[The Qiao Residence • Grand Banquet]
The Qiao mansion was brighter than a five-star hotel. Crystal chandeliers, a grand piano in the hall, red carpets, and waiters weaving through the crowd—the entire evening felt like a billionaire's announcement of a major milestone. And that milestone was the awakening of the youngest daughter, Qiao Fei.
Ye Xiaoxiao stood at the top of the stairs, wearing a white custom-made gown the maids had just fitted her into. The pearlescent fabric and precision tailoring nipped her waist so tightly she could barely breathe. She felt like the topper on a giant wedding cake.
Downstairs, the atmosphere was electric. "Qiao Fei is awake? Wonderful!" "Quick, swap the champagne for the vintage reserve!" "Feifei looks so radiant today!" "As expected of the brightest star in our family!"
Xiaoxiao: "..."
Qiao Fei (the soul) floated beside her, acting like a transparent, overly critical exam proctor. "Shoulders back! Relax! Smile! Smile! That look makes you look constipated! Walk lighter—you're a ballerina, not a gas delivery man!"
Xiaoxiao wanted to cry. She braved the stairs in heels so high she felt like she might slide off them at any moment. As she descended, the hall went silent for three seconds. Every eye was on her.
Madam Qiao clutched her handkerchief, "My daughter... so beautiful..."
Master Qiao gave a subtle nod, looking immensely satisfied.
The three brothers instantly switched to "bodyguard mode": protecting, observing, and scanning the room.
Qiao Fei's soul crossed her arms: "Alright, barely acceptable."
Xiaoxiao: "Exactly how high are your standards?!"
[The Dinner Begins]
The guest list included half of the business, entertainment, and political circles. Long tables were draped in white gauze and candles. Xiaoxiao was led by Madam Qiao through the crowd. "This is Feifei, she just woke up and is in high spirits!" "Feifei, come say hi to your uncle." "Feifei, speak to your aunt, she's an old friend of your father's~"
Xiaoxiao's palms were slick with sweat. With every reply, she stole a glance at Qiao Fei's soul.
"Smile!"
"Nod!"
"Elegant pivot!"
"That posture looked like a security guard, do it over!"
Xiaoxiao: I'm literally going to die...
[The Table Setting]
Master Qiao sat at the head of the table. Xiaoxiao was seated at the side, flanked by Madam Qiao on her left and the third brother, Qiao Yi, on her right. The seating chart was as formal as a royal court.
The kitchen brought out the first course: Truffle Mousse with Caviar Tartlets.
Looking at those shiny black grains, Xiaoxiao's inner voice screamed: (Is that the stuff I've only ever seen on TV!?)
Qiao Fei's soul whispered: "Be cool. Act as if it's as natural as eating minced pork rice."
Xiaoxiao cried internally: (I know how to eat minced pork rice! I don't know how to eat this!!)
The main course arrived—Slow-roasted Whole Lobster.
Madam Qiao: "Feifei, lobster is your favorite. Eat more."
Second brother Qiao Lin leaned in: "Your body is still weak. Stick to the less oily parts first."
Xiaoxiao screamed inside: (I'm really not your Feifei!!) She tried to cut a small piece of lobster, but her hand slipped. CLACK! The lobster meat nearly launched across the table!
Qiao Fei's soul shrieked: "What are you cutting?! Are you slaying a dragon!? Keep it steady!!"
Xiaoxiao broke out in a cold sweat. Fortunately, Qiao Yi was lightning-fast. He reached out and caught the flying lobster piece before it could land in someone's lap.
The whole table: "...?"
Qiao Yi gave a natural smile: "Feifei's hands are still a bit shaky today. Let me cut it for you."
Qiao Fei's soul whispered: "...Third brother is the biggest softie. Remember, smile at him more; he's the easiest to win over."
Xiaoxiao: (I just want to hide under the table.)
Dessert was served: Gold Leaf Crème Brûlée.
Qiao Fei's soul: "Listen, whatever you do, do not slurp the brûlée. That was a mistake I made when I was ten."
Xiaoxiao: "...Have you ever been a normal human being?"
The dessert spoon was as beautiful as a prop. Xiaoxiao took a tiny bite—and her eyes turned into little stars! This time, it wasn't just a flicker; she lit up entirely. She couldn't help but whisper, "...This is so delicious..."
The table went silent for a second.
Qiao Fei's soul panicked: "YE!! XIAO!! XIAO!! REIN IT IN!! PULL IT BACK!!!!"
But it was too late. Qiao Yi chuckled, "You haven't had dessert in a long time. You seem a bit too happy?"
Qiao Lin added warmly, "If you like it, eat more. I'll get you another portion."
Madam Qiao doted on her: "My daughter needs to eat more!"
Qiao Fei's soul face-palmed: "...Great. Now they think you've been starving for six months."
Xiaoxiao: "I really... I really couldn't help it..."
Qiao Fei's soul sighed, her tone finally softening a bit. "...Fine. At least your smile was real."
Xiaoxiao froze.
Qiao Fei looked at her family around the table, her voice distant. "During those six months I was in a coma, they were all half-dead with grief. Seeing you smile like that... it's the best comfort they could have."