens, knitted booties, and even a baby rattle carved from smooth wood.
Jia Lan blinked, caught between laughter and speechlessness. "...Really? Baby things?"
It wasn't like she had any use for them now. Still, when she brushed her fingers over the delicate fabric, she couldn't help but feel a strange warmth. They were simple, practical, and lovingly crafted like treasures waiting quietly for the right time.
She sighed and tucked them away into a corner of her space. "Not useful for me yet, but still nice," she murmured, shaking her head with a smile.
At least, the system was still here.
The morning sun stretched golden fingers across the rooftops, scattering soft light over the narrow street. Jia Lan had just finished her simple breakfast when she adjusted her satchel on the back of her bicycle.
"Aunt Li, I'm heading out," she called into the courtyard.
"Be safe, Miss," Aunt Li replied, wiping her hands on her apron. "Don't rush, the day is long."
Jia Lan smiled faintly, nodded, and wheeled her bicycle out of the gate.
The air was crisp and cool, carrying the scent of steamed buns and soy milk from street vendors. Her bicycle rattled along the paved road, the morning bustle unfolding around her. Men hurried toward factories, children with satchels clung to their mothers' hands, and bicycles whizzed past in every direction.
Just as she turned a corner, another bicycle pulled up beside her.
"Lan Lan! Good morning!"
The voice was unmistakable bright, unpolished, and utterly full of sunshine. Shen Mingrui was pedaling alongside her, his hair ruffled by the breeze, a folder strapped neatly to his bicycle rack. He grinned wide enough to show every tooth.
Jia Lan's grip on her handlebar tightened slightly. "…Good morning, Shen Mingrui."
"Did you have breakfast?" he blurted out almost immediately. "If not, I know a place steamed buns, soy milk, sesame cakes you name it! Really, really good! We can stop now if you're hungry!"
"I already had breakfast," Jia Lan replied evenly.
He looked disappointed for exactly half a heartbeat before bouncing back. "Ah, that's good, that's good! Aunt Li must have cooked something tasty. She always takes such good care of you."
Jia Lan raised an eyebrow at his familiarity but didn't comment. Instead, she glanced at him sideways. He was smiling at the world as though it had personally promised him good fortune.
"Isn't this morning beautiful?" Shen Mingrui went on, his voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "Look at that sunlight, not too harsh, just right! The air's so fresh you can't find this in anywhere nowadays. Even the sparrows look happy today!"
Jia Lan blinked at him. "…You notice even sparrows?"
"Of course! They're hopping along the wires. Don't you see? Hopping like like they're racing us!" He laughed at his own observation, utterly delighted.
Despite herself, the corner of Jia Lan's lips twitched. She quickly looked away, pretending to be more focused on the road.
"Lan Lan," Shen Mingrui said suddenly, pedaling a little closer. "Let me drop you at the college gate."
"That isn't necessary. I can get there myself."
"It's not trouble! I pass that way anyway. And it's safer! What if your bicycle chain breaks? Or...." He frowned dramatically. " what if some reckless rider bumps into you?"
Jia Lan gave him a sidelong glance. "You make it sound like the road is full of hidden dangers."
He straightened proudly. "That's why I'm here. To keep an eye on you!"
She shook her head, but a small laugh escaped before she could stop it. She didn't notice how light her mood had grown, or how naturally she was keeping pace with his chatter.
After a while, curiosity slipped into her tone. "Where do you work, Shen Mingrui? You're always riding off in such a hurry."
His chest puffed out instantly, his smile brightening even more. "The Health Ministry! I just started there not long ago. Mostly paperwork for now, but important paperwork! Health reports, sanitation records, sometimes even inspections."
Jia Lan arched a brow. "So, you're a proper government worker now?"
"Yes!" He nodded so vigorously his hair nearly fell into his eyes. "Grandma always said I'd do well if I worked hard. She'll see one day I'll be someone respectable!"
There was such earnest pride in his voice that Jia Lan, against her better judgment, felt warmth stir in her chest. She didn't realize it, but she was enjoying his company, his unfiltered chatter making the road feel shorter and the morning lighter.
They rode on together, Shen Mingrui talking animatedly about the streets they passed and little anecdotes about his work. Jia Lan listened quietly, her polite smile hiding the fact that she didn't mind his presence at all.
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