I'm Too Cute to Be Stuck in Poverty

After a few days of living here, Yao Yao finally pieced together her situation. 

She is the third daughter of the noble Shang family in this magical world, a place unlike anything she had ever known. The young woman taking care of her is Su Mi, her caretaker.

The world itself is a fusion of Western medieval and modernity. It's almost as if the world can't make up its own mind. Well, toilet exists just like earth but they still cook food with wood. They have no heaters, no air conditioners, but a magic stone that emits hot and cool air. It's a bizarre fusion of medieval fantasy and modern convenience, picking and choosing what it wants. 

But truthfully, her reality is far from that.

She is surrounded by poverty, living in a worn-down house with barely enough to get by. 

As for her origins…

Yao Yao was born from a mistress. Though, according to Su Mi, her mother was actually her father's true love. The woman he had truly wanted to marry. Unfortunately, her mother had passed away years ago due to illness when she was only two.

However, the noble lady of the Shang family, Shang Qing Ye, the one he was bound to was nothing more than a political arrangement. She has two elder step-sisters, Shang Ying Ying and Shang Min Min, and an older step-brother Shang Jun, all born from Shang Qing Ye. 

…

"For a political marriage without love, they sure have an impressive number of childrens..", Yao Yao thought to herself, raising an eyebrow.

Yao Yao's father departed on a mission under the king's command a year ago, bringing his son with him and leaving the rest of the family behind in the estate.

And as for Yao Yao? She was sent away by the Shang Qing Ye years ago after being accused of contracting a contagious illness.

As her thoughts spiralled, drifting in and out of her current situation, Yao Yao stared sheepishly into the mirror, her large pink eyes sparkling with admiration.

She is gazing at her own reflection and completely smitten.

"If I have a baby girl like this in my past life," she muttered, tilting her head slightly to the side, "I wouldn't even need a husband. I'd just admire her all day."

Yao Yao touches her long black hair gently, "Feels like silk.."

Her chubby cheeks were slightly flushed, displaying a natural rosy tint which made her look even more adorable. 

Her lips slowly curved into a satisfied smile.

"I've got to be the most adorable five-year-old on this planet," she mumbled, her tone fully convinced.

She puffed up her cheeks and poked them with her tiny fingers.

"Ah… so soft!"

Her small hands balled into fists as she swayed from side to side, barely able to contain her excitement.

"Seriously, how can anyone look at me and not love me?"

Right beside her, Su Mi stood frozen, laundry basket in hand and watching Yao Yao's antics in awe.

Ever since Yao Yao recovered from her fever, she have been acting strange.

This is the third day in a row that she has sat in front of the mirror with that… strange, almost blissful expression...

Su Mi puts down the laundry basket, her mind wandering back to that day—the day that window shattered from Yao Yao's power. 

She walked up to Yao Yao, who was still happily admiring herself in the mirror.

Clearing her throat, Su Mi hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "Yao Yao, do you… feel anything strange?"

Yao Yao blinked, finally shifting her gaze away from her adorable reflection.

Su Mi's expression turned serious. "Ever since that day… when the window broke.."

Yao Yao hasn't felt anything since that day. That mysterious pulsing sensation was gone, as if it had never happened.

"I feel fine," her gaze drifted guiltily towards the patched-up window before flickering back to Su Mi, "I'm sorry for breaking the window." 

Su Mi glanced at the half-taped window, the patch job was barely holding the glass, it is hardly useful at all. If only her magic was stronger, she could have fixed it in seconds. 

As Su Mi gazes down at Yao Yao's face, she looks so remorseful yet pitiful at the same time. 

"It's not your fault!" Su Mi said firmly. 

She placed her hands on Yao Yao's little head and her eyes practically sparkling.

"Yao Yao, you might be awakening your magic powers! The Shang bloodline is known for its strong magical abilities, so it's not a surprise if you have inherited the same power!"

Yao Yao fell deep into thought.

If I really have magic… then maybe… just maybe…

...I can use it to keep my skin youthful forever..?

Just as Yao Yao was about to fully immerse herself in her dream of eternal youth, Su Mi clapped her hands and said, "I know! Let's go to the city!" she added with a grin.

"We should buy some glue potion to fix that window…"

…

….

The journey isn't exactly easy.

Apparently, the city is quite a distance from the small house where she and Su Mi lived, and they had no choice but to walk the entire way since they didn't have a carriage. After walking a distance, Yao Yao's tiny legs were already giving in.

She turned to Sumi with dead fish eyes, "Su Mi… is there flying magic in this world so we don't have to walk ever again?"

Su Mi chuckled at Yao Yao's dramatic exhaustion and scooped her up into her arms.

"Alright, princess, since you're so weak, I'll carry you," Su Mi teased, effortlessly lifting Yao Yao.

She's pretty petite for her age.

Yao Yao crossed her arms and pouted. "This isn't weakness…it's called adapting to the local culture!"

Then, with a side glance, she added. "I mean, why walk when we can fly?"

Su Mi adjusted her grip. "Sure, sure."

Despite her pout, Yao Yao snuggled in comfortably, secretly relieved she didn't have to walk.

"So, Su Mi... is there flying magic?"

Su Mi laughed, shaking her head. "Nope. The only creatures that can soar through the sky are the ones born with wings."

Yao Yao frowned, clearly disappointed. "What kind of magical world is this if you can't fly?!"

"Magic world..?"

She quickly waved her hands. "I mean… uh… hey! Is that the city?!"

The city finally came into view. The walls were made of stone that gleamed in the sunlight. 

Guards in gleaming armor stood at attention, their figures standing tall by the gate.

As they entered the city, the streets were filled with people and magic can be seen everywhere. 

Yao Yao's gaze darted from side to side, couldn't help being drawn into the scene happening around.

"This is amazing", she thought.

There were people lifting heavy sacks effortlessly with magic.. some summoned a flame from their palms to heat up food with ease..

It felt like a dream.

Magic flowed everywhere as if it were the most natural and ordinary thing in the world.

As they walk further into the city, Yao Yao's sharp eyes noticed a middle-aged woman, who appeared to be in her forties stepping out of a beautiful store.

She was accompanied by two young girls, both dressed elegantly. Her beauty was striking and refined, setting her apart from the rest of the bustling crowd.

It was as if she belonged to an entirely different world.

Su Mi's gaze lingered on the woman and the two young girls beside her, around nine and ten years old. 

Just then, the woman caught her gaze and their eyes met.

Su Mi's voice dropped to a soft whisper as she leaned toward Yao Yao, "Yao Yao, that is your mother."

Yao Yao blinked in surprise and thoughts began racing through her head.

My mother. She meant Shang Qing Ye, the one who had sent her away to live in poverty.

Yao Yao tightened her lips as her eyes swept over the lavish fabrics, the intricately embroidered dresses and the elegant carriage they arrived in.

Shortly after, her face lits up with a newfound determination.

"We should go greet her," Yao Yao declared.

Su Mi's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh?"

Then, after a brief pause, she nodded confidently, as if stating an undeniable truth.

"After all, I'm way too cute to be stuck in poverty."