The early morning sun filtered through sheer cream curtains, casting soft golden streaks across Luo Xinyi's unfamiliar room. It was quiet—too quiet for someone who'd grown up with the sounds of roosters, temple bells, and the rustling of bamboo leaves in her grandmother's village courtyard.
She sat on the edge of the pristine bed, perfectly made but untouched by sleep. Her suitcase remained half-unpacked. The wardrobe held ironed designer clothes—none of which felt like hers. Everything in the Zhou mansion felt too polished, too cold, too curated for someone like her.
A gentle knock tapped at the door.
"Miss Xinyi, breakfast is ready," the maid said, voice low and polite.
Xinyi glanced at the door and replied softly, "I'll be down in a moment."
She washed her face, tied her long hair back into a loose ponytail, and slipped into a plain white shirt and jeans—the only clothes that still reminded her of home.
---
Downstairs, the grand dining room smelled of warm bread and expensive tea.
The long table was nearly full. Her eldest brother Zhou Minghao sat at the far end, in his suit and tie, already going through work documents. He didn't lift his head when she entered.
Zhou Yuxi, perfectly dressed as usual, was pouring milk into her glass. She glanced up and smiled—thin, rehearsed.
"You woke up early," Yuxi said casually, though her tone didn't match her words.
Xinyi sat down quietly without responding. She noticed an empty chair beside her—it had been left untouched.
"Your second brother isn't home yet," Yuxi added as if reading her thoughts. "He was working late."
Still no response. She focused on the porridge in front of her.
Just then, their grandfather's voice came faintly from upstairs. He hadn't come down in years due to his health, but his presence was still the most powerful in the house.
Xinyi's eyes softened briefly at the sound.
---
As they ate, the silence between her and Zhou Minghao stretched.
He finally spoke—not to her, but in the air around her.
"I'll be out early today. I have a meeting downtown."
He pushed his chair back and left. Xinyi didn't look up.
Yuxi finished her glass of milk, then dabbed her lips with a napkin.
"I heard Grandpa has arranged for us to attend Qinghe University together," she said.
Xinyi blinked. "Together?"
"Mm. He pulled some strings for your admission. I suppose he didn't want you feeling left behind." Yuxi smiled sweetly. "You should be grateful."
Xinyi looked at her, eyes calm. "I'll earn my place."
The smile faltered for just a second.
---
Later That Morning
In her room, Xinyi took out her admission papers. Qinghe University—one of the best in the city.
She traced the school emblem on the envelope with her fingers. She knew her fourth brother studied there too. He was in his final year—someone she hadn't seen in over a decade. He used to laugh loudly when they were kids, spinning wooden tops and arguing over fried dumplings. But time had changed them all.
Would he even recognize her now?
She didn't know what waited for her on that campus, but she knew one thing: she wouldn't hide. Not anymore.
The girl they cast aside had returned—not to beg for affection, but to reclaim her name