Chi Chi lay sprawled across the silk-covered bed, staring up at the ceiling. A full year had passed since she had returned to the Tengbang Sect, surrounded by warmth, love, and the overwhelming presence of her doting family. Training sessions were rigorous, meals were grand, and her siblings always found ways to entertain her. But… something was missing.

She rolled over, kicking her feet idly in the air. “BunBun, I’m bored.”

The fluffy white rabbit materialized beside her, his tiny paws folded. “Go train.”

“I already did.”

“Read a book.”

“Read three.”

“Go pester Chi Ren.”

Chi Chi blinked, considering it. “…Tempting, but no.”

She let out a long sigh, hugging her pillow. “I miss helping people.”

BunBun tilted his head. “Helping?”

Chi Chi sat up, her golden eyes bright. “You know! Meeting people, easing their worries, seeing their faces light up when they’re not struggling anymore. It’s just… different from training all day.”

BunBun huffed. “Your family is going to throw a fit if you leave.”

Chi Chi smirked. “No, they won’t.”

____________________

"You want to visit the city?" Chi Wuying, her father, raised an eyebrow, his deep voice calm yet curious.

Chi Chi nodded eagerly. "Mhm! I've been in the sect for so long, Father. I just want to see what’s happening outside."

Lady Meiyun chuckled from her seat, plucking at the strings of her zither. "Our little one is growing restless."

Chi Lianhua smirked. "Bored of us already, Xiao Chi?"

Chi Chi huffed, crossing her arms. "I just want to see how people are doing!"

Chi Liang laughed, ruffling her hair. "You're not sneaky at all, you know that?"

Chi Wuying remained silent for a moment before sighing. "Fine."

Chi Chi blinked in surprise. "Eh? Really?"

"You are not a prisoner here." Her father’s voice was calm. "Go if you wish. You are more than capable."

Chi Chi beamed. "Thank you, Father!"

Chi Ren grumbled, arms crossed. "You better not pick fights, Xiao Chi."

Chi Yuyan added, amused, "If you get into trouble, just yell ‘My big brothers and sisters will hear of this!’ and it’ll all be fine."

Chi Chi stuck out her tongue before running off, excitement bubbling in her chest.

_____________

Wrapped in a plain disciple’s robe, with her hair tied in a simple style, Chi Chi walked through the bustling city streets. It had been so long since she last walked among ordinary people, and the familiar liveliness made her heart race with excitement.

She passed by a bakery, inhaling the sweet scent of freshly made pastries. A few steps later, she noticed a group of children gathered near a vendor selling paper kites. Everywhere she looked, life flourished.

This… this was what she missed.

As she strolled through the market, a small commotion caught her attention.

An elderly man sat beside his modest fruit stand, looking troubled as he arranged apples in neat rows. A young boy, no older than ten, hesitated nearby, staring longingly at the fruits but not stepping forward.

Chi Chi tilted her head, curiosity piqued.

The boy clenched his fists before nervously approaching. "E-Excuse me… how much for one apple?"

The old man sighed, rubbing his beard. "Two copper coins, little one."

The boy bit his lip, patting his pocket before his expression fell. He hesitated, then turned to leave.

Chi Chi watched the scene unfold before stepping in. "Ah, wait!" She reached into her sleeve and placed two copper coins on the stall. "One apple, please."

The old man blinked in surprise but quickly handed over a bright red apple. Chi Chi turned, crouching in front of the boy with a gentle smile. "Here, take it."

The boy’s eyes widened. "Eh? But—"

Chi Chi pressed the apple into his hands. "Eat up. It’s good for you!"

The boy hesitated for only a moment before bowing deeply. "T-Thank you, big sister!" Then, without another word, he ran off, clutching the fruit like a treasure.

Chi Chi stood up, dusting off her robes. She turned back to the old man, who was watching her closely.

"You’re a kind lass," he said, stroking his beard.

Chi Chi grinned. "I just like seeing people happy."

