The Second Beginning
Morning light spilled across the antique furniture of the Feng family villa, warm and golden—but to Feng Xiao Xiao, it felt unreal.
She sat on the edge of her soft pink bed, fingers clutching the blanket as she listened to the sound of birds outside the window. It was all so familiar. The same room, the same view, the same spring breeze that used to bring her comfort.
Except now… she remembered everything.
The betrayal. The poison. The pain.
The stupid things she did to please Feng Ju, and the cruel mockery in Feng Qian's eyes the day they watched her fall.
Her body trembled—not from fear, but from rage.
"I was so blind," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "But never again."
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. It was a servant. "Young Miss, the Old Master has summoned you to the study."
Grandfather Feng.
The man she once yelled at, insulted, and disappointed. The one who tried to protect her, even when she pushed him away. She had refused his arranged marriage to Li Yan, called him a tyrant, and stormed out like a child. She remembered the pain in his eyes then—but she had been too caught up in her foolish love for Feng Ju to see it.
This time would be different.
Xiao Xiao rose, smoothing out her silk nightgown. Her reflection in the mirror showed a youthful face, but her eyes held a sharpness they never had before. She was seventeen again—but her soul was older, wiser.
As she made her way through the halls, servants paused to look at her, surprised by the calm grace in her step. There was no tantrum, no angry shouting—just silence and resolve.
Inside the study, her grandfather looked up. His face was stern, but his eyes held a flicker of surprise.
"You're awake earlier than usual," he said. "And quiet."
She bowed deeply. "Grandfather... I've reflected. I was wrong before."
Old Master Feng blinked. "Oh? What changed?"
Xiao Xiao lifted her head, meeting his gaze with unwavering calm. "I want to reconsider the engagement with Li Yan."
The tea in his hand paused mid-air.
"Are you serious?" he asked slowly.
"Yes," she said, her voice steady. "I want to meet him again."
In her past life, she ran from him. In this one, she would walk into his world with her head held high.