Chapter 4: Gathering Strength in the Shadows

The cold morning air bit at Bai Yue's skin as she stepped cautiously out of her room. The world outside felt foreign, yet strangely familiar. The courtyard was bustling with activity—servants moving swiftly, carrying baskets of linens, and guards standing watch at the gates. She observed it all silently, her sharp eyes scanning every detail.

No one paid her much attention. In their eyes, she was still the weak, inconsequential orphan clinging to the Bai family by a thread. That suited her just fine.

Xinya took slow, deliberate steps, each one feeling like a victory. Her body was still weak, but no longer trembling with every movement. As she reached the edge of the courtyard, a familiar sneer echoed behind her.

"Oh? Has our delicate little cousin finally decided to grace us with her presence?"

Bai Rong.

Xinya turned slowly to face the older girl, her expression composed and unreadable. Bai Rong stood with her arms crossed, her richly embroidered robes emphasizing the stark difference between them. Behind her, several other young women from the Bai family whispered among themselves, their eyes filled with thinly veiled disdain.

"I was feeling unwell before," Xinya said softly, meeting Bai Rong's gaze without flinching. "But I suppose I should thank you for your concern, cousin."

Bai Rong's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Concern? Don't be mistaken, Bai Yue. I'm just surprised you haven't faded away completely yet."

The sharp laughter that followed grated against Xinya's ears, but she remained calm. She had no intention of wasting her energy engaging in petty fights—at least, not yet. For now, she needed to stay beneath notice and regain her strength in the shadows.

"I appreciate your… kindness," Xinya replied, bowing slightly before turning away.

Bai Rong's smirk faltered for a second, as if she expected more resistance. But Xinya ignored her and walked toward the back gardens, feeling the lingering gazes on her back.

The Bai family's back gardens were overgrown and neglected—much like Bai Yue's place in this household. Tall weeds intertwined with wilting flowers, and moss crept over the stone pathways. It was a place no one bothered to visit, which made it perfect for what she had in mind.

Finding a shaded spot beneath a gnarled tree, Xinya knelt on the damp earth, closing her eyes and focusing inward. In her past life, she had learned the art of meditation to steady her mind during long hours in the hospital. She hoped the same practice would help her now.

She placed her hands on her lap and took a deep breath, steadying the unsteady pulse of this fragile body. Bit by bit, she directed her focus to each part of herself—her weak muscles, her erratic heartbeat, the lingering traces of poison in her system.

I will recover, she thought firmly. This body will obey me.

Time passed unnoticed as she sank deeper into concentration, her breath growing steady. Slowly, the sluggish energy within her body stirred, weak yet responsive.

When she finally opened her eyes, beads of sweat dotted her forehead, but a small, triumphant smile touched her lips. She felt marginally better—just a little stronger. It wasn't much, but it was a start.

As she stood to leave the gardens, Xinya heard a soft rustling behind her. She turned sharply, her senses on high alert.

A young boy stood at the edge of the overgrown path, his dark eyes watching her curiously. He was no older than ten, his simple servant robes slightly oversized for his small frame.

"You shouldn't be here," he said, tilting his head. "The Bai family doesn't like people wandering around."

Xinya studied him for a moment. There was no malice in his tone, only caution.

"I could say the same to you," she replied evenly.

The boy blinked, then grinned slightly. "I come here to hide sometimes. It's quiet."

Xinya nodded. "Then let's agree to share the space."

The boy hesitated, then gave a small, solemn nod before running off down the path, disappearing among the trees.

Watching him go, Xinya felt a flicker of amusement. Even in a place like this, there were those who found solace in the forgotten corners.

Turning back toward the house, she took a deep breath. She still had a long way to go, but step by step, she was reclaiming her place in this world.

They won't see me coming until it's too late.