Slowly, Yueqing opened her eyes, her lashes fluttering like fragile wings, the remnants of sleep still clinging to her gaze. But something felt strange—her mind throbbed, and she had the unsettling feeling that she had forgotten something important.
Every time she tried to remember, it slipped away, all she was left with was a painful headache.
Suddenly, memories flooded her mind, and she remembered who she was, but not who she had been. Yueqing, a 19-year-old, bubbly, rich man's beloved daughter, obsessed with learning the immortal arts. But it seemed she was not particularly talented in that regard.
She looked around and saw her "familiar" room. Calling for her maids, she had them begin her morning routine.
Her hair cascaded in soft waves, framed by a delicate touch of makeup that accentuated her glowing skin and brightened her eyes. Her lips shimmered with a soft, iridescent glow, the glossy finish catching the light with every smile, as if kissed by the very essence of a perfect sunset.
She wore a delicate hanfu, the fabric soft and flowing like a gentle breeze. The pastel colors of the dress complemented her porcelain skin, and the intricate embroidery along the sleeves added a touch of elegance.
With her hair styled in a simple yet graceful updo, she looked like a timeless beauty, embodying both the charm and innocence of an ethereal dream.
The maids couldn't help but quietly praise her beauty, whispering among themselves in awe. Yet, beneath their admiration lingered a trace of fear. It wasn't just respect—they were wary of her. Yueqing remembered why. She used to dismiss any maid who so much as displeased her.
"Pretty faces don't tolerate mistakes," she had once said with a sweet smile that never quite reached her eyes.
Though she appeared naive, with soft words and an innocent gaze, there was a subtle sharpness beneath her charm. A little cunning nestled in her heart—just enough to keep everyone guessing. Yueqing smiled sweetly, the corners of her lips curling ever so slightly, but behind that gentle expression was a quiet sparkle in her eyes—just enough to make you wonder if she was hiding something delightfully wicked.
She chuckled softly at how nervous the maids seemed, the corners of her lips lifting with amusement. "Relax, you're all doing fine," she said gently, her tone light yet oddly commanding.
Moments later, the door opened with familiar warmth. In stepped Yue Shuren, his presence like sunshine after a long night.
"Qing'er, my precious girl! Come here, let Father have a good look at you!" he exclaimed, arms already outstretched.
Before she could reply, he pulled her into a warm embrace, patting her back with the gentleness only a doting father could offer.
Yueqing returned the hug fondly, resting her cheek against his shoulder. "You're as dramatic as ever, Father," she murmured with a smile.
But even as she leaned into his affection, a strange ache tugged at her heart—subtle but persistent. She didn't understand why it was there, only that it was. So, she buried it behind her smile, deciding—for now—not to let it show.
For a moment, Yue Shuren completely forgot why he had come—lost in the warmth of holding his beloved Qing'er in his arms. But then, with a spark of excitement, he pulled back slightly and said, "Ah! That's right—I nearly forgot!"
He gave her a playful tap on the forehead and beamed. "There will be immortals visiting soon, Qing'er! I knew you'd be interested the moment I heard."
Qing'er's eyes lit up instantly, wide with wonder. "Immortals? Really?!" she gasped, practically bouncing where she stood.
She clapped her hands together with delight, her smile radiant. "I can't wait to see them! Do you think they'll show us their techniques?"
Anticipation bubbled in her chest, pushing aside the lingering ache in her heart—for now, all she could think about was the chance to meet the cultivators she had long admired from afar.
For a moment, Yue Shuren completely forgot why he had come—lost in the warmth of holding his beloved Qing'er in his arms. But then, with a spark of excitement, he pulled back slightly and said, "Ah! That's right—I nearly forgot!"
He gave her a playful tap on the forehead and beamed. "There will be immortals visiting soon, Qing'er! I knew you'd be interested the moment I heard."
Qing'er's eyes lit up instantly, wide with wonder. "Immortals? Really?!" she gasped, practically bouncing where she stood.
She clapped her hands together with delight, her smile radiant. "I can't wait to see them! Do you think they'll show us their techniques?"
Shuren nodded his head as he smiles fondly at how excited her daughter seems.
But little did she know what awaited her.