The old man chuckled. "Not many young ones go out of their way like that anymore. Here, take one for yourself." He tossed her an apple.

Chi Chi caught it with ease, winking. "Thanks, Uncle!"

As she bit into the crisp fruit, she couldn’t help but feel the warmth in her heart grow.

Yes. This was what she had missed.

And she wasn’t done yet.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," BunBun’s voice echoed in her mind as she walked further into the market. "You’ve truly become an expert in heart-stealing, haven’t you?"

Chi Chi rolled her eyes. "It’s just an apple, BunBun."

"Oh? You fed a poor, hungry child, and now you’ve earned yourself a loyal follower for life. What’s next? Saving an old lady from falling? Perhaps stopping a runaway carriage? If you’re not careful, you’ll end up with a whole army of admirers."

Chi Chi huffed. "I don’t need admirers, I just like helping."

BunBun let out a dramatic sigh. "And yet, you ask me for a skill that controls how much people fall for you. What a contradiction, my dear host."

Chi Chi’s steps slowed slightly. She glanced around before quietly murmuring, "I’m just being careful."

BunBun snickered. "Oh, I have no doubt about that. Just look—"

Before Chi Chi could ask what he meant, she was suddenly swarmed by a group of children, all giggling and tugging at her sleeves.

"Big Sister! Big Sister, can you tell us a story?"

"Are you new to the sect? You look strong!"

"Where did you get that apple? It looks so tasty!"

Chi Chi blinked in surprise, then turned to glare at the invisible BunBun. "You jinxed me."

BunBun’s laughter rang in her mind as Chi Chi helplessly allowed herself to be dragged into yet another adventure.

___________

Chi Chi sat on the edge of a fountain, surrounded by a group of young girls, their eyes wide with excitement. They had dragged her here the moment they found out she could tell stories, and now, with their eager gazes fixed on her, she had no choice but to deliver.

She took a deep breath, twirling a lock of her hair as she thought. What kind of story should she tell?

"Alright, listen closely," she finally said, leaning in as if about to share a great secret. The girls instantly scooted closer, hanging onto her every word.

"Once, in a kingdom hidden above the clouds, there lived a little fox spirit who dreamed of flying. But no matter how hard she tried, she could never reach the sky."

"Why not?" one of the girls asked, frowning.

Chi Chi tapped the girl’s nose playfully. "Because foxes don’t have wings, silly!"

The children giggled, and Chi Chi continued.

"But the little fox never gave up. Every night, she climbed the tallest trees, leaped from cliffs, and even tied leaves to her back, hoping they’d catch the wind. Yet, she always fell right back down."

A girl with pigtails pouted. "That’s so sad… did she ever fly?"

Chi Chi smiled. "One day, a great eagle saw her trying again and again. The eagle laughed and said, ‘Little fox, you weren’t made to fly.’ But the fox just smiled and said, ‘Then I’ll run so fast the wind will carry me!’"

The girls gasped, and Chi Chi leaned in dramatically. "So she ran, faster and faster, until the wind itself lifted her paws, and for the first time—she soared! Not with wings, but with her own strength!"

The girls clapped excitedly.

"She never gave up!" one of them cheered.

"She found her own way to fly!" another added.

Chi Chi grinned, ruffling the nearest girl’s hair. "That’s right! So, remember, even if the world says you can’t do something, if you keep trying, you’ll find a way."

The girls beamed, the lesson sinking in, and just as Chi Chi was about to bask in her storytelling victory, she heard someone shouting in frustration nearby.

She turned her head toward the noise, curiosity piqued.

Across the street, an elderly woman stood in front of a toppled cart, her vegetables rolling across the dirt road. A flustered young man stood beside her, bowing repeatedly. "I-I'm sorry, Grandmother! I didn’t see your cart—please forgive me!"

The old woman huffed, waving her cane. "Oh, enough with the bowing! My vegetables aren’t going to pick themselves up!"

Chi Chi chuckled before standing. "You girls wait here. I’ll be right back."

