I woke up early the next morning, feeling much better than before.Maybe I was finally starting to accept my situation.
Or maybe... it was just because of the noodles I had last night.
I couldn't help but smile at the thought - food really does have magical powers.
There's one thing that can always make me happy and energetic - good food.
Still, I missed my desi dishes.
I was craving for aloo paratha, the kind my mother used to make.
So, I decided - today, I would cook it myself.
If there's one thing I'm truly good at, it's cooking.
As I was lost in my thoughts, Xiaomei entered the room. When she saw that I was awake she bowed politely and brought in a bowl of hot water so I could wash my face.
That's when I suddenly remembered - I hadn't taken a shower for two days.
If my mother knew that, it would be my last day alive!
Somehow, I always feel that whatever I do, she'll find out.
Even the smallest mistake - she just knows.
If I got sick, she would immediately tell me what caused it.
The thought of her made my heart ache. I missed her so much.
I told Xiaomei I wanted to take a shower, but she refused, saying that the wound on my head still hadn't healed properly.
So, I promised not to wash my hair.
She sighed and brought me hot water for bathing.
It was mid-November, and the air was crisp and cold. The warmth of the water felt heavenly against my skin.
Xiaomei offered to help me, but my expression must have said, Oh no, sister, please stay away.
I laughed awkwardly and told her politely that I could manage. She nodded and stepped out.
After the shower, I felt refreshed and relaxed until I realized something embarrassing.
I didn't know how to wear the clothes properly.
My mind went blank.
"Why on earth can't I do something this simple?" I muttered in frustration.
Hearing my voice, Xiaomei rushed in.I accidentally shouted, "Don't come in!"
She froze at the doorway. "Madam, do you need my help?" she asked softly.
I sighed. "...Yes, but you'll keep your eyes closed."
She smiled and helped me get dressed as she kept her eyes tightly shut.
Fifteen minutes later, I was finally ready exhausted, but proud.
After so much effort, I wanted a proper breakfast.
I asked Xiaomei to take me to the kitchen, but she told me that everyone was already waiting for me at the breakfast table.
My heart skipped a beat. "Everyone?" I asked nervously.
She nodded, smiling. "Yes, Madam. Please, follow me."When we entered the dining hall, everyone was already seated.
I was the only one missing.
There was someone new a man I hadn't seen before.
I glanced at him curiously, then looked at Junhao, who met my gaze with a reassuring smile.
I smiled back and quietly sat next to him.
For some reason, he was the only person here who made me feel... connected.
The man sitting at the head of the table looked at me with calm but piercing eyes. I froze for a second under his gaze.
I hadn't seen him yesterday - maybe he had been away, or maybe I simply hadn't noticed him before.
Either way, facing him now made me feel oddly nervous.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked, his voice deep and steady, carrying both authority and warmth.
I straightened in my seat. "Better..." I replied quietly, almost like a schoolgirl caught doing something wrong.
He nodded slowly, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"I'm glad to hear that."
Junhao gave me a reassuring glance, and I exhaled a small breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
The atmosphere felt formal - maybe too formal for breakfast.
A few servants began to serve dishes I'd never seen before - soft steamed buns, clear soup with vegetables, dumplings with a sweet aroma, and something that looked like fried rice but lighter.
The table was filled with colors and delicate scents.
I picked up my chopsticks, staring at them as if they were alien tools. Junhao noticed and quietly whispered, "Like this," showing me how to hold them.
After a few awkward tries, I finally managed to grab a bun and as soon as I tasted it, my eyes widened.
"This is so good!" I said without thinking, my voice full of delight.
Everyone turned toward me, surprised by my sudden enthusiasm.
Junhao tried to hide his smile, and even Father's stern expression softened into a quiet chuckle.
"This is amazing!" I continued, taking another bite happily. "You people really know how to cook!"
A soft wave of laughter passed through the table.
For a moment, the tension lifted and I felt comfortable. Then I suddenly remembered something.
I looked around and saw Xiaomei standing silently by the door, her hands folded neatly.
"Xiaomei!" I called out. "Come and eat with us!"
She froze in shock, eyes widening.
"I... I can't, Madam," she said quickly, bowing her head. "It's not proper."
I frowned, confused. "But you helped me so much. You should eat too!"
As soon as I said that, the entire table went silent.
When I looked up, everone was looking at me stunned.
Their expressions were a mix of disbelief and amusement, as if I'd just broken a sacred rule.
I blinked, realizing I might've said something wrong.
"...What?" I muttered under my breath.
Junhao coughed lightly, trying not to laugh, while Father cleared his throat and looked away.Deciding to ignore the awkwardness, I focused back on my food.
The warmth of the soup and the soft texture of the buns quickly made me forget the tension.
Maybe, I thought, as long as there's good food... I'll survive here.