Chapter 69: A Lazy Sunday and Garden Whispers

The morning after Baby Naun's one-month celebration was a slow and sleepy one. Jia Lan, who had been bustling around nonstop the previous day, finally allowed herself the luxury of sleeping in. Her room, draped in the soft hues of morning sun, felt unusually quiet and serene. The scent of roses still lingered in the air from the floral sachet placed near her pillow—a gift from the system the week before.

Wrapped in her favorite cotton quilt, she shifted lazily on the bed, her dark hair spread over the pillow like ink. The clock on the wall ticked steadily, reminding her that it was well past her usual waking hour. But it was Sunday, and she had earned this indulgence.

After ten more minutes of snuggling into the quilt and mentally composing dramatic reasons for never getting out of bed again, she heard a soft knock on her door.

"Lan'er, the sun's already peeking into your room," Mother Jia's voice came, warm and teasing.

Jia Lan groaned playfully, pulling the quilt over her face. "Let it peek. I'm in hiding."

The door creaked open slightly, and her mother chuckled. "Even sleeping beauty must rise eventually. I'll run you a warm bath."

"Alright, alright! I surrender!" Jia Lan called out, finally sitting up with a yawn.

Soon, the scent of warm steam and honey-rose filled the bathroom as she stepped into the bath prepared by her mother. The luxurious rose-and-honey shower gel—a system gift—turned the water into silky foam, soothing her skin and her spirit. She soaked for a while, humming a soft tune.

After drying off with a fluffy towel, she applied the cooling rose water and moisturizing cream, both part of a wellness reward she had claimed earlier in the month. Her skin glowed, and she felt like a pampered noble lady from a romance novel.

She chose a soft, pastel pink pleated skirt and paired it with a white blouse that had intricate embroidery at the cuffs. Her hair was brushed until glossy and then tied into a soft fishtail braid, secured with a lilac ribbon that matched her overall graceful look. She looked at herself in the mirror and nodded with satisfaction. "The most beautiful aunt reporting for duty."

Downstairs, the dining table had already been cleared of the morning rush. Jia Wei and Yao Jing had taken Baby Naun for a walk in the backyard while Jia Zhe and Xu Li remained upstairs to rest. Jia Lan entered the dining room to find Father Jia reading the newspaper and Mother Jia sipping warm tea.

"Finally decided to join us in the land of the living?" Father Jia teased as he folded the paper.

"I was collecting beauty sleep," Jia Lan replied with a yawn, sliding into her seat. "Being the family flower requires maintenance."

Her mother chuckled and placed a steaming bowl of millet porridge, an egg pancake, and a side of pickled vegetables in front of her. "Eat slowly. No one's chasing you today."

Jia Lan took a sip of warm soy milk and sighed. "Finally a quiet morning. Yesterday was like running a household opera."

Father Jia grinned. "You did well. The guests couldn't stop complimenting the food and how lovely Naun looked."

Mother Jia joined in. "Even Old Madam Sun said she hasn't seen a more charming baby girl in years."

Jia Lan beamed with pride. "Well, she does take after her aunt."

The three of them fell into easy conversation. They discussed a neighbor's dog that had gotten loose again, a relative's ridiculous attempt at matchmaking through a food coupon exchange, and the possibility of planting some new herbs in the courtyard garden. Time passed gently, like soft waves lapping against a riverbank.

After finishing her breakfast, Jia Lan changed into her walking shoes and decided to take a short stroll through the family's large courtyard. The early spring air was crisp and cool, filled with the scent of damp soil and blooming jasmine.

To her delight, she found Grandfather Jia and Grandmother Jia in the far end of the garden. Grandfather Jia was gently loosening the soil around a row of medicinal herbs, while Grandmother Jia was tying small red threads to the blooming peach branches.

"Good morning, Gonggong, Popo," Jia Lan called out cheerfully.

"Ah, our little flower has bloomed late today," Grandmother Jia teased.

"I was resting my petals," Jia Lan replied with a bow and a grin.

Grandfather Jia looked up from his work and motioned for her to come closer. "We're just giving the garden a little love. Come, come, see how the lavender is coming in. I told you it would bloom early this year."

Jia Lan leaned down to admire the new sprigs. "They're beautiful. And the roses near the east wall are almost ready to open."

"We should gather some to dry for your tea," Grandmother Jia said. "You've been studying so hard lately. Flower tea will help you relax."

"I'll make some tomorrow morning. Maybe even add some osmanthus," Jia Lan replied thoughtfully.

The three of them wandered the garden together, the elder couple occasionally exchanging knowing smiles, their fingers brushing against each other's as they worked.

Watching them, Jia Lan felt a profound warmth in her chest. Their quiet companionship was something rare—a kind of harmony that didn't need words.

"I hope I'm this happy when I'm your age," she said quietly.

"You will be," Grandfather Jia replied, placing a hand gently on her head. "You already carry warmth in your heart. You'll share it with the right person when the time comes."

Jia Lan smiled, touched.

As the sun reached its peak, the peaceful garden glowed with soft light, and Jia Lan took a deep breath, feeling blessed. This was the kind of day that stayed with you—etched in sunlight, laughter, and the calm embrace of home.

As the sun reached its zenith, the family gathered again for lunch. The table buzzed with warmth and humor. Jia Wei was pretending to teach Baby Naun how to hold chopsticks, earning laughter from everyone. Yao Jing fed him bites in between, acting like a stern mother.

Jia Zhe, as always, watched over Xu Li and Baby Naun, cutting food for Xu Li even though she insisted she could do it herself.

"Xu Li is a queen," Jia Wei declared dramatically. "We must serve her!"

"You're just scared she'll make you babysit again," Yao Jing shot back.

Everyone burst into laughter.

Just then, the gatekeeper knocked lightly at the dining room entrance.

"Old Master, may I speak?"

Grandfather Jia nodded. "Yes?"

The gatekeeper cleared his throat. "Yesterday, during the celebration, two people came to visit—a young man and woman. They said they were Liu Fenfang and Shen Yimin."

The room went quiet.

Jia Lan's brows lifted. Them? I haven't thought of them in ages…

"They were turned away," the gatekeeper continued. "Only people on the guest list were permitted inside."

Grandfather Jia's face remained calm, but his voice was firm. "Good. Don't let them in without direct permission from me."

Jia Lan blinked. So they still exist… She'd been so absorbed in her family, her studies, and the baby that she had forgotten the so-called Original Male and Female Leads. In the book, she had feared their influence, their entanglements.

But now?

She smiled to herself. They're nothing. The moment I transmigrated, the plot shattered.

"They must be wondering why fate hasn't turned in their favor," Jia Wei muttered, shaking his head.

"Let them wonder," Grandfather Jia said.

"Indeed!" Grandmother Jia raised her teacup.

At that moment, Baby Naun, who had been cradled by Xu Li, let out a high-pitched giggle, kicking her tiny feet.

Everyone turned.

"She agrees," Jia Lan laughed.

That sound of joy from a baby silenced all lingering thoughts. The family relaxed again, diving into dessert and more light ban