Grandmother Cheng, whose given name was Meng Sanlang, came from a long line of physicians.
The family's knowledge of medicine, skincare, and aromatherapy had been carefully preserved until her generation.
Among the books were those once owned by Cheng Yuemin, through which she had made her mark in the skincare and aromatherapy industry.
The original Shi Nian had often accompanied her mother to the R&D department and had glimpsed these books in her childhood.
While Shi Nian could continue her plans without them, she had found that one of the books contained her handwriting.
Shi Nian couldn't understand how this world—so unfamiliar and different from the one she originally came from—could have a book with her handwriting.
When she discovered it through the body's memories, she knew she had to get it.
This mysterious discovery made her wonder if there was more to her appearance in this different world.
Having shared her intentions with Grandmother Cheng, Meng Sanlang went to retrieve the books. They had been carefully stored in a safe, treated as treasured family heirlooms.
When the books were finally in Shi Nian's hands, Grandmother Cheng couldn't help offering a gentle warning.
"Nian Nian, I hope you don't pressure yourself, even if you don't take over the Shi Consortium…"
"Sanlang, Nian Nian has grown up and carries responsibilities," Grandfather Cheng interjected firmly.
"Father, Mother just can't bear to see Nian Nian work so hard," Cheng Yuan added quickly.
Shi Nian looked at the books, her expression calm. Without raising her gaze, she smiled faintly.
"Grandma, I know what to do. Don't worry."
Her grandparents let out a quiet sigh of relief. Inwardly, they wished she could remain the little treasure who always smiled purely, free of such burdens.
Sensing the gentle shift in the room, Cheng Yuan's wife, Madam Cheng, who had remained silent until now, spoke.
"Mom, we should let Nian Nian rest. She must have had an exhausting day at the company."
At her words, they realized how much time had passed—it was already late.
They escorted Shi Nian to her room to ensure she would have a peaceful night's rest.
Seeing the Cheng elders leave, Shi Nian let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Though their presence stirred a long-lost sense of familiarity, their enthusiasm was simply too much for her.
She decided she needed a good soak to ease her nerves. The day had been exhausting.
As she settled into the warm water, Shi Nian's thoughts drifted. There was too much to organize—too many new matters demanding her attention.
Shi Nian no longer cared what others thought of her sudden changes.
After all, this world seemed devoid of cultivators—at least, none she could sense for now.
Shi Nian's goal wasn't only to elevate BaiYue's position in this world—it was to build a strong enough foundation to eventually find Si Yehan.
With the book in hand, BaiYue's revival was already taking shape.
But with the upcoming meetings and research ahead, Shi Nian couldn't help but sigh again.
The warmth lulled her. Before she knew it, her thoughts blurred, and she drifted into sleep in the bathtub.
"Young Miss, are you there?"
A voice cut through her drowsiness. Shi Nian's eyes opened at once.
The maid had entered after knocking and getting no response. Not finding her in the bedroom, she cautiously checked the bathroom.
Shi Nian stepped out wrapped in a bathrobe, her damp hair bundled in a towel.
The maid froze for a moment. Fresh from the bath, Shi Nian's skin looked impossibly smooth—pale and flawless.
Shi Nian caught her gaze and raised a brow, silently asking why she was there.
The maid quickly recovered.
"Madam asked me to bring you some warm milk, in case you couldn't sleep," she said, pointing to the thermos on the bedside table.
Then, almost defensively, she explained why she had entered the room.
Years of service had taught her, no matter how kind an employer was, certain lines were never to be crossed.
"Alright. You can go now—and tell Auntie I'm very comfortable," Shi Nian said softly.
The maid bowed and quietly closed the door.
But she glanced back for a moment, she caught sight of Shi Nian sitting before the vanity, towel unwrapped, drying her hair.
Their eyes met briefly. The maid offered a sheepish smile and quickly slipped away.
After drying her hair, Shi Nian picked up her laptop to update her plans and review the documents Qing Bai had sent.
Briefly skimming through the details, she already had an idea of how to guide the team's progress.
Once Shi Nian began working, she couldn't bring herself to stop. Before she noticed, it was already past 2 a.m.
Her eyes felt dry from staring at the screen for too long. Rubbing her slightly aching wrist, Shi Nian finally decided to get some sleep.
Being busy was the only way she could escape her thoughts. Only when exhausted could she truly rest.
Shi Nian's eyes drifted toward the book by her bedside. She reached for it.
As she held it, a feeling of comfort flowed through her. Shi Nian couldn't tell what it contained yet, but somehow she felt afraid to discover its secrets.
Each page appeared to hold nothing more than medical records, but Shi Nian sensed there was more to it.
Although curious about its secret, Shi Nian wasn't in a hurry to uncover it. She felt that whatever secret it held couldn't be handled by her current, less powerful self.
The book's secret required spiritual energy—something she could no longer harness.
Shi Nian fell asleep with the book in her arms.
Unnoticed, a faint white light pulsed from its pages, flowing gently through her meridians.
As she drifted deeper into sleep, it felt as though a hand softly caressed her face.
Shi Nian tried to open her eyes, but her lids were heavy, and she sank further into slumber.
In the silent room, a faint sigh echoed into the night.
…
Early the next morning, Grandmother Cheng gently knocked before opening Shi Nian's door.
They all knew how much Shi Nian loved to sleep in, but to grandmother Cheng's surprise, she found Shi Nian already awake, dressed and working at her laptop.