Time flew by in the blink of an eye. Flowers bloomed and withered, seasons shifted from spring to winter, and eight years slipped through her fingers unnoticed.
Bai Ling, once a petite and adorable girl, had now blossomed into a graceful young woman. Her already perfect figure had grown even more curvaceous, radiating an allure that captivated from afar and enchanted up close. Her cute face had gained a trace of youthful innocence over time, glowing with a soft feminine light. Though not a master, her grooming skills had improved greatly under the maids’ guidance at home, nearly matching their expertise.
Bai Ling wore a black shirt that outlined her slender shoulders, accentuating her smooth, fair neck. A pink bow sat just above her navel, perfectly complementing her slim waist and releasing her youthful charm. Below, a black knee-length pleated skirt paired with over-the-knee stockings sparked curiosity about what lay beneath the hem.
Gazing at herself in the mirror, Bai Ling recalled her past life. Back then, she’d been single for years, rarely interacting with women except her younger sister—whom she saw more as a brother. They’d been inseparable, and she’d held no ill intentions. Yet, she’d always felt a mysterious yearning for women. Now, as a girl herself, she knew this body inside out—it was hers after all.
She struck various poses before the mirror, each one adorably captivating. Any normal man nearby would’ve been utterly enchanted, unable to look away.
Just then, a maid’s voice called from outside: “Miss, the master and mistress are waiting downstairs!”
“Okay! Got it!” Bai Ling shook her head to clear the memories, admired herself a little longer, then reluctantly opened the door and headed down.
Today was an important day.
She’d received an invitation from the Magic Academy—it was time to awaken her magic. On the Gaia Continent, every child turning sixteen could awaken their magical affinity using an Awakening Magic Array. This was the only Magic Array even novice Mages could cast, making it common in magical families like House Bai.
Bai Ling hadn’t chosen to awaken at home because her sister Bai Ting had also awakened at the academy. Bai Ling wanted to follow suit. Today was her departure day. She’d long awaited this moment—to finally see Bai Ting again. Though Bai Ting visited yearly, those few days were never enough.
Bai Mo hadn’t opposed her decision. As he put it: “Awakening is awakening, wherever it happens. The timing makes little difference, and your magic element won’t change based on location.”
Downstairs, Bai Ling greeted Bai Mo and Yue Xin by the carriage. “Father, Mother!”
“Hmm. Are you all set?” Bai Mo’s voice carried a hint of authority.
“All ready!” Bai Ling smiled, sticking out her tongue playfully. She’d mastered this cute gesture after discovering her father couldn’t resist it. Whenever she wanted something, she’d use this pout to “negotiate” with him. At first, she’d resisted, but it had become second nature over time.
Sure enough, Bai Mo was charmed, almost rushing to hug and nuzzle her. But he held back for dignity, though his expression betrayed his feelings.
Bai Ling knew exactly what that look meant, inwardly chuckling, ‘Such a fake stoic.’
Yue Xin, accustomed to this, broke the silence. “Since you’re ready, let’s depart.”
“Okay!” Bai Ling replied, boarding the carriage. Before entering, she glanced back at the villa. Her heart was conflicted. She needed to leave to protect those she loved, yet she hated parting from this home that had nurtured her for sixteen years. Here, she’d found a true sense of family—a feeling absent in her past life, where she’d had only her sister but no parents. This was a perfect home, except for one missing piece: her sister Bai Ting, whom she cherished like a sibling.
But as she turned away, her expression hardened with resolve. She’d sworn to protect those she cared for. Now was the time. She would journey to the Magic Academy where Bai Ting was, to guard and cherish her.