As she approached, the young man scrambled to gather the vegetables, but the old woman kept smacking his shoulder with her cane every time he missed one.

"Careful! That’s a daikon, not a rock! Have some respect for my precious radishes!"

Chi Chi bit back a laugh. "Need a hand?"

The young man and the old woman turned to look at her. Chi Chi didn’t wait for an answer. She crouched down, swiftly scooping up vegetables and placing them neatly back in the cart. With her movements so smooth, it almost seemed like magic.

The old woman’s eyes twinkled. "Oh-ho! Quick hands, little miss!"

Chi Chi winked. "I’ve had practice."

The young man let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you! I was in such a hurry I wasn’t paying attention."

Chi Chi placed the last bundle of vegetables back in the cart before dusting off her hands. "It happens. Just be more careful next time, yeah?"

The old woman crossed her arms, nodding approvingly. "Yes, yes. Learn from this nice girl, you clumsy oaf."

The young man smiled sheepishly. "I will, I will!"

Chi Chi turned to the old woman. "All set, Grandmother."

The elderly woman patted Chi Chi’s arm fondly. "Such a sweet girl! Here, take this as thanks." She held out a large, juicy peach.

Chi Chi blinked. "Oh, no need—"

"I insist! You can’t refuse an old woman’s gratitude!"

Chi Chi laughed, taking the peach. "Well, in that case… thank you!"

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As she took a bite, the sweet juice bursting in her mouth, BunBun’s voice rang in her mind.

"Another favor done, another heart captured. At this rate, you’ll have half the city devoted to you!"

Chi Chi swallowed her bite, rolling her eyes. "It’s just a peach, BunBun."

"Uh-huh. That’s what you said about the apple, too. I’m telling you, you’re a menace."

Chi Chi giggled as she waved goodbye to the old woman and the flustered young man, making her way back to the group of waiting girls.

Helping people really was fun.

_____________

The streets of Golden Cloud City bustled with life as lanterns flickered against the darkening sky. The scent of sizzling meats, freshly baked pastries, and fragrant spices filled the air, mingling with the sound of merchants calling out their wares and customers haggling over prices.

Amidst the lively atmosphere, The Golden Lotus Tavern stood tall—a grand, multi-storied building adorned with intricate carvings and golden embellishments. It was the pride of Chi Lianhua, the wealthiest and most powerful merchant in the realm, and tonight, it was filled with noble cultivators, scholars, and wealthy patrons looking to enjoy the finest food and entertainment.

Tucked into one of the private booths, Chi Chi sat eagerly, her hands gripping the wooden table in anticipation. Before her, a large clay-wrapped dish was placed with utmost reverence by the server.

"Young Miss, your Beggar’s Chicken has arrived," the man announced, carefully setting the dish down.

Chi Chi's golden eyes sparkled with excitement as the server expertly cracked open the hardened clay shell, revealing the golden-brown, glistening chicken beneath. A burst of fragrant steam rose into the air, carrying the intoxicating scent of slow-roasted herbs, Shaoxing wine, and tender meat that had been cooked to perfection.

Her mouth watered instantly.

"Oh…" she breathed, leaning forward, her entire being captivated by the sight. "It looks… perfect."

"You sound like you’ve just fallen in love," BunBun’s voice echoed in her mind, amused.

"Maybe I have," she whispered back, eyes locked onto the beautifully roasted chicken.

As soon as the first bite hit her tongue, Chi Chi let out an almost sinful sigh of delight. The crisp skin cracked between her teeth, giving way to meat so soft and juicy that it practically melted in her mouth. The rich flavors of the marinade, combined with the slow-cooked tenderness, made her whole body shudder in bliss.

"This is it," she declared dramatically, eyes fluttering shut. "This is the peak of human existence. If I were to die right now, I would die happy."

BunBun snorted. "You’re ridiculous."

She ignored him, grabbing another bite, then another. "Lianhua is a genius. A culinary deity. How has no one built a shrine in her honor yet?"

