Are you offering to be my nanny?

"This is simply unbelievable. I never thought I'd meet someone like you in my lifetime... yet, here you are. You're dead, aren't you? I can see it—the blood, the blade, the robes, the pain, the yearning... it's all there, in your soul."

Xia Yuqing's breath caught in her throat. Her fingers curled around the blanket, muscles tensing beneath the fabric. Who was this woman?

"Who... are you?" she asked, her voice sharper than before. 

The woman raised a hand in a claiming gesture. A smile appeared on her lips—warm and unthreatening, yet laced with something Xia Yuqing couldn't quite place. "Relax, I mean you no harm. I was just… surprised." Her gaze softened as she studied Xia Yuqing, eyes flickering with quiet wonder. "I've never encountered anyone quite like you."

That set Xia Yuqing further on edge. Never encountered anyone like her? What does she mean?

The woman suddenly giggled, eyes gleaming with unrestrained excitement. "You won't believe it. But, my father just told me this morning that I would meet someone special. Looks like he was right! I can't believe I'm meeting someone who's crossed over."

Xia Yuqing stiffened. Crossed over? How did she know that?

Her gaze turned sharp. "How do you know that?"

The woman didn't flinch under her questioning gaze. Instead, she tilted her head, almost amused. "Oh, I'm a Soul Seer," she said with a hint of pride, "At least, that's what my father always told me."

"My family comes from an ancient tribe… long forgotten, I think. I don't remember the name, but we were once known for our gifts and special abilities. We see things others can't—souls, past lives, glimpses of the future."

"Some call it a prophecy, others call it nonsense," she chuckled as if amused by the thought. "Think of it like being a psychic… but not quite." 

Xia Yuqing was stunned. A tribe that could see through souls… The Lingzu tribe.

A chill went down her spine, her grip on her bedsheet tightening. This woman—this bright-eyed, smiling stranger—was a descendant of the Lingzu tribe, a group of people who served and assisted the emperor. 

They usually lived in communities, in aloof places, away from the people's eyes so she never met one in her last life. But she never expected to meet one of the descendants of the Lingzu tribe after crossing over. 

Since this woman possessed those gifts, then… what if she saw her past? What if she tried to send her back to him? After all, these people had pledged their loyalty to the royal family for generations. 

A sharp panic seized her. 

No. No.

Xia Yuqing clenched her jaw, shoving the thought away. She was dead in that world. She refused to go back. This world, this body, this new identity was hers. 

Meanwhile, oblivious to Xia Yuqing's unease, the woman rambled on. But, when she heard no reply, she glanced at Xia Yuqing and saw her guarded expression. She sighed, "You seem... cautious. I understand. After all, everything here is so different from your world, right?" 

Xia Yuqing didn't reply. 

Yan Rouxi frowned slightly. "What's wrong? Are you scared of me? Don't be. I promise I am a harmless woman. You don't have to be so wary of me. By the way, I still haven't introduced myself. I am Yan Rouxi. What's your name?" 

Yan Rouxi? 

Isn't that the name of the leader of the Lingzu tribe? Was she named after that leader? 

Xia Yuqing's brow furrowed. Her gaze flickered to Yang Rouxi's outstretched hand—a gesture unfamiliar, yet common in this world. Hesitantly, she took it, her expression unreadable.

"Xia Yuqing," she murmured.

Yang Rouxi's fingers curled around hers in a firm shake. "It's an honor to meet you, Xia Yuqing." Then, releasing her hand, she plopped into the chair beside the bed. "Now, tell me—when did you cross over?"

Xia Yuqing hesitated. "...This morning."

"Ahhh," Yang Rouxi mused, eyes gleaming with intrigue. "No wonder. You were walking down the road while the light was still red. All of this must be new to you, huh?"

Xia Yuqing gave a slow nod. "It is… but I'm learning."

Yang Rouxi's smile softened. "I think you'll adapt quickly."

Xia Yuqing gave a faint smile. Her gaze drifted downward, landing on her injured leg wrapped in a small bandage. Though nothing seemed broken, a dull pain lingered whenever she moved. "What did the doctor say?" she asked. 

"You're tougher than you look," Yan Rouxi answered with a playful smile. "It's a small injury. It should heal in a couple of days. Also, you had a wound on your forehead, but don't worry. He applied some cream, and it'll be gone in no time, no scar."

"Thank you for your help," Xia Yuqing said, her tone sincere.

Yan Rouxi waved her hand dismissively. "Ah, it was nothing. I was the one who put you in this situation. It's only right that I take care of you." She hesitated for a moment, then leaned forward slightly. "By the way, what's your plan after getting discharged?"

Xia Yuqing pursed her lips. "Go home."

"How about you stay at my place for a few days?" she suggested, her eyes twinkling. "I mean, you're still injured. The doctor said you shouldn't put too much pressure on your leg yet. I can help you out in the meantime."

"Plus," she added, "I can teach you more about this world. Help you settle down, and answer any questions you have. What do you think?"

Xia Yuqing's lips parted slightly, her eyes doubtful. Why was this woman being so kind to her?

No one had ever extended a hand to her without expecting something in return. In her last life, kindness had always come with a hidden blade. She glanced at Yan Rouxi's bright smile, searching for cracks— any deception, or hidden ulterior motives but found none.

She just had a warm smile as if helping a total stranger was the most natural thing in the world.

Still, Xia Yuqing was doubtful, a habit ingrained too deeply in her mind. She leaned back against the pillow, arms crossing over her chest, and raised a brow, "Are you offering to be my nanny?" 

Yan Rouxi blinked, then burst into laughter. "If you would let me!"