Early the next morning, Kelly woke before sunrise.
The three children were still asleep, huddled together beneath a thin blanket.
For a moment, she simply stood there watching them.
Lu Cheng's arm was protectively draped over his younger brothers even in sleep.
Lu Tuan's face looked much younger without his usual caution.
And little Lu Chuan was clutching a corner of the blanket tightly.
Kelly's heart softened.
These children had suffered far too much.
Today, she decided, would be different.
After preparing a simple breakfast, Kelly helped the children wash up.
The boys looked confused by her behavior but didn't refuse.
Soon, they were walking toward the Lu family's old house.
The village path was quiet.
People stared as they passed.
Some even rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
The notorious Kelly was taking the children out?
And the boys weren't crying?
Something was wrong.
When they arrived at the courtyard, Mother Lu was feeding chickens.
The old woman froze.
The basket in her hands nearly fell to the ground.
"Kelly?"
Her gaze moved to the three children.
Then back to Kelly.
For a moment, she thought she was dreaming.
In the past, Kelly only came when she wanted something.
Money.
Food.
Help.
Never family.
Never a visit.
Never kindness.
"Mother," Kelly greeted respectfully.
Mother Lu nearly dropped the basket.
Even Father Lu, who was repairing a farming tool nearby, looked up in shock.
Neither of them knew how to react.
Kelly smiled slightly.
"We came to visit."
Silence.
The old couple exchanged glances.
Had the sun risen from the west?
Then Kelly handed over a small cloth bag.
"We brought some food."
Mother Lu stared blankly.
Food?
Kelly had brought food?
Not taken it?
The old woman's eyes widened.
Slowly, she accepted the bag.
Inside were several steamed buns.
Her hands began trembling.
Food was precious these days.
Yet Kelly had brought it for them.
"Kelly..."
The old woman didn't know what to say.
Meanwhile, the children stood quietly nearby.
Still cautious.
Still uncertain.
But not frightened.
Mother Lu immediately noticed.
In the past, the boys would cling to each other whenever Kelly was near.
Today was different.
Then something happened that made her freeze completely.
Lu Chuan tugged lightly on Kelly's sleeve.
"Stepmother..."
Kelly immediately lowered herself to his height.
"What's wrong?"
The little boy looked embarrassed.
"I'm hungry."
Without hesitation, Kelly took out a steamed bun and handed it to him.
"Eat slowly."
Lu Chuan nodded happily.
"Thank you, Stepmother."
The courtyard fell silent.
Mother Lu's eyes turned red instantly.
Father Lu stopped moving.
Neither spoke.
Because they both knew what those words meant.
The child wasn't afraid.
He trusted her.
Even if only a little.
To anyone else, it was a small thing.
To them, it was a miracle.
Kelly noticed their expressions but said nothing.
The old couple had suffered enough worrying about these children.
Father Lu finally cleared his throat.
"Kelly."
She looked up.
The old man's weathered face was serious.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he spoke softly.
"You've worked hard."
Kelly froze.
The simple words struck her harder than she expected.
In her first life, nobody had ever said that.
Not her father.
Not her stepmother.
Not even Mike.
Nobody.
For years she had struggled alone.
Yet this old man had seen her efforts.
Her eyes stung unexpectedly.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Mother Lu quickly turned away, pretending to wipe dust from her eyes.
The atmosphere became warm for the first time.
Like a real family gathering.
For a brief moment, Kelly felt something she had long forgotten.
Belonging.
However—
the warmth didn't last.
As the children played in the courtyard, Mother Lu quietly pulled Kelly aside.
Her expression became serious.
"Kelly."
Kelly's heart sank.
"What is it?"
The old woman lowered her voice.
"That educated youth came again."
Kelly's eyes narrowed immediately.
The reborn female lead.
Mother Lu continued.
"She asked many questions about Chengzou."
Kelly's expression darkened.
The old woman hesitated before adding:
"And about the children."
At that exact moment, the system appeared.
[THREAT DETECTED]
[THE THIEF'S CHOSEN PIECE IS APPROACHING THE LU FAMILY]
Kelly's heart grew cold.
Slowly, she turned toward the distant road.
Far away, beneath a large tree, stood a young woman.
Watching the Lu family courtyard.
Smiling.
And when their eyes met—
the woman's smile widened.
As though she had finally found what she was looking for.