The server chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Young Miss, would you like more rice to go with it?"

"Yes! Bring me another bowl, please!" she said without hesitation, already reaching for the next piece of chicken.

But as she continued her indulgence, a commotion from the tavern’s main hall caught her attention. She lazily turned her gaze toward the raised platform where the entertainers usually performed.

A well-dressed elderly man, the tavern’s manager, stood before a group of musicians, shaking his head. "The guests have grown tired of our usual performers. We need someone new, someone who can truly captivate an audience."

Chi Chi perked up, her ears twitching in interest.

A singer?

She hadn’t performed in a long time, and truth be told, she missed it.

Back in her old life, she had thrown herself into every club and activity she could find—drama, music, literature—anything to keep herself away from home. Performing had once been an escape, a way to lose herself in different roles, different lives. She remembered the rush of the stage lights, the thrill of an audience hanging onto her every word. She had sung before, acted before, lost herself in stories before.

And now, she could do it again.

This was an opportunity.

If she wanted to move freely and help people outside the sect, she needed a disguise—a reason for her presence in the city. A traveling musician was the perfect cover. No one would question her comings and goings if they believed she was simply a wandering songstress.

A sly grin crept onto her lips.

"BunBun, let’s go shopping!"

The fabric shop was a paradise of color and texture. Silks, brocades, and embroidered fabrics hung from wooden beams, their vibrant hues shimmering under the warm lantern glow. Chi Chi wandered through the store, her fingers skimming the delicate materials as she searched for the perfect outfit.

Then, she saw it.

A deep sapphire silk robe, embroidered with golden butterflies that seemed ready to take flight. The moment she touched the fabric, she knew it was the one.

"This one, please," she told the shopkeeper. "And a matching mask."

The elderly shopkeeper nodded and returned with a stunning mask—dark blue with intricate silver butterflies, covering her face entirely except for her eyes.

Chi Chi turned the mask over in her hands, admiring the craftsmanship. A mysterious performer needed a mysterious look, after all.

She smiled behind her sleeve. "I’ll take it."

That evening, The Golden Lotus Tavern was packed. Cultivators in silk robes, noble ladies adorned with jade hairpins, and wealthy merchants filled the main hall, drinking fine wine and savoring the best dishes. The air buzzed with conversation, but the moment the lanterns dimmed and the stage lights flickered on, a hush fell over the crowd.

A lone figure stepped onto the raised platform.

Dressed in flowing sapphire silk, with a mask that concealed her face, the Nightingale made her debut.

The audience whispered among themselves, intrigued by the masked performer.

Then, she sang.

"When the days are cold, and the cards all fold..."

Her voice, soft and haunting, wrapped around the room like a spell. It rose and fell effortlessly, carrying raw emotion in every note. The melody—Demons by Imagine Dragons—was unfamiliar to this world, yet it resonated deep within those who heard it.

"Don't wanna let you down, but I am hell-bound..."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. A few patrons set their wine cups down, completely captivated. Others leaned forward, drawn in as if entranced.

On the highest balcony, Chi Lianhua, sipping her tea, arched an eyebrow. "Interesting."

As the final note faded into silence, there was a heartbeat of stillness.

Then—thunderous applause.

The tavern erupted into cheers as people clapped, some even tossing silver taels onto the stage.

Someone shouted, "Masked songstress, what is your name?!"

Chi Chi tilted her head slightly, amusement lacing her voice.

"Call me… the Nightingale."

From that night on, the legend of the Nightingale spread throughout Golden Cloud City. Whenever the sapphire-clad songstress graced the stage, the tavern would be filled with eager patrons waiting to hear her voice.

And Chi Chi?

She had found herself the perfect disguise.

______________

The streets of Golden Cloud City were quieter than usual, the drizzle dampening the usual bustling energy. The scent of rain-soaked stone filled the air, lantern light shimmering in the puddles scattered across the roads.

