A Grand Reunion and a Grand Entrance

“Ahhh! A ghost!?”

Qing Zixi recoiled as if shocked by electricity, shrinking back towards the car window. Had the car not been speeding, she likely would have jumped out.

“Don’t be scared, I’m not a ghost~”

Swoosh.

The rear lights flickered on, allowing Qing Zixi to finally see clearly beside her.

The car window on that side was half-open. A cascade of flowing purple hair, like a starry night sky, framed a pair of perfect violet eyes brimming with affection. Her features were flawless, her expression impeccable, and a sweet voice drifted over.

“Don’t you remember me~?”

‘Remember? How could I not remember?’

If Qing Zixi had to pick who among her seven sisters she knew best, it would undoubtedly be this grand idol.

Hailed as a perfect idol, one seen only once in a millennium, she stood undeniably at the pinnacle in terms of appearance, fashion, vocal prowess, and dancing ability.

Even after being resurrected with her own perfect and adorable visage, and hair as fine as silver threads, flowing like falling snow, Qing Zixi felt utterly confident in her looks. Yet, not a single thought of becoming an idol and claiming the top spot of the year even crossed her mind.

The formidable mountain before her was truly insurmountable. Whenever she watched television, nine times out of ten, news about her would inevitably appear.

Only after recovering from the shock of seeing Zi Yun’ai did Qing Zixi suddenly recall that Lan Mengyao had mentioned sending her to a trainer, but never that Zi Yun’ai would also be there.

“Of course I remember, Yun’ai-jie. Aren’t you incredibly busy? What are you doing here?”

“Hmm, I am very busy, of course. But I pushed all my work for tonight.”

Zi Yun’ai turned her head, a brilliant smile blossoming on her face.

“After all, nothing is more important than my reunion with my adorable *imouto*~ My dearest fan, wouldn’t you agree~?”

As she spoke, Qing Zixi watched Zi Yun’ai reach forward towards the main driver’s seat, her index finger teasingly lifting the driver’s chin before gently pinching it.

“Yes, Lady Ai!”

Hearing the driver’s response, Zi Yun’ai’s smile widened even further.

“Oh my, how obedient. So~ what reward would such an obedient fan like~?”

“Lady Ai, anything that makes Lady Ai happy!”

Zi Yun’ai tapped her own cheek with her other index finger, her gaze drifting upwards as if in thought. Then, glittering starlight seemed to burst forth from her violet pupils.

“Alright then, how about this? My latest signed album. You couldn’t make it to the concert that day, didn’t you? I’ll give it to you~”

“Too—truly, thank you so much, Lady Ai!”

“So, about today’s matter…?”

“Mm!”

Eh?

Qing Zixi scratched her head.

‘What were they even talking about? Fans? Signed albums?’

‘Still, she seems quite kind to her fans. No wonder she became the strongest, perfect idol.’

Qing Zixi couldn’t discern anything amiss, though she felt a vague sense of oddness. After her conversation with the driver, Zi Yun’ai leaned closer, taking Qing Zixi’s hands in hers, a soft glow swirling within her violet eyes.

“It’s so wonderful that you’re alright! I was worried sick!”

First Lan Mengyao, then Xia Mengying, and now this. Qing Zixi had grown accustomed to her sisters recognizing her at a glance, no longer dwelling on the specifics of her resurrection.

After all, from their perspective, by the time they arrived, she had already passed away.

“Yes, yes, thank you for your concern, Yun’ai-jie.”

With the perfect idol showing such genuine concern, Qing Zixi couldn’t bring herself to tease her. Besides, even her previous indifference must have been due to her busy work schedule.

Along the way, the two chatted and laughed. After getting out of the car, Qing Zixi stared blankly at the magnificent, opulent villa before her, nearly dropping her jaw in astonishment.

‘So big, and so long.’

This was Qing Zixi’s initial impression. Unlike the towering skyscrapers in her mind, this building resembled a grand mansion. From a distance, it appeared to have two stories, which wasn’t particularly tall for a villa, but its width surprised Qing Zixi.

“Th-this is…”

Qing Zixi murmured to herself. The purple-haired girl beside her bounced closer, smiling with narrowed eyes and tilting her head to look at her.

“It’s my home, you know. Do you like it? If you do, I’ll give it to you~”

‘What?!’

‘Do all wealthy people live like this!?’

Qing Zixi was momentarily speechless, shaking her head.

“No, there’s no need… I have a home.”

“But, Xi’er’s home has already been repossessed as collateral for debt, you know.”

Gulp!

Qing Zixi had almost forgotten that her parents had abandoned a mountain of debt and fled. After the funeral, the house would naturally be repossessed.

‘Now I’m homeless…’

‘Brrr, it’s so cold.’

A shiver ran down Qing Zixi’s spine, unsure if it was from the cold or from the realization that she was now homeless.

“Come on, it’s so cold outside~”

True. Even bundled in the thick down jacket and cotton gloves Lan Mengyao had given her, standing outside for too long was unbearable. Qing Zixi rubbed her hands together as Zi Yun’ai pulled her into the courtyard.

‘Doesn’t she feel the cold…?’

Zi Yun’ai was clad in a performance outfit, predominantly purple, its skirt flowing gracefully with every movement. Perhaps having just finished a show, her starry-purple hair was adorned with numerous small trinkets.

Qing Zixi’s main concern was whether the white stockings on Zi Yun’ai’s legs could truly ward off the cold wind. In the central courtyard, a large fountain stood, encircled by rows of trees planted within iron fences. However, due to winter, some of the trees had already turned withered and yellow.

The moment she stepped through the mansion’s main gate, Qing Zixi was immediately enveloped by a rush of warm air, a sensation that made her feel both pleasantly tingly and drowsy.

“Lady Ai, you’ve returned.”

Several maids approached, carrying a platter with four small cakes.

“Xi’er, sweets are one of the few things that can truly lift one’s spirits, you know.”

Zi Yun’ai picked up a fork and speared a piece of yellow cake.

“This one’s mango-flavored, ah~”

‘Th-this, this, and in front of all these people?’

Qing Zixi averted her gaze from Zi Yun’ai, then opened her mouth.

‘Mmm~’

‘It’s really, really sweet.’

The mango-flavored cake even had a mango pulp filling. Qing Zixi had never tasted such a delicious dessert before.

“And strawberries, you like those too, right~?”

While Qing Zixi was still savoring the lingering taste of the mango, Zi Yun’ai promptly fed her a sweet strawberry cake, followed by chocolate.

‘Mmm, this person… she must be a little angel~’

Qing Zixi was immersed in the blissful happiness of the sweets, but by the last piece of honeydew melon cake, she found herself unable to eat any more.

“Th-thank you… I, I already ate my fill at Mengyao-jie’s place.”

“Is, is that so…?”

A slight twitch appeared at the corner of Zi Yun’ai’s eye, and her tone became a little strange.

“Then, let me show you something good~”

“Eh? Something like a starry ceiling or an arcade?”

Qing Zixi asked curiously. Wealthy homes usually contained many novelties, and honestly, Qing Zixi harbored a small sense of anticipation.

“It’s even more exciting than a starry ceiling. Come on, you’ll see when we get there.”