Chapter 98 :Winter Lights

The capital had slowly turned into a watercolor painting—washed in soft grays and drifting white. The streets were lined with trees in skeletal repose, branches frosted with powdery snow, and a hush settled over everything. Winter had arrived in its full quiet beauty.By now, the capital was gently wrapped in the hush of early winter. Trees stood bare, their branches dusted white like powdered sugar, and the cobblestone paths glistened under thin layers of frost

Jia Lan walked slowly along the wide footpath near the city center, wrapped snugly in a luxurious, cream-colored long woolen coat with a plush faux-fur collar gifted to her by the system in last week's check-in. Beneath it, she wore a soft mocha-colored sweater dress with knitted patterns around the sleeves and hem. Her legs were wrapped in warm ivory tights, and a pair of knee-high brown suede boots hugged her calves comfortably. She looked like the embodiment of a soft winter novel cover—elegant, cozy, serene.

A beanie in a matching cream shade sat atop her sleek, straight hair, which she had tied into a low side ponytail. A hint of cherry gloss touched her lips, and her cheeks were naturally flushed pink from the cold. She walked with gloved hands tucked into her coat pockets, steam puffing gently from her mouth with every breath.

The air smelled faintly of roasted chestnuts from a vendor down the street. Street lamps were already turning on, even though it was just late afternoon, casting a pale golden glow across the snow-dusted sidewalks. Red paper lanterns were starting to appear in some shop windows, preparing for the Lunar New Year.

Today, Jia Lan had taken the day for herself—a rare treat between her self-study marathons and college workload. She had passed both her first and second-year exams with perfect marks, shocking her classmates, impressing her professors, and even earning a personal commendation from the college principal. Her days were usually filled with textbooks, translations, and system check-ins, which gifted her everything from study-related skill boosts to an exquisite winter wardrobe and decadent skincare.

But today? Today she just wanted to breathe.

Today, Jia Lan decided to do something rare—she took a day off.

No studying. No textbooks. No translations or flashcards. Just a soft wool coat, a thermos of warm ginger tea in her gloved hand, and herself.

Today, the world felt still.

Jia Lan smiled faintly to herself, walking slowly, soaking in the gentle hum of street vendors and distant radio songs crackling through shop windows. The aroma of roasted sweet potatoes filled the air, blending with the distant scent of incense and cold iron.

She turned a corner, headed toward the bookstore, when she heard a voice call her name.

"Jia Lan?"

She looked up, a bit startled. A familiar figure stood under the orange glow of a streetlamp, his breath visible in the cold air.

Zhao Cheng.

He was dressed in a long, dark green wool coat, lined with navy. His scarf was wrapped neatly, and a pair of leather gloves peeked from his pockets. His hair was slightly tousled, as if he'd rushed to catch her. There was a certain crisp elegance to him, like someone who naturally belonged in winter.

His eyes lit up the moment he saw her. He smiled.

"You're out?" he asked, falling into step beside her.

"Mm," Jia Lan nodded, hugging her thermos closer to her chest. "I needed a break."

She had seen him around campus these past few months—catching glimpses of him in the library or walking between buildings. He had tried to initiate conversation once or twice, but she had been too immersed in her accelerated studies to reciprocate.

Now, with the stillness of winter wrapping around them, she allowed herself this pause.

They walked slowly along the lane, their breath mingling in the cold air.

"Are you planning to stay in the capital for the holidays?" Zhao Cheng asked, hands tucked in his pockets, tone casual.

Jia Lan shook her head, a smile gently curving her lips. "No. I'll go home. Spend Chinese New Year with my family."

Her eyes softened.

In her last life, holidays had meant quiet hostel rooms and studying alone with no one to call. She never celebrated anything. She never had anyone to celebrate with.

But here... now… she had people who loved her. Who sent her letters and care packages. Who made her laugh over phone calls and told her not to overwork herself.

She cherished them too much to miss even a moment.

"Must be nice," Zhao Cheng murmured, not unkindly.

Jia Lan glanced at him, and for a brief moment, her gaze lingered.

She knew.

The way he looked at her—always just a little longer than necessary. The way his voice warmed when he spoke to her. The way his entire expression subtly shifted when she entered a room. He liked her.

And he wasn't trying to hide it.

But… she also knew what lay behind that name.

Zhao Cheng.

In the original book, he came from a powerful, tangled family. His father was strict, his mother proud and overbearing, and his aunt had a habit of interfering in all matters. His cousin, the so-called "golden child," would always cause conflict with whoever Zhao Cheng got close to.

Jia Lan wasn't naïve. She had read the novel. She knew what kind of chaos came bundled with him.

Zhao Cheng was handsome. Gentle. Smart. But his family?

Too complicated for someone like her, who finally had peace.

"I see," he said softly, interrupting her thoughts. "I was thinking… if you were staying, maybe we could have dinner sometime. There's a place I know—good hotpot."

He was trying. And Jia Lan could sense the genuine hope in his voice, in the way he slightly turned to her, hands still in his coat pockets like he was holding himself back from doing more.