Chi Chi strolled through the streets, wrapped in a simple blue robe, her face partially concealed by the half-mask that covered the right side of her face. Unlike the intricate butterfly mask she wore as The Nightingale, this one was plainer, designed to hide her burn scars without drawing attention.

As her fingers traced the cool porcelain, BunBun’s voice echoed in her mind.

“You still haven’t healed those scars.”

Chi Chi hummed, neither confirming nor denying.

“You have enough system points. A high-grade healing potion only costs fifty.”

“I know.”

“Then why not buy one?” BunBun’s voice wasn’t impatient—just genuinely curious.

Chi Chi stopped walking for a moment, tilting her head to gaze at the softly glowing lanterns above.

“Because it helps people believe me.”

BunBun flicked his ears inside her mind. “Believe you?”

“When I tell people that I understand pain, they don’t doubt me.” A soft chuckle left her lips. “If I looked flawless, no one would take me seriously. They’d think I was just some privileged girl playing savior.”

BunBun was silent for a moment before sighing. “You really think ahead, huh?”

Chi Chi grinned. “Of course. I’m brilliant.”

BunBun snorted. “If you say so.”

Just then, Chi Chi turned a corner and heard the sound of muffled sobs.

She paused.

A little girl, no older than seven, was huddled under the awning of a closed bakery, her thin arms wrapped around her knees. Her clothes were ragged and damp, her tiny shoulders trembling as she cried into her sleeves.

Chi Chi’s heart clenched.

The girl’s teary brown eyes flickered up at the sound of footsteps, widening in alarm. She wiped her face hastily and tried to shrink further into the shadows.

Chi Chi knelt down, offering her a gentle smile. “It’s cold to be sitting here, don’t you think?”

The little girl hesitated before whispering, “I… I’m waiting for my mama.”

Chi Chi’s expression softened. “Where is she?”

The child swallowed hard. “She went to buy medicine, but she hasn’t come back.”

A gust of wind swept past, making the girl shiver. Without hesitation, Chi Chi shrugged off her outer robe and wrapped it around the child.

The little girl’s eyes widened. “This is too nice for me—”

“It’s just a robe, and you need it more than I do.” Chi Chi adjusted it around her shoulders.

The child sniffled but clutched the fabric close.

“Do you know where your mother went?”

The girl hesitated, then nodded. “She said she’d go to the medicine shop near the west gate.”

Chi Chi stood up and held out her hand. “Let’s go find her, then.”

________

The West Gate Medicine Hall was still open, though just barely. The shopkeeper, a grumpy-looking old man, was sweeping the entrance when Chi Chi and the girl arrived.

Inside, the bitter scent of dried herbs filled the air.

It didn’t take long to find the child’s mother. The frail woman was slumped against the counter, her hands trembling as she pleaded with the pharmacist.

“Please, just a little longer—I’ll have the money soon! My daughter is sick—”

The pharmacist, a middle-aged man with sharp eyes, sighed. “Madam, we do not give medicine on credit.”

The woman’s voice broke. “I’ve already given everything I had, but the fever won’t go down! Please, I’ll work, I’ll—”

Chi Chi reached into her sleeve, fingers brushing against a small pouch of silver taels.

It wasn’t much, but it was enough.

Silently, she stepped forward and placed the silver on the counter.

The pharmacist blinked in surprise. “Young Miss…?”

“This should be enough.”

The mother whipped around, eyes widening as she saw Chi Chi standing there. “You—?”

Before she could protest, Chi Chi gave her a knowing look. “Take it.”

Tears welled in the woman’s eyes as she clutched the medicine to her chest.

“Thank you… thank you…” she whispered, her voice shaking.

Chi Chi simply smiled. “Take care of your daughter.”

As they left the shop, the little girl looked up at Chi Chi, her eyes shimmering with warmth.

“Big sister… are you an immortal?” she asked hesitantly.

Chi Chi chuckled, ruffling the child’s hair. “I’m just someone who likes helping.”

