Chapter 80: Trunks and courtyard

The sun cast a golden warmth over the Jia residence, yet the inside of the household was layered in a quiet flurry of emotion. After the waves of joy and celebration surrounding Jia Lan's provincial champion announcement, life had settled into a tender rhythm of preparation. The day was approaching when Jia Lan would leave for college in the capital, and although there were still a few days left, the household had already transformed into a flurry of careful planning and pampering.

Jia Lan stood in her room surrounded by open suitcases, clothing folded into neat piles, jars of pickled vegetables and meat sauce stacked to one side, and an endless list of necessities her family insisted she carry. It wasn't chaos—it was love in motion.

She folded a stack of her softest sweaters and arranged them by color, adding scarves and matching gloves. "Do I really need four jars of pickles and meat sauce?" she asked, brow raised.

"Yes!" Mother Jia declared from the doorway, carrying a fifth jar with a proud smile. "These are your favorite. And the capital's weather is so cold and dry—you'll need warmth and flavor."

"And I added two packets of dried meat under your padded coat," Grandmother Jia called from the hall.

From the opposite room, Jia Wei chimed in. "I snuck in your portable tea set. If you forget the taste of home, drink from that."

Xu Li passed by with Baby Naun in her arms, chuckling. "Lan Lan's suitcase looks like she's opening a specialty store in the capital."

Even little Baby Naun, dressed in a thick cotton onesie and soft booties, waved her chubby hand as if to say she'd miss her favorite aunt dearly.

Amidst the hum of love and laughter, Father Jia stood quietly near the doorway, a scarf in hand. He folded it. Unfolded it. Folded it again.

"This girl," he muttered, voice tight. "She's going so far away… Who will ask for late-night snacks now?"

Mother Jia, equally emotional, tried to maintain her teasing tone. "She's never even spent a night away even once always with us . What if she catches a cold?"

Jia Lan looked up with a soft smile. "I'm not going to war, Mama. It's just college."

"But it's so far!" Jia Wei exclaimed, flopping beside her dramatically. "What if our letters freeze before reaching you?"

"Oh please," Jia Zhe rolled his eyes, though he still slipped two more pairs of thick socks and a bag of expensive chocolate into her luggage. "Just don't forget us."

Jia Lan grinned. "I'll remember every single one of you. Especially when I'm doing laundry all by myself."

Suddenly, Grandfather Jia cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Before you all stuff more food into that suitcase, I have something to say."

The room quieted.

"I've arranged for a small courtyard near the university," he said, as casually as one would announce buying steamed buns. "My old friend had one. Needed money but wouldn't accept any from me directly. So I bought it from him."

For a second, no one moved.

"A courtyard?" Jia Wei repeated in disbelief.

"That's amazing!" Grandmother Jia clapped. "She won't have to deal with noisy roommates. She'll have peace and quiet."

Mother Jia, wide-eyed, turned to her father-in-law. "You didn't say a word! When did you plan this?"

Grandfather Jia just sipped his tea calmly. "She's going away from home to study. She needs calm, not chaos."

Jia Lan bowed deeply with tears in her eyes, her voice steady but little emotional. "Thank you, Grandpa. I will take care of it well."

Outwardly, she was the picture of grace. But inside?

"I only planned to work hard, save for a place later. And now I've been gifted a courtyard in the capital? These will cost millions in the future. I told them to invest in real estate early, and look—they're ahead of me, no one ever have showen so much loves and warmth to me . I never knew that I could be so lucky ."

"This family... they spoil me to the heavens. If I trip while walking, someone will probably build a bridge beneath my feet."

That evening, after dinner, Jia Lan sat cross-legged on the rug, organizing her college supplies. Her admission letter gleamed on the table beside her. Her thoughts wandered as the soft rustle of paper mixed with the voices of her family chattering in the background.

Mother Jia walked in and placed a newly mended woolen scarf in her hands. "Wear this when the wind gets too sharp. I stitched it myself."

Jia Lan nodded, holding it to her cheek.

Soon after, the family gathered in the main room to finalize plans.

"We should host a grand farewell banquet," Jia Wei suggested. "Invite everyone! Old Madam Chen, the teacher from Lan'er's primary school…"

"No need," Jia Lan interrupted softly. "I don't want a huge event. Just close friends and family. Let it be warm, not loud."

Mother Jia gave her a fond look. "Then a quiet party at home it is. Your favorites only."

"I'll handle decorations," Xu Li offered. "And Naun will perform by wiggling her toes on cue ,she have learned how to wiggle and dance together."

Everyone laughed.

The night settled gently over the household. As the stars rose in the sky, Jia Lan stand in her room .

Her heart was filled to the brim—with gratitude, love, and excitement for what lay ahead.

"They've wrapped the next chapter of my life in love. How can I not write it well?"

Tomorrow would be the celebration. And soon after, the capital.

As night grow darker across the sky, the Jia household gradually quieted after a day of lively activity. Jia Lan had just folded the last of her softest scarves into the edge of her suitcase when the familiar chime rang in her mind.

System Check-In

Reward: Rose-gold plum blossom hairpin with hidden protection charm

"This trinket will keep you safe on your journey, guiding grace and guarding luck."

Jia Lan gently touched the shimmering hairpin that materialized in her system space. It was exquisite—slim and delicate, with tiny petals shaped like frost-kissed plum blossoms, gleaming with an almost ethereal sheen. She held it in her palm for a moment, her heart unexpectedly soft.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, brushing her thumb over the fine craftsmanship. A warmth lingered in her chest.

She walked over to her vanity, carefully pinning it to the side of her braid. Looking into the mirror, her reflection shimmered with calm confidence—eyes steady, lips slightly curved.

"Even the heavens are sending me blessings," she thought with a quiet smile.

Tomorrow, they would celebrate. The day after, she would leave for a new beginning.

But tonight, in her warm room, under the roof that had always shielded her—Jia Lan felt blessed, cherished, and ready.

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📢 Author's Note:

Hey everyone! Just a quick update—due to some time constraints, I'll be posting 6–7 chapters per week from now on instead of daily uploads.

I really appreciate your support and patience 💕 Thank you for sticking with the story—it means the world to me! 🥺

Let me know if you want a more serious, funny, or character-involved version!