With enrollment done and her dormitory settled, Jia Lan finally had a moment to breathe.
Jia Lan's college classes wouldn't officially begin for another week, and though she'd already settled into her dormitory, Father Jia and Mother Jia had other plans for her.
"You're not going to sit around for a week like a little old lady knitting socks," her father said over breakfast, spooning sweet lotus porridge into his bowl. "Your grandfather already made a list. You're going to meet a few of our old friends. Build some connections. Make yourself known. That's how the world works."
Jia Lan rolled her eyes with a soft chuckle. "I'm barely here a day and already a 'socialite in training,' huh?"
"You're not wrong," Mother Jia added, handing her daughter a plate of steamed buns with sesame filling. "You're our only jewel, and everyone should see what a rare gem you are."
With their housekeeper packing a few neatly wrapped gift boxes prepared by Grandfather Jia in advance—silk scarves, good teas, tins of candied walnuts.
"We'll take this week to help you meet a few of our old friends," her father said at breakfast the next morning, folding the newspaper. "You'll be living in the capital now. It's good to know people."
Her mother agreed gently. "Connections matter, Lanlan. And you should eat more of this fish—look how thin you've gotten again."
After a warm breakfast, they set off to visit an old friend of Father Jia's, someone he grew up with during his youth.
Their first stop was Father Jia's childhood friend, Uncle He, who now worked a high-level administrative role at a government bureau. Though his title was serious, the man himself was anything but.
The house they arrived at was spacious and bustling with energy. As soon as they stepped in, the friend—a cheerful man with a booming voice and a slightly balding head—rushed over to greet them.
As soon as they arrived, Uncle He burst out the door like an excited puppy.
"Aiya! Old Jia! You finally brought your daughter to the capital? And look at her!" The man turned to Jia Lan, eyes widening. "Is this your Lanlan? You didn't tell me she turned out so pretty!"
His wife followed close behind, elegant and lively, a red apron still tied around her waist. "Look at her! So delicate—like a doll carved from jade. We never had a daughter, you know. Just three boys. I always wanted a girl like this."
"Old Jia! You brought your fairy daughter! I thought she'd be a stiff, cold beauty like you, but she's got your wife's sweetness—thank heavens!"
Jia Lan blinked at the barrage of compliments.
"Uncle He," she greeted politely, bowing slightly. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Only good things, I hope. If not, they're lying," he said with a wink. "Come in, come in. My wife's been preparing since dawn!"
She beamed and reached out to hold Jia Lan's hand warmly. "From now on, come to Auntie's place often, alright? I'll cook for you whenever you like."
Jia Lan smiled politely. "Thank you, Auntie. You're too kind."
Inside, Aunt He—graceful and full of charm—welcomed them with open arms.
"You're more delicate than porcelain," she gasped, clasping Jia Lan's hand. "Three boys, and none of them have even half your charm. I would've spoiled you rotten if you were mine."
Jia Lan smiled, unused to such open adoration. "Thank you, Auntie. I'll visit more often then—you can practice on me."
Aunt He was instantly delighted. "See? She even speaks beautifully. Come, meet the boys."
Two of their sons were home—one in a crisp government uniform, the other in a high school jacket. As soon as they saw Jia Lan, both straightened up.
"She's our guest. Act proper," their mother scolded, before proudly adding, "Lanlan, these are our younger two. The eldest is married and lives in another district, but these two are still under our roof."
Jia Lan nodded, and the younger boys both greeted her earnestly.
Two of their sons were present—the eldest was married and living elsewhere—but the second, He Ming, worked a respectable government job, and the third, He Jun, was a high schooler with sharp eyes and a slightly awkward demeanor.
He Jun whispered loudly to his brother, "She looks like one of those goddesses on New Year calendar posters."
He Ming flicked his younger brother's ear. "She can hear you, idiot."
Jia Lan laughed, eyes crinkling. "Don't worry. I'll pretend I didn't."
During lunch, the household was filled with laughter and lively chatter. The food was simple but well-prepared—braised pork belly, stir-fried greens, fried tofu with scallions, and a large pot of chicken soup. The aunt made sure Jia Lan's bowl was never empty.
"You must come here often, child," she said again, patting Jia Lan's hand fondly. "Your parents raised you so well. If you ever need anything, just send word. You'll always have a place here."
After a long, satisfying lunch and some relaxed conversation, they bid farewell. Jia Lan could still feel the warmth of the auntie's hands and the brightness of the household as they stepped out.
Later that afternoon, they went to visit a few of Jia Lan's grandfather's retired comrades. Her grandfather had entrusted her parents with small gift boxes—fine teas and health supplements—to deliver on his behalf.
They visited two more families—both were retired friends of her grandfather. Each welcomed them warmly, served fresh snacks, and accepted the gifts brought by Jia Lan's family.
The elderly friends, all with graying hair and sharp eyes, welcomed them in warmly. Each of them had once held serious positions, and though they were now retired, their posture and presence still carried weight.
"You're Jia Lan, eh? We've heard your grandfather brag about you endlessly. Top marks in school, elegant, well-mannered. Hmph, now that I see you in person, he wasn't exaggerating at all."
One of the elderly uncles gave her a wrapped red envelope quietly. "A little something from an old man. Don't say no."
"Thank you, Uncle," Jia Lan accepted it with a soft voice and polite bow.
They were served tea and light snacks, and more than one of the old comrades gave similar advice: "In the capital, you need good footing. Don't hesitate to come to us if there's trouble."
When they finally returned home, the sun had begun to dip lower. Jia Lan's parents seemed content.
"We want you to remember today, Lanlan," her mother said as she gently helped her daughter remove her coat. "You're not alone here. If anything ever happens, you know where to go."
That night, after a light dinner, Jia Lan curled up on the soft armchair by her window, the curtains drawn back so she could watch the lights of the city flicker.
Just as she began to unwind, the soft chime of her system echoed in her mind.
Ding!Daily !Check-In Successful!
Reward: A Box of Delicate hairpins,
- Handcrafted earrings
- a rose quartz pendant,
- a silk ribbon set in seasonal hues.
Jia Lan's eyes twinkled as she opened the drawer of her wardrobe and found the ornate box nestled inside. Lifting the lid revealed an assortment of charming little accessories—just the kind that would elevate a simple outfit to something refined.
"These are quite cute," she murmured, gently brushing her fingers over the rose quartz pendant.
Jia Lan opened the elegant box that appeared in a soft shimmer of light. The hairpins glinted delicately under the lantern glow—one had a crane carved into the end.
She picked it up, pinning her hair up. It looked expensive… but also tasteful. She felt like a little cute.
The capital had only just begun to open its doors to her, but Jia Lan already felt the quiet waves of fate shifting in her favor.
She smiled to herself, knowing this was only the beginning.