The next morning, I woke up and saw this notebook right beside my pillow. Unsure if the dream was real, I simply tucked it under my pillow.

Three nights ago, my mind was all tangled up. After thinking too much, I scribbled this down on a whim. But nothing changed then—I thought the dream was fake.

The day before yesterday, when you had a high fever, Mom, I dreamed of that beautiful aunt again.

She said my soul was “fragrant,” mentioned something about a Witch, but promised someone would protect me—so I shouldn’t be afraid.

She also said my annoying mom would die… and a loving mom would take her place…

Bai Dongqing paused, head bowed toward the floor. “I’m sorry, Mom…”

Jiang Qianyu never imagined the truth would be this.

As payment for the wish, the body’s original soul was taken. And by using the notebook, Bai Dongqing’s temporarily “sealed” Witch soul was released.

Who that “beautiful aunt” really was, she didn’t know. But one thing was clear: her past-life wish had truly come true. Bai Dongqing’s identity as a Witch likely didn’t exist at first.

Titles didn’t matter—“Witch” was just a label. The soul was what counted.

Jiang Qianyu understood exactly what “fragrant soul” meant.

Bai Dongqing’s unique constitution made her soul glow like a beacon in darkness, drawing every eerie entity nearby. Those monsters would uncontrollably crave attacking, killing, and devouring her.

Last night’s monster probably appeared for that very reason.

When it burst through the door, it didn’t rush upstairs. It lingered on the first floor, searching.

Could what it sought… be Bai Dongqing herself?

As for Jiang Qianyu—this dream was why she could “reincarnate into this body.”

She wouldn’t judge the situation.

A abused little girl wishing for a mother’s love? Nothing wrong with that.

She hadn’t known the wish’s price. Only after it succeeded did that woman reveal the cost.

Everything felt orchestrated—step by step, luring Bai Dongqing into a trap.

Wait. If that were true… why wait until now?

Yes, she’d lured Bai Dongqing. But did she intend harm? Unclear.

After all, Jiang Qianyu had returned too. Her special soul granted her the power to protect Bai Dongqing.

That person’s plans had limits. She likely never expected Jiang Qianyu to be targeted by a monster on day one of rebirth. Without quick thinking, she’d have burned to death last night.

Jiang Qianyu doubted last night was arranged—the risk was too high.

Even if planned, it wouldn’t have been so sudden. At least allow time to adjust, right?

“Dongqing, no need to apologize. That aunt wasn’t entirely right. Your wish worked—but Mom’s alive, isn’t she?” Jiang Qianyu set aside her tangled thoughts and spoke softly.

“During my fever, I dreamed of her too. She helped me forget painful things… made me realize you’re my only daughter. If I don’t cherish you, who will?”

“And if I’d truly died… how could I sit here talking with you now?”

“But she wasn’t wholly wrong either. ‘Mom’ did die—not physically. The unreasonable me from before died. This new me took her place. Do you see?”

“Actually… I should thank you.”

“Forgetting pain, changing my temper—these are good things for me, right?”

“Think it over. Doesn’t it make sense?”

Jiang Qianyu felt zero guilt gently guiding a nine-year-old.

For Bai Dongqing, “killing” her mother—even a cruel one—was too heavy to accept quickly.

If it hadn’t hurt her deeply, she wouldn’t have cried so hard.

True to expectation, Bai Dongqing frowned, pondering. It sounded logical… yet something felt off. She couldn’t name it.

“Then I…”

“Don’t dwell on it. Let this end here. Tell no one. I’ll keep the notebook. I decide when to use it.” Jiang Qianyu ruffled her hair and tucked the black notebook away.

She shifted topics smoothly. “Your milk’s cold—drink up. I haven’t eaten either. We’ll talk after breakfast.”

·

·

At 9:30 AM, Jiang Qianyu wheeled herself outside the shop. She glanced at the quiet street, sipped the coffee her daughter brewed, and let the bitter, rich aroma linger on her tongue.

Sunlight bathed the street—perfect for basking. Sipping coffee in the warmth felt wonderfully peaceful.

The body’s former owner had arranged Bai Dongqing’s school leave, so she stayed home.

After easing her heartache, Bai Dongqing’s mood lifted. She sat inside, quietly reading.

Jiang Qianyu mused: *If life could stay like this—caring for my kid, sunbathing, coffee… pure bliss.*

Alas. Dreams were sweet. Reality, cruel.

She opened her eyes.

A sleek black sedan pulled up down the street. The passenger door opened. Out stepped a radiant young woman—early twenties, black hair in a high ponytail, coffee-colored coat, a bulky guitar case slung over her shoulder. Her petite 160cm frame looked delicate, yet she radiated vibrant youth.

Flawless beauty. Features like carved art.

Her lively energy felt like a warm spring breeze.

Yet Jiang Qianyu barely glanced up, coffee cup in hand, eyes half-lidded.

Until the girl across the street waved with a bright smile and jogged over.

*Wait… did I forget something?*

*Didn’t Lu Yunzhi text this morning—arriving around ten?*

*Could this be my “never-met” Hunter wife?*

No sooner had the thought formed than the girl shouted from across the street—loud enough for the whole block to hear:

“Wife! I’m home!”