When the car stopped in front of the main entrance, servants rushed forward, their movements as synchronized as soldiers. Huaijin could tell most of them were new, fresh faces, trained to perfection, just like in her past life. Still, the same air of stiff politeness surrounded them.
As soon as they entered the grand hall, a man in a black tailcoat approached, a tall, slender butler with gentle features and eyes that curved like crescent moons when he smiled. His steps were silent, his posture impeccable.
"Master Yuanfeng, little young miss," the butler greeted with a polite bow. His voice was calm and melodious, like spring water. "Welcome back to the Chi residence. The head of the family has been expecting you."
Yuanfeng's expression remained neutral, but Huaijin could sense the tiny flicker of tension in him. He nodded curtly. "Thank you, Luo Ming."
'Ah, Luo Ming!'
Huaijin's eyes widened slightly. In her previous life, she'd met him too, though back then, he had been older, his hair touched with gray and his smile colder. But now…
'He looks so young!'
She thought with wonder, blinking at him. The butler's long lashes fluttered as he smiled kindly down at her, and Huaijin almost dropped her jaw.
'Wait a minute… why is the butler so good-looking? Since when did Grandpa Chi hire handsome people?!'
Luo Ming must have noticed her curious staring because he chuckled lightly and crouched down to her height. "Little Miss Huaijin, it's an honor to meet you. You're even prettier than I imagined."
Her tiny face instantly flushed crimson.
"Eh?!" she squeaked, covering her face with both hands. "W-well, you're prettier too!"
Yuanfeng coughed violently beside her, nearly choking on his breath. "What— Huaijin!"
The butler laughed softly, the corners of his mouth curving into a playful smile that showed the faintest dimple. "Thank you, young miss. You have excellent taste."
Huaijin wanted to disappear on the spot. 'Oh no. I just flirted with the butler in front of Daddy. Abort mission! Abort!'
Before she could bury her face further, Luo Ming straightened up, his expression returning to its usual polite calm. "Master Yuanfeng, the family head has asked for you personally in the study. Please, this way."
Chi Yuanfeng turned to Huaijin, crouching down to her level. "Will you be alright on your own for a bit, sweetheart? There's a play area nearby for guests' children. You can rest there until I come back."
"I'll be fine, Daddy," Huaijin said bravely, puffing up her chest. "I'll be a good girl. I promise!"
He smiled softly, brushing a hand over her hair. "Good girl. Don't wander too far, alright?"
"I won't!"
Luo Ming gestured for a maid to lead Huaijin toward the children's play zone, a colorful, sunlit room filled with toys, books, and a small indoor pool that sparkled under the skylight. Huaijin took one look at the water, the marble tiles, and the toy shelf neatly lined with bears, and immediately decided:
'Nope. Not touching anything. If I break something, Grandpa Chi will probably make me sell my soul to pay for it.'
So instead of running around like a typical child, she found herself a small, comfortable spot by the edge of the pool and sat quietly. Her legs dangled as she watched the sunlight shimmer across the surface.
Her hands rested neatly on her lap, her posture perfect, almost unnaturally calm for a child her age. The servants passing by occasionally peeked through the glass doors, expecting to see toys flying or a tantrum unfolding, but instead found a small, doll-like girl sitting serenely, gazing at the water as if deep in philosophical thought.
The butler, passing by once more, couldn't help smiling faintly at the sight. 'Such a well-mannered little girl… Master Yuanfeng truly raised her with care.'
When Luo Ming returned to check on her, Chi Huaijin smiled sweetly, and he couldn't resist walking closer.
"Are you comfortable, young miss?" he asked gently.
"Yes!" Huaijin nodded enthusiastically. "It's really pretty here! The water looks like candy, but I know I shouldn't touch it!"
He chuckled softly, amused. "You're very well-behaved."
Huaijin blinked up at him, tilting her head. "Mister Butler, you're really kind… and really handsome too!"
He almost choked on air this time. "Y-Young Miss…"
From somewhere deep in the manor, Yuanfeng sneezed and frowned in the middle of his conversation with his father. "Why do I feel like someone's saying strange things about me right now…?"
Luo Ming composed himself quickly, his cheeks faintly pink as he cleared his throat. "You have quite the sharp tongue for such a little lady," he teased lightly.
Huaijin grinned, unbothered. 'He's fun to tease!'
Unfortunately, before the exchange could go further, a voice called from the distance, "Butler Luo, the head chef requires your assistance in the kitchen!"
He sighed softly, mumbling under his breath. "Duty calls."
"Come back soon!" Huaijin chirped cheerfully, waving her tiny hand.
He smiled and bowed slightly before leaving. The moment the door closed behind him, silence returned.
Huaijin hummed, swinging her legs as she looked around. The place was far too fancy for comfort. Everything gleamed, the chandeliers, the floor, even the toy blocks looked like they'd been polished by angels.
Still, it wasn't so bad. The peace was nice. The sun was warm.
And then…
A shadow appeared by the doorway.
A tiny, floral-dressed figure stepped into the play area, her two neatly tied buns bouncing with each step. Her shoes clicked softly against the tile.
Huaijin turned her head slowly. The moment their eyes met, time froze for a second.
The newcomer smiled, not a sweet, friendly smile, but the kind that made the air feel colder.
"Well, well," the girl said in a sugary voice, clasping her hands behind her back. "You must be the stray my grandpa brought in."
Huaijin blinked, her mind momentarily going blank.
'Ah. So it begins.'
In front of her stood none other than Chi Yunyin, the fake daughter of the main story.