Chapter 54: Farewells in Frosted Light

The morning was crisp, touched by the faint silver mist of winter breath, and Jia Lan stirred beneath her thick cotton quilt. As the faint clatter of cookware sounded from the kitchen downstairs, she sat up slowly, relishing the warmth of the bedding before swinging her legs over the side.

Her room, nestled beside the south-facing window, was filled with the soft gray light of the season. She lit the brass hand-warmer and placed it near her study desk. Then, with practiced grace, she stood and stretched, tying her dark hair into a soft braid before beginning her morning preparations.

Today, she chose a light gray woolen qipao-styled dress, lined with soft flannel. Over it, she added a long slate-blue woolen coat with traditional toggle buttons and a velvet collar. Her boots, polished the night before, slid on easily. She adjusted her scarf—a deep maroon one embroidered by Xu Li—and slipped in a pair of delicate silver hairpins.

In the mirror, she gave herself a small smile. Though she felt chaotic and humorous on the inside, her reflection gave the calm, graceful aura of a well-raised city miss. Just the way she liked it.

She picked up her cloth handbag and made her way downstairs, the scent of steamed buns and jasmine tea welcoming her like a soft embrace.

---

After breakfast, as the sunlight filtered softly through the frosted windows, the Jia household was abuzz with quiet chatter. Yao Jing's parents and cousin were preparing to leave. Their coats were packed, gifts folded carefully in bags, and shoes lined up neatly near the door.

Jia Lan's mother smiled warmly. "Why rush back so soon? Stay a few more days. There's still snow on the ground and good food in the kitchen."

Yao Jing's mother smiled but shook her head gently. "Sister, I'd love nothing more. But old Zhao can't keep the books alone at the post office, and our neighbor's children still come to me for tutoring."

Her husband added with a chuckle, "And we left our hen unattended. She'll scold us for abandoning the eggs."

Yao Jing's cousin, unusually quiet this morning, offered a short nod. She had softened a little after the generous shopping trip and was now somewhat subdued.

Jia Lan's father patted Zhao Shun on the back. "You're always welcome here. Don't wait for a festival next time. We'll send word if we visit your town."

"Next time we'll bring some homemade pickles and sweet buns," Zhao Shun promised, adjusting the buttons of his coat. "Your hospitality has spoiled us."

They all shared a light chuckle.

The family began escorting the guests outside. The yard was dusted with snow, and a faint sun peeked through the gray sky. A government-issued car—one assigned to Jia Lan's grandparents due to their high-ranking positions—waited at the front gate, the driver already warming the engine.

"Let's get you all loaded up," Jia Lan's grandfather said, his voice calm but authoritative. He carried the larger bag himself and motioned the housemaid to help with the rest. "No need for anyone to strain themselves. You're our guests."

Before departing, Yao Jing's parents pulled her aside for a quiet moment in the hallway.

"Jing," her father said, his voice warm, "how is your husband treating you?"

"Better than I ever imagined," she said sincerely. "He's kind, gentle… and his family is something else. They treat me like their own."

Her mother took her hands and squeezed them. "You look well. Plump, happy… but not too plump," she teased. "Don't forget to rest."

Yao Jing laughed softly. "You always say that, Ma."

Her father nodded. "We don't worry about you anymore. Just take care of your health, and if something ever bothers you—write home."

"I will. I promise."

"Don't let your cousin get too nosey," her mother added with a wink, glancing back toward the cousin who was currently pretending to admire the calligraphy scroll near the entrance.

The moment lingered, filled with the quiet emotion of familial love.

Outside, the bags were loaded into the trunk. The driver held the door open.

Yao Jing turned back once more, brushing a tear from her cheek.

Her mother kissed her forehead. "Be good. Keep warm."

"Come visit in the spring!" Yao Jing called as the car slowly pulled away, headed for the train station.

The family watched until the vehicle disappeared down the main road, snow gently falling around them.

Jia Lan turned to her mother, who had been silently dabbing her eyes.

"Should we prepare tea?" she asked gently.

Her mother nodded. "Yes… Let's warm the house again."

Inside, the hearth crackled to life once more.

---

As they returned indoors, the coziness of the household enveloped them again. The scent of sandalwood lingered faintly from the incense burned earlier that morning, mingling with the warm aroma of ginger and dates boiling in the kitchen for tea.

Jia Lan took off her coat and neatly hung it on the brass rack before joining her mother and Xu Li in the dining room. Her grandfather and grandmother sat beside the heater, chatting softly.

"Everything alright?" her grandmother asked, glancing up from her knitting.

"Yes," Jia Lan said softly. "They've gone. Yao Jing was a little teary."

"Separation is always hard," her grandfather mused, sipping tea. "But it teaches us gratitude."

He looked around the room with calm eyes. "We're lucky to have this family. Never take that for granted."

Xu Li nodded, stroking her small belly absently. The glow on her face was unmistakable. Jia Zhe, noticing this from across the room, approached her with a tender smile.

"Are you warm enough?" he asked, gently wrapping a shawl over her shoulders. "Sit closer to the fire."

"I'm fine," she laughed, "I'm not made of glass."

"But you're carrying our future, so I must be cautious," he said with mock seriousness.

Their father chuckled. "You'll make a fine father, Zhe. Just don't wrap the child in cotton too."

"You'll be surprised," Grandmother added, smirking. "It's always the quiet sons who end up most nervous."

More laughter followed, warm and cheerful.

---

Later that evening, after dinner was cleared and the night had deepened with a soft snow beginning to fall again, Jia Lan returned to her room.

Her study books were laid out neatly—her own high school textbooks she had requested from her mother. She had already finished nearly half of the material, and though her transmigration had given her an advantage, she didn't let it make her complacent.

She brewed a small pot of chrysanthemum tea. Her mother came in with a small cup of herbal brew.

"This will warm you," her mother said softly, placing it on her desk. "Not too bitter."

Jia Lan smiled. "Thank you, Mama."

As her mother left, she took a long sip, sighing contentedly. She felt the strength in this family—their stability, their care, their love. Compared to her past life, where people only looked after themselves, this home felt like a haven.

Just as she set her cup down, a familiar chime echoed in her mind.

Ding! Daily Sign-In Successful!

Today's rewards: — 2000 Yuan — Imported chocolate truffles (limited winter edition) — College Entrance Exam Mock Paper Set (System curated)

Jia Lan's eyes sparkled as she saw the rewards materialize on her desk. "Ohoho~ System, you're in a good mood today!"

She carefully unwrapped a truffle and popped it into her mouth. The silky chocolate melted like snowflakes on her tongue. Happiness bloomed in her chest.

But it was the mock test papers that truly made her beam. The system's custom set came with explanations, answer keys, and analysis—precisely the kind of resource she'd dreamed about.

She clutched them with glee. "These are golden tickets!"

Without wasting another moment, she cleared her desk and arranged the first sheet. Dipping her pen in ink, she muttered, "Let's see what I'm really made of."

And so, the night deepened further, the snow danced outside, and Jia Lan buried herself in preparation for the future—one mock exam question at a time.