Chapter 85: Courtyard in the Capital

The train screeched to a slow halt at the capital station. The sound of wheels grinding to a stop echoed alongside the hum of a crowd already on the move. Outside the windows, Jia Lan could see rows of tiled rooftops, old signboards, and people in various attire bustling about. Compared to her small city, the capital had its own rhythm — fast but refined.

The loudspeaker crackled overhead, announcing arrivals in a tinny voice. Despite being the '70s, the capital's station was lively, swarming with people—men in tunic suits, women in printed qipaos or cotton dresses, children clinging to parents, vendors shouting about tea eggs and thermos flasks.

Jia Lan stepped out with her parents, her feet landing softly on the red concrete platform. Her eyes widened, observing the unfamiliar rhythm of the capital. When they stepped out onto the platform, the heat was less muggy than back home, and the city smelled faintly of coal, iron, and the occasional hint of freshly steamed buns from nearby stalls. There was a curious mix of travelers — soldiers with duffle bags, women in fashionable cheongsam-style dresses, men in Mao suits, and a few curious tourists with cameras around their necks.

"Capital feels different, doesn't it?" her father, Jia Guowei, said with a proud smile as he adjusted his coat. "Cleaner air… and opportunities are endless."

Just then, a voice called out, "Comrade Jia! Over here!" A young man in a driver's uniform waved, standing beside a dark green car with chrome trim. Jia Lan's eyes sparkled. The vehicle looked polished and sturdy, a far cry from the bicycles and public buses she was used to seeing back in their smaller city.

Father Jia smiled. "That's our driver. He works for the municipal bureau. Come, let's load the luggage."

A man in a clean Zhongshan suit quickly approached. "Director Jia, I've come to pick you up."

Their driver. Efficient, respectful, and tidy. The family's luggage was swiftly loaded into the back of the dark green car — a state-owned sedan with shining chrome trimmings. Jia Lan looked on, half-awed, half-proud. Their family might not flaunt it, but they were truly among the elite.

"Old Mr. Wang," her father turned to the elderly gentleman who had shared their train compartment, "We'd be happy to drop you off as well. It's no trouble."

But the old man waved his hand, smiling. "My son's here to pick me up. I see him there—ah, look at him, already holding a thermos for me. You all be well. If you have time, come visit this old man. Here's my address."

He handed over a neatly folded paper to Jia Lan, who respectfully took it.

Jia Lan bowed respectfully. "We will, Grandfather wang."

The old man patted her head affectionately. "Good girl. Be careful here in the capital—people talk fast and walk faster."

"I really enjoyed the trip with your family. You're a refreshing bunch." He chuckled and waved before joining his son.

With that, they parted ways, and Jia Lan and her parents entered the car. The seats were firm but clean, and the car smelled faintly of pinewood polish. As the vehicle pulled away from the station, Jia Lan pressed her face to the window, entranced.

The capital wasn't like the small town she'd left behind.

Inside the car, Jia Lan sat next to her mother while her father took the front seat. She stared out the window as they drove through the wide, clean streets of the capital. There were fewer cars, but many people were walking or riding bicycles. Even the street lamps looked grander.Wide roads stretched out like river streams, flanked by old but majestic buildings, trees rustling gently in the summer breeze. Cyclists pedaled past wearing caps and satchels.

The people — especially the women — wore crisp blouses, patterned skirts, and neatly permed hair. The city felt modern, like something out of a high-end magazine.

"Lanlan, look," Mother Jia pointed out, "these ladies here… they dress smartly, ah. Not like our town where everything's patched and worn."

Jia Lan smiled. "I want to dress like that too."

Her parents spoke quietly with the driver, while Jia Lan's mind wandered. What would her new college be like? What kind of life awaited her here?

Soon, the car turned onto a broader road lined with tall, well-maintained courtyard walls. The area was clearly high-class — there were old but freshly painted gates, tidy sidewalks, and the quiet atmosphere of influence and money.

Their car slowed in front of a spacious compound with a tall double-door gate freshly painted red. Two stone lions stood on either side. The brass nameplate outside shone in the light, and the plaster walls had been renovated white.

"Welcome home," Father Jia said.

As the driver brought out their luggage, Jia Lan asked curiously, "When did the courtyard get renovated?"

Her mother smiled warmly. "We arranged everything before the new year. We wanted it to reflect your taste, Lan Lan. Everything's been redone — furniture, walls, even the garden."

Jia Lan's eyes sparkled. "Really? For me?"

Her father chuckled. "You're the center of our family. Of course it's for you."

As they stepped inside, the courtyard took her breath away. It was both serene and elegant — with a small, well-tended garden filled with flowering plants, a graceful little fountain, a white swing set nestled between two peach trees, and a stone path leading to the main house.

The housekeeper, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes and neatly braided hair, greeted them. "Welcome, Director Jia, Madam Jia, Miss Jia. Everything is ready."

The interior was beautiful — a perfect blend of natural wood tones and crisp white walls. Wooden beams ran across the ceilings, letting in generous amounts of sunlight. Everything felt warm, clean, and upscale.

The house's interior glowed with natural light. The wooden floors were polished, the walls painted soft white, with elegant blue accents in Jia Lan's room. Delicate vases with lotus paintings stood on cabinets. The air smelled of freshly cut wood and dried jasmine.

They toured the rooms—each fully furnished with wooden interiors, minimal but classy.

Each room had been furnished with care — the sofas plush, the beds neatly made with embroidered linen. Jia Lan was gently ushered into the master bedroom by her parents.

"This is your room now," her mother said. "Biggest room, most light, and your favorite blue tones."

The room had a sophisticated palette — white walls with royal blue accents, carved wooden cabinets, and a full built-in closet with plenty of space. A private washroom extended from the side, furnished with polished tiles, brass fixtures, and enough space for a vanity and her growing collection of imported skincare.

Jia Lan ran her fingers over the windowsill and beamed. "It's so pretty."

Her parents chose the second-biggest room, which had wide windows and a calmer beige-and-brown palette.

After a short tour, her mother urged, "Go take a bath and freshen up. We'll have breakfast soon, and you need to rest before visiting the college tomorrow."

Jia Lan obeyed happily. In the pristine bathroom, she used her system-provided essentials — floral-scented shampoo, skin-softening bath milk, and an exfoliating loofah imported from abroad. Every movement felt like a mini spa ritual.

After bathing, she slipped into a soft loungewear set and completed her skincare routine before stepping out.

The housekeeper had already laid out breakfast — hot soy milk, steamed dumplings, pickled vegetables, and millet porridge. There was even a plate of sliced fruit and warm flatbread.

While they ate, the family chatted leisurely about the capital, neighbors in the compound, and the coming school year. The sunlight filtered into the courtyard through the bamboo blinds.

"And this house… the way light pours in…" Jia Lan murmured between bites. "It feels like I'm living in a painting."

Her father grinned. "Then it's worth every coin we spent."

After breakfast, they each returned to their rooms. As Jia Lan curled up beneath her embroidered coverlet, her heart swelled.

So this was her new beginning — in a new city, with a courtyard full of sunlight, loving parents, and a life waiting to unfold.

Ding! Daily check-in successful!

Today's rewards:1 box of Imported Swiss Chocolate.

1 Fashionable Blue Summer Dress (hand-stitched).

1 Pair of Italian Leather Sandals (vintage design).

The items appeared neatly stacked inside her wardrobe. Jia Lan grinned.

"A new city, a new courtyard, and new clothes. Capital life is off to a sweet start," she murmured, nibbling a square of the imported chocolate.

She sighed contentedly, finally curling up on her grand bed, ready for sweet dreams.