BunBun hummed in amusement. “You know, you’re quite something.”

Chi Chi smirked. “Obviously. Now, should we get something sweet?”

She led the child toward a familiar street stall, where skewers of candied haws glistened under the lantern light. The red, glossy fruits were coated in a crisp layer of sugar, reflecting the firelight like tiny jewels.

Chi Chi handed the vendor a silver coin and took two skewers, giving one to the little girl.

The child’s eyes widened as she took a cautious bite. The sweet, crunchy coating melted into the soft, slightly tart fruit beneath, making her let out a small, delighted hum.

Chi Chi took a big bite, savoring the burst of flavor. “Mmm… I swear, candied haws taste better when you’re outside at night.”

BunBun sighed dramatically. “You just saved someone and immediately thought of food. Truly, a noble heart.”

Chi Chi grinned. “A noble heart and a noble stomach.”

She popped another hawthorn berry into her mouth, humming in delight.

Tonight had been a good night.

______________

The Tengbang Sect’s main residence was breathtaking at night, bathed in the soft glow of golden lanterns.

The gentle hum of cicadas mixed with the occasional rustling of leaves, and a light breeze carried the scent of blooming night jasmine through the open windows of Chi Chi’s room.

After spending the whole day outside disguised as an ordinary disciple, helping strangers and filling her heart with joy, she had finally returned home.

Her feet were sore from all the walking, her stomach full from the candied haws she had snacked on, and her robes smelled faintly of the busy streets she had wandered.

As she entered her courtyard, she found her family already waiting for her.

Her eldest brother, Chi Liang, stood by the entrance with his arms crossed, a patient but knowing smile on his lips. Chi Lianhua, the second eldest, leaned against the pillar, observing her with sharp yet amused eyes.

Chi Yuyan, the third sister, raised an eyebrow at Chi Chi’s slightly disheveled state, a smirk playing at the corner of her mouth. Chi Ren, the youngest of her elder siblings, stretched lazily, looking like he had just woken from a nap.

And in the center of it all, her parents, Chi Wuying and Lady Meiyun, sat under the veranda, watching her approach.

“Had fun?” Chi Wuying asked, his deep voice filled with amusement.

Chi Chi grinned, too tired to even try hiding it. “A little.”

Lady Meiyun sighed, shaking her head fondly. “You went out so early, and now you return looking like you walked through a thousand streets.”

Chi Yuyan smirked. “More like she walked through a thousand beggars. She still smells like roasted chestnuts and syrup.”

Chi Chi huffed, swiping at her robes. “That’s because I was eating candied haws!”

Chi Ren snickered, covering his mouth. “You’re such a little foodie.”

Before she could argue back, Lady Meiyun walked over and gently took her hand, leading her inside.

“Come, little one. You need a bath.”

Chi Chi groaned dramatically. “But I just sat down!”

“And now you’ll sit in warm water.” Lady Meiyun smiled, unbothered.

Despite her protest, Chi Chi didn’t resist too much—a bath actually sounded nice after a long day.

Lady Meiyun led her into the private bathing chamber, where warm steam rose from a beautifully carved wooden tub filled with fragrant water.

The scent of lotus and sweet osmanthus drifted through the air, and Chi Chi immediately felt her fatigue melt away.

“In you go.” Her mother lifted her up effortlessly, placing her into the tub.

Chi Chi sighed in bliss, sinking into the water. “Ah… this is nice.”

Lady Meiyun chuckled, rolling up her sleeves before gently pouring warm water over Chi Chi’s head. “Of course it is. You were running around all day like a little street fox.”

Chi Chi pouted. “I wasn’t running.”

“Hmm?” Lady Meiyun raised a delicate brow. “Then why are your shoes nearly falling apart?”

Chi Chi froze. Then, she grinned sheepishly. “…Coincidence?”

Lady Meiyun only sighed, shaking her head before running a comb through Chi Chi’s hair. “You’re lucky your father placed so many protective spells on you, or I’d be worried sick every time you left.”

