Jian Dan frowned, then deliberately ruffled her hair and rubbed her eyes red, making it look like she had been crying. Only then did she open the door.
Du Yanran's hand was still raised mid-knock, her eyes flashing with impatience before shifting into a mask of concern the moment she saw Jian Dan:
"Jian Dan, are you okay? I was worried, so I came to check on you."
Jian Dan nodded listlessly and stepped aside to let her in.
Du Yanran swept her gaze around the room, visibly relieved when she saw no one else present. She pulled Jian Dan onto the sofa and asked urgently: "Did you meet your father? What happened?"
Jian Dan kept her head down, gathering her emotions before sniffling and looking up with red-rimmed eyes: "He didn't come. Only his steward and an assistant showed up. They're taking me to the capital today."
"What? So soon? Why? Will you come back? What about your mother's house here?"
A flicker of panic crossed Du Yanran's eyes—just enough for Jian Dan to catch—before she shook her head and said: "They told me everything would make sense once I saw my father. They asked me to pack, then booked a flight to pick me up."
"This sudden?" Du Yanran's grip on Jian Dan's hand tightened unconsciously.
"Ah!" Jian Dan gasped in pain.
Only then did Du Yanran let go, apologizing: "Sorry, I just—I got too worried." Jian Dan gave a forgiving smile.
"I know you care about me."
A heavy silence fell between them. Finally, Du Yanran spoke again, her voice strained: "What about your house and… other things here? If you trust me, I could look after them for you."
Jian Dan noted the emphasis on other things and felt a twinge of unease. A vague suspicion formed in her mind. She shook her head. "They said they'd handle everything here. They seemed in a real hurry to get me to the capital. They wouldn't explain, but they confirmed they're from the Zhao family in Jingdu."
Du Yanran's voice sharpened with barely suppressed frustration: "Why would you agree so easily without asking questions? You'll be alone in a strange place with no one to help you! What if— No, I can't let you go like this. I'm coming with you!"
Her words were earnest, layered with feigned exasperation—as if scolding a foolish friend.
Jian Dan remembered that in her past life, Du Yanran had expressed concern but never insisted on accompanying her. Back then, they were both naive girls. Du Yanran had only kept in touch by phone until Jian Dan's return—something the Zhao family allowed, since a teenage girl's friend posed no threat.
But this time, a realization struck. Jian Dan lifted her gaze and said softly: "Yanran, thank you. I know this might be dangerous, but he's my only family left. I have to go. There are things about my mother… I need to ask him in person."
"But—"
"Yanran, please. I know you mean well. There's one more thing—yesterday, a lawyer called. They went with me to collect my mother's belongings."
"What?"
Du Yanran's shock was genuine, but the glee in her eyes was unmistakable. Jian Dan lowered her lashes, a cold glint passing through them, then stood. "Wait here."
She walked into the bedroom, paused by the desk, and pulled open the drawer. Inside lay the magnolia replica set she'd taken from the shelf in her spatial realm. Clutching the box, she returned to the living room.
Du Yanran had already risen from the sofa, her eyes locked onto the antique case, lips curving in triumph.
At that moment, Jian Dan understood everything. "She's back too."
A quiet sigh escaped her, but no fear followed. That was the past. This time, she held the advantage.
There was no need to confront Du Yanran yet—she hadn't even begun cultivating. Both knew the future's trajectory, both shared the same memories. But Jian Dan refused to be anyone's stepping stone again, nor would she let Du Yanran cling to her like a parasite.
Du Yanran looped an arm through Jian Dan's, feigning casualness: "What's this?"
Jian Dan guided her back to the sofa and opened the box, revealing the magnolia jewelry set.
Du Yanran's breath hitched. Her eyes burned with urgency, silently demanding an explanation.
Jian Dan traced the jewelry with tender nostalgia: "These were my mother's keepsakes. There were other items, but this set was stored separately—it must be important. I don't know what awaits me in the capital, and you're the only friend I trust. Will you keep them safe for me?"
Relief washed over Du Yanran's face. She clasped Jian Dan's hands, sincerity oozing from her voice: "Jian Dan, thank you for trusting me! I'll guard these with my life. But you must come back. If you don't… I'm keeping them forever."
Her tone carried a veiled threat—a demand for promise, wrapped in a joke.