Lixue walked through the front door, dropping her bag onto the floor. Auntie Feng entering the living and welcoming her with a warm smile.
"Welcome back, Young Madam! How was your day? You look like you’ve had a wonderful time."
Lixue smiled, feeling a bit tired but happy after her day out with Red and the others. "It was great, Auntie Feng. I went out with some friends and we had a lot of fun. We went shopping and tried some new foods."
Auntie Feng’s eyes lit up with interest. "Oh, that sounds like a lovely day out! I’m glad you’re taking some time for yourself. You deserve it after all your hard work."
Lixue nodded, feeling grateful for Auntie Feng’s kind words. "Thank you, Auntie Feng. It was really nice to just relax and have some fun."
Auntie Feng nodded, her expression turning serious. "That’s good to hear. But where’s the Young Master? He’s usually back by now."
Lixue hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. "He’s away on a business trip , Auntie Feng. He’ll be back soon."
Auntie Feng’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn’t press the issue. "I see. Well, in that case, I’ll already have dinner ready for you. You must be starving! And don’t worry, I’ll make sure to keep an eye on things here while the Young Master is away."
Lixue smiled, feeling grateful for Auntie Feng’s kindness and concern. "Thank you, Auntie Feng."
Auntie Feng smiled and nodded. "Now, let’s get you something to eat, Young Madam. I’ve prepared a few dishes - we have steamed fish, braised pork belly, and stir-fried vegetables. Which one would you like to try first?"
Lixue’s stomach growled at the mention of food, and she thought for a moment before responding. "I’ll try the braised pork belly, please, Auntie Feng. It smells delicious."
Auntie Feng nodded and began to serve the food. As they sat down to eat, Auntie Feng asked, "So, Young Madam, where did you and the Young Master go last night? You didn’t come back home, and I was a bit worried."
Lixue’s face flushed with embarrassment as she tried to think of a response. "Oh, um, we just... went out for dinner and lost track of time," she stammered.
Auntie Feng’s eyes sparkled with amusement, but she didn’t press the issue. "I see," she said, smiling. "Well, as long as you’re both safe and sound, that’s all that matters. But next time, please let me know if you’ll be out late, so I don’t worry."
Lixue nodded, feeling a bit relieved that Auntie Feng wasn’t pushing the issue further. "I will, Auntie Feng. Thank you for understanding."
As they continued eating, Auntie Feng asked Lixue about her day, and Lixue told her about her shopping trip with Red and the others. Auntie Feng listened attentively, asking questions and making comments that showed she was genuinely interested in Lixue’s life.
"I’m so glad you’re making friends, Young Madam," Auntie Feng said, smiling. "It’s not always easy to adjust to a new life, but you seem to be doing very well."
Lixue smiled, feeling grateful for Auntie Feng’s kind words. "Thank you, Auntie Feng. I’m trying my best to fit in and make a good impression."
Auntie Feng nodded, her expression serious. "You don’t have to try too hard, Young Madam. You’re already making a good impression, just by being yourself. The Young Master is very lucky to have you as his wife."
Lixue’s face flushed with embarrassment again, but this time it was from Auntie Feng’s praise. "Thank you, Auntie Feng. That means a lot coming from you."
As they finished their meal, Auntie Feng began to clear the table. Lixue offered to help, but Auntie Feng waved her off. "No, no, Young Madam. You go and rest. You must be tired from your day out."
Lixue nodded, feeling grateful for Auntie Feng’s kindness. She made her way to her room, feeling a sense of contentment wash over her. It was nice to have someone like Auntie Feng looking out for her, making her feel welcome and included in the household.
Mo Ran had no housekeeper in her previous life, this was the first time she was meeting a woman like auntie Feng, who genuinely cared about her well being.
Lixue sat down on the edge of her bed, gazing out the large window that overlooked the garden. The evening sky was painted in hues of orange and pink, casting a soft glow over the house. Auntie Feng’s words echoed in her mind: "The Young Master is very lucky to have you as his wife."
She let out a quiet laugh, tinged with disbelief. Lucky? That was the last word she would have used to describe their relationship in her previous life. But this time, things were different. Mo Ran’s absence wasn’t as suffocating as it once had been, and the warmth of someone like Auntie Feng in the house made a difference she hadn’t expected.
Lixue leaned back against the pillows, her thoughts drifting. Auntie Feng’s genuine care stirred something unfamiliar in her—a sense of being looked after, something she hadn’t experienced in her previous life. The woman’s kindness wasn’t laced with ulterior motives or expectations, and that simplicity was refreshing.
In her previous life, the mansion had been cold and quiet, with no housekeeper to break the mundanity.
Every corner had seemed lifeless, a reflection of her own isolation. Mo Ran had always been consumed by his work, and Lixue had spent her days navigating a hollow existence within those walls.
But now, as she settled into this new reality, things felt... softer. Auntie Feng’s presence, her warm meals, and her friendly chatter filled the house with a sense of home.
For the first time, Lixue began to feel that she wasn’t just surviving—she was living.
Pulling out her phone, she scrolled through pictures from her day out with Red and the others. Smiling faces, bright shop displays, and plates of delicious food filled the screen. A small smile crept onto her lips as she stared at one particular photo of Red posing dramatically with a ridiculous pair of sunglasses.
This life was different, Lixue thought, gripping her phone tightly. I’m different.