The knock came early, soft against the carved wooden door.
"Second Miss? Are you awake?"
The maid pushed the door open when no answer came. The room was neat, bed untouched, curtains shifting with the morning breeze.
"...Second Miss?"
Her voice wavered as she stepped further in. The balcony doors stood wide open, the gauzy drapes lifting and falling.
She frowned. "Miss Xi?"
She stepped onto the balcony, peering out. The garden stretched below, drenched in golden sunlight. Empty.
"Where could she—"
"Looking for me?"
The maid spun, eyes flying upward. A figure dangled above her, hanging upside down from the beam like some phantom out of nightmare. Long hair spilled down, framing a pale face that stared at her calmly.
The maid shrieked, stumbling back so fast she nearly tripped over her own skirts.
Xi Jiayi tilted her head, voice quiet, unhurried. "What happened?"
Recognition flickered in the maid's wide eyes. "S-Second Miss?!"
Xi Jiayi dropped lightly, landing soundlessly before her. She dusted off her hands, gaze flat.
"Madam Song… Madam Song is asking for you downstairs." The maid's voice shook, her knees nearly giving out.
"Hm." Xi Jiayi's soft reply was neither refusal nor agreement, just a low hum. She waved a hand dismissively.
The maid didn't wait for more—she bolted, shoes clattering against the floor, muttering prayers under her breath. "Second Miss is so scary," she whimpered, nearly sliding at the turn.
Xi Jiayi faintly glanced at the door, then straightened her collar before heading out.
---
Downstairs, the main hall was already occupied.
Song Huifei sat at the head of the table, her posture regal, her expression unreadable. Beside her, Qin Yichen adjusted the cuffs of his suit, jaw tight, irritation etched clearly across his face.
Qin Yuxi sat composed, sipping tea, eyes sharp but calm. Qin Jiahao, in his school uniform, drummed his fingers impatiently against the table. Butler Wen stood nearby, silent as always.
"Mother," Qin Jiahao muttered, brows furrowed. "Why are we waiting for that brat first thing in the morning?"
"Jiahao." Qin Yuxi's voice was cool, cutting across his impatience. "Watch your tongue."
"She doesn't deserve—"
"JIAHAO." Qin Yuxi warned shutting him up, though his face flushed red.
Qin Yichen set his watch with a click, his tone edged with cold annoyance. "I have a company meeting. Why exactly am I required to sit here for this?"
Before Song Huifei could answer, footsteps sounded at the entrance.
Xi Jiayi walked in, calm as though nothing unusual had happened upstairs. Her pace unhurried, her gaze straight, carrying that air of quiet defiance that always seemed to needle at Qin Yichen.
Song Huifei's sharp eyes swept to her. "Sit."
Xi Jiayi arched a brow at the tone, but said nothing. She slid into the empty chair, her movements slow, almost lazy.
A beat of silence stretched. Then Song Huifei's voice rang out, firm and clear. "Xi Jiayi, you'll begin school starting today. You'll attend the same high school as Jiahao."
Qin Jiahao's spoon froze midway to his mouth. "What?" His brows shot up. "Mother, you can't be serious. Why would you—why would she go to my school?"
"Jiahao." Qin Yuxi's tone held a warning edge. "Don't forget your manners."
Qin Jiahao scowled but dropped back into his seat, muttering under his breath.
"As if school's not haunted enough already…"
At the other end of the table, Qin Yichen pinched the bridge of his nose, irritation flaring again. "And why exactly am I here for this? Surely my presence isn't necessary to announce this farce."
Meanwhile, Xi Jiayi blinked once, twice. A rare crack in her composure.
Highschool?