Breakfast arrived swiftly.

Around a long dining table sat the family. Bai Mo and Yue Xin occupied the head seats. Bai Ling and Bai Ting sat to their left. Opposite them were Qiao Yun and his son Qiao Shan. Qiao Yun had promised to bring his son along—and he kept his word.

No one spoke during the meal. Normally, breakfast buzzed with laughter. Today, the air felt awkwardly silent.

Bai Mo usually joked freely with his family at meals. But with guests present, he held back his playful side. Especially before his former subordinate, he aimed to project a stern patriarch image.

Another reason weighed on him: today, he’d send his eldest daughter to the Magic Academy. Each thought of parting tugged at his heart.

Only the two girls chatted lightly. Bai Ting smiled as she served Bai Ling vegetables. Bai Ling accepted gratefully—and returned the gesture. This thoughtfulness was why Bai Ting adored her sister. She wasn’t just cute; she was deeply caring.

Yet today, Bai Ting seemed off. Normally, she’d happily eat Bai Ling’s offerings. But now, facing a long separation, sadness flickered beneath her smile. Unseen by Bai Ting, Bai Ling noticed that forced cheer. Having lived two lifetimes, Bai Ling read emotions well. She understood—but chose silence. Both sisters knew the truth.

As Bai Ting served more greens, she chided in a motherly tone, "I know you’re picky. Eat your veggies, or you’ll stay short. And watch out for creepy old men—they adore cute little girls like you. You have no idea how dangerous your charm is."

Bai Ling was immune to this routine. After countless repeats, she only offered a wry smile.

"Won’t happen!"

"If you stay this naive, you’ll get hurt," Bai Ting pressed, serious now. "I protect you here. But when I’m gone? Be careful."

"I know, I know!" Bai Ling sighed, not wanting to upset her.

Bai Ting’s lips curved slightly. "Good. Remember that."

Since Bai Ling descended the stairs, Qiao Shan’s gaze clung to her like a magnet. He barely blinked, mesmerized by her flawless face. His crush deepened with every glance.

During the meal, he nearly stuffed rice up his nose, lost in her smiles. His father, Qiao Yun, noticed and tapped his head sharply.

Qiao Shan jolted back, cheeks flushing as he glanced at Bai Ling.

Bai Ling had felt his stares all along. Though she saw him as just a kid, his attention flustered her. *Pathetic*, she scolded herself inwardly, forcing an awkward smile.

Bai Ting caught that smile instantly. She shot Qiao Shan a fierce glare—he’d annoyed her by hovering over Bai Ling. Turning back, she whispered, "Ling-er, watch that boy opposite. He stares too much. His eyes scream trouble. Stay alert."

Bai Ling took it seriously—not because of the warning, but because Bai Ting said it. She always heeded those she loved, hating to burden them. Especially Bai Ting, her closest sister by blood. Bai Ling cared less about right or wrong; she cared who spoke.

Bai Mo, focused on his "dignified" image, ignored these nuances. Qiao Yun, still embarrassed by his son, missed Bai Ting’s glare. Only Yue Xin, seated beside Bai Mo, saw everything. Having walked this path herself, she simply smiled silently.

After breakfast, Bai Ting prepared to leave.

The family gathered around a carriage before House Bai’s gates. Bai Ting stood at its center.

Qiao Yun and Qiao Shan boarded first, leaving the farewell to kin.

"Daughter," Bai Mo intoned gravely, "study hard there. Uphold House Bai’s honor. Aim to become a female general! History’s few heroines earned legendary glory. Don’t slack off—don’t fail your father’s hopes."

Yue Xin cut in, exasperated. "Must you say this now? Spare the ‘general’ talk—you’ll scare her!" *This blockhead*, she fumed inwardly, *ignoring her feelings*.

She turned to Bai Ting, voice softening. "Ignore him. Protect yourself out there. Be cautious—no mischief. At home, we spoil you. Outside? People won’t care. Avoid trouble. And live well. Never settle for less." A mother’s worry bled through every word. No mother wished otherwise.

"I know," Bai Ting declared, clenching her tiny fists. "No one bullies me unless they start it!" She waved them playfully.

Yue Xin sighed. "You..." She bit back harsh words, fearing to wound her. Yet worry lingered—would Bai Ting’s boldness invite cruelty in a harsh world?

"Time to go," Bai Mo said gently. "Don’t keep Uncle Qiao waiting." *What must leave will leave*, he thought.

"Mm! I’m off! Father, Mother—take care!" Bai Ting added, turning to Bai Ling, "You too, Ling-er!" She threw a playful wink and spun away.

"Sister!" Bai Ling called as she turned.

"Hm?" Bai Ting pivoted back—just as Bai Ling crashed into her arms.

Bai Ling hugged her tight, whispering fiercely near her ear. Then she pulled back, blushing, hands releasing Bai Ting’s waist.

Bai Ting’s eyes sparkled. She nodded eagerly.

As the carriage door closed, she leaned out. "Mm! I’ll wait for you!" Then she vanished inside. The carriage rolled slowly from House Bai’s courtyard.

Bai Ling watched it fade, fists clenched. *I’ll find you*, she vowed silently. *No one hurts you. No one. Ever.* She turned and walked back inside.