Bai Xueqing awoke in a plush, unfamiliar bed, silk sheets cool against her skin. Her heart still thundered from the memory of that alley fight—of Mo Chen's cold gaze and the promise in his voice.
She pushed herself up, her muscles protesting, and took in her surroundings. The room was elegant, lined with sleek furniture and modern paintings. It was nothing like the spartan barracks of her past life.
A gentle knock sounded at the door. "Miss Xueqing?"
The woman who entered wore a crisp uniform, her face kind and familiar. Bai Xueqing recognized her—Auntie Mei, the Bai family's trusted housekeeper.
"You're awake," Auntie Mei said with relief. "Young Miss, you had us all worried. You were found in an alley, injured—what happened?"
Bai Xueqing's mind spun, but she forced a calm smile. "Just a small accident, Auntie Mei. Nothing to trouble you."
Auntie Mei hesitated, clearly wanting to press for more, but Bai Xueqing's quiet dignity held her back. She bustled around the room instead, setting out breakfast—warm porridge, tea, and delicate pastries.
"Your grandfather is waiting downstairs. He was up all night, worried for you," Auntie Mei said gently.
Bai Xueqing's throat tightened. In her past life, family was a luxury she had never truly known. Here, she would not take it for granted.
---
Downstairs, the Bai family's grand sitting room was alive with morning light and quiet conversation.
Bai Shun, her grandfather, sat in the place of honor—a silver-haired man with a kind face and eyes that missed nothing.
"Xueqing," he said, his voice thick with emotion as she stepped forward. "Are you truly well?"
She knelt by his chair, taking his hand in both of hers. "I am, Grandfather. Please don't worry."
He studied her, his eyes soft. "I am your grandfather. It is my right to worry. But you… you have always been strong."
Bai Xueqing's heart ached at his words. This warmth—this unconditional love—was something she had never known in the life she left behind.
"I won't let anyone harm our family," she said quietly.
A shadow flickered in Bai Shun's gaze. "Then you must be cautious. The world of business is no less dangerous than the battlefield you seem to recall in your dreams."
She nodded, her resolve hardening. In this life, she would protect what was hers.
---
Later that day, as she wandered the halls of the Bai mansion, she found herself staring at her reflection in a gilded mirror.
Her face was the same, yet different—softer in some ways, sharper in others. She touched her lips, remembering Mo Chen's dark gaze and the way he had called her his.
Auntie Mei's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "Miss Xueqing, a visitor has arrived. He says he's here on business with the Bai Group."
Bai Xueqing's brow furrowed. "Who is it?"
"A Mr. Mo."