Chi Chi relaxed under her mother’s careful hands, the rhythmic strokes of the comb lulling her into a peaceful daze.

Once she was thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned, Lady Meiyun wrapped her in a thick, fluffy towel, drying her off gently.

Chi Lianhua was already waiting with a set of soft night robes, and Chi Chi let her sister dress her, still feeling warm and sleepy from the bath.

Chi Lianhua smirked, tying the sash around Chi Chi’s waist. “There. A little doll all wrapped up.”

Chi Chi stuck out her tongue. “I’m not a doll!”

Chi Yuyan, who had just walked in, chuckled, reaching over to pinch Chi Chi’s cheek. “Says the one who lets everyone dress her up.”

Chi Chi swatted her hand away, huffing. “Only because I’m too tired to do it myself.”

Chi Liang scooped her up easily, carrying her to bed as if she weighed nothing. “Then, our little troublemaker should rest.”

Chi Chi pouted as she was laid down, but as soon as her head touched the pillow, she let out a content sigh, snuggling into the soft blankets.

Lady Meiyun entered, carrying her zither, while Chi Wuying sat at the edge of her bed, watching her with warm, amused eyes.

“It’s late, my love,” Lady Meiyun said softly. “Time for bed.”

Chi Chi pouted, wriggling deeper into her blankets. “I’m not sleepy.”

Chi Wuying, chuckling, reached over and tapped her forehead gently. “You just spent an entire day outside running around. Even the stars are tired, but you are not?”

Chi Chi covered her forehead dramatically, groaning. “That was a battle reflex.”

Chi Ren, who had sprawled onto the couch, snorted sleepily. “Battle reflex? Who are you fighting, the air?”

Chi Liang chuckled deeply. “Even if you fight, sleep always wins in the end.”

Chi Chi sat up, crossing her arms. “Not if I get a bedtime story first.”

Chi Yuyan grinned. “Oh? And what kind of story does our little troublemaker want?”

Chi Chi blinked thoughtfully, then smirked. “A story about a hero who never had to sleep.”

The room erupted in laughter.

Chi Wuying shook his head, ruffling her hair fondly. “That hero wouldn’t last a day in battle.”

Chi Lianhua tapped her nose lightly. “But I suppose if anyone could try, it would be you.”

Lady Meiyun smiled warmly, plucking the first soft notes of her zither. The melody was slow, soothing—like a lullaby that wrapped around them like a comforting embrace.

“Once upon a time,” Lady Meiyun began, her voice gentle as silk, “there was a little starlight that fell from the heavens.”

Chi Chi’s eyes drooped slightly, despite her best efforts. The soft music, her mother’s voice, and the comforting presence of her family wrapped around her like a warm cocoon.

“She thought she was alone,” Lady Meiyun continued, “but the world was waiting for her to shine.”

Chi Wuying’s deep voice joined in. “So she traveled, bringing light wherever she went, never realizing just how much warmth she carried inside.”

Chi Chi blinked sleepily, her voice small. “Did she find a home?”

Chi Liang gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “She did. And her family loved her more than the stars in the sky.”

Chi Chi smiled, her tiny hand curling around the edge of her blanket.

“Good…” she mumbled, her voice trailing off.

Chi Chi’s eyes drooped slightly, despite her best efforts. The soft music, her mother’s voice, and the comforting presence of her family wrapped around her like a warm cocoon.

A peaceful silence settled over the room as Chi Chi drifted into dreams, safe in the warmth of her family’s love.

And just as she curled deeper into her blankets, she felt a familiar warmth press against her.

When she blinked her eyes open slightly, she realized that all her siblings—and even her parents—had somehow settled into her bed, surrounding her in a protective, loving pile of warmth.

Chi Ren mumbled something in his sleep, Chi Lianhua sighed, shifting closer, and Chi Wuying pulled the blanket higher over them all.

Chi Chi smiled sleepily, closing her eyes again.

She was home.