But she smiled politely, her voice light but firm. "That sounds nice… but I'll be leaving soon. There's still so much to do before the holidays."

It wasn't exactly a rejection. But it wasn't an acceptance either.

Zhao Cheng paused, nodded slowly. "Of course."

They walked a little longer in silence, the winter lights from passing lanterns reflecting in the puddles like tiny stars.

Inside, Jia Lan thought—

He's a good man.

But I don't want to be tangled in someone else's drama. I've worked too hard for this peace.

And I won't gamble it.

They parted near the corner where the bookstore and café split. Zhao Cheng turned to her with a small smile, a bit wistful but respectful.

"Take care," he said. "It was nice running into you today."

Jia Lan nodded. "You too. Stay warm."

She watched him walk away under the string lights, his tall figure fading slowly into the winter mist.

Then she turned, sipped her now-lukewarm tea, and made her way back to her courtyard

By the time Jia Lan returned to her courtyard that evening, the sky was already steeped in indigo. A gentle hush had fallen over the capital, broken only by the distant ringing of wind chimes and the occasional crunch of footsteps on the lightly frosted ground. Her breath clouded in the cold air as she pushed open the iron gate, stepping into the familiar peace of her little home in the city.

Inside, the golden glow of lamplight spilled from the windows. Aunt Li had already turned on the heater, and the warm scent of slow-cooked soup lingered in the air. The comforting aroma wrapped around Jia Lan like a woolen shawl, instantly easing the cold that had settled in her bones.

Aunt Li peeked out from the kitchen and smiled, her face soft and welcoming.

"Xiaolan, you're back just in time. Go freshen up. Dinner's nearly ready."

Jia Lan changed into her soft fleece housecoat and tied her hair into a loose braid before returning to the small, cozy dining room. A ceramic pot of soup simmered gently in the center of the table, the broth clear and fragrant, with floating pieces of tender chicken, mushrooms, and goji berries. Beside it, neatly arranged, were warm tofu stir-fry, sticky rice dumplings in sesame sauce, and a small plate of sweet potato pancakes.

She sat down and let out a soft sigh. "Everything smells so good. I didn't realize how tired I was until now."

Aunt Li poured her a bowl of soup, the steam curling like silk in the air. "You've been working too hard lately. It's good to take a break before the New Year."

Jia Lan lifted the spoon to her lips and closed her eyes briefly as the warm, savory broth filled her mouth. Her shoulders loosened. "I decided I'm not going to study this vacation. Just rest. Read some novels. Take long baths. Call my family every day. That's enough for now."

Aunt Li chuckled softly. "About time. You've earned it."

Dinner passed in easy silence, punctuated with a few bits of shared laughter as Aunt Li told her about a neighbor's kitten who had knocked over a flower vase chasing shadows on the wall. The soft hum of the heater and the clinking of chopsticks were the only sounds that remained as the food disappeared bite by bite.

After washing up, Jia Lan retreated to the living room and picked up the phone. She called home, settling into the cushioned armchair with a small smile already forming.

"Xiaolan?" Her mother's voice came through the line, instantly warming her heart.

"Mama," Jia Lan greeted, eyes softening. "I just finished dinner."

Her mother immediately launched into a series of lively updates from home—Grandfather Jia had received a new chess set from an old friend, her younger cousin had gotten into trouble for trying to ride a chicken, and her father had insisted on fixing a leaking faucet himself, only to flood the kitchen.

Jia Lan laughed, truly laughed. "I miss you all."

"We miss you more," her mother said. "But we're proud of you. Rest well, okay? You've worked enough this year. Just come back home soon. We'll make your favorite tangyuan for New Year."

When the call ended, she sat quietly for a moment, her heart both full and peaceful. In her past life, winters were lonely. She had no one to call, no warm home to return to. Now, in this life, she had a family waiting for her, loving her. And that made all the difference.

Aunt Li soon emerged from the kitchen, holding a cup of warm milk sweetened with honey. "Here, drink this before bed."

Jia Lan accepted it gratefully, sipping slowly as the warmth seeped into her hands and chest. She stared out the frosty window, watching the lights of the city twinkle like tiny stars through the drifting fog. The night felt like a lullaby—gentle, slow, and safe.

Later, she slipped into her bed layered with soft flannel sheets and a thick comforter. Her system chimed quietly in the background, offering a small reward for the day: a mild energy pill and a pair of woolen gloves with a cute bunny design. She chuckled softly and accepted it before switching the interface off.

Ding! Ding! Daily Check-In Complete

Reward:

Vintage-style wool gloves

Sweet plum candies

Winter charm skill (Passive warmth aura)

She curled up in the blankets, eyes growing heavy. The warmth of the room, the quiet rhythm of winter outside, and the lingering feeling of being loved—all of it lulled her to sleep like a whisper.

Tonight, there were no exams. No assignments. No expectations.

Only rest.

Only peace.

Only the gentle embrace of a soft winter's night.