Meryl Lee was feeling ecstatic. She had just graduated from high school with flying colors and was accepted into her dream college. She was looking forward to studying history, literature, and other subjects that she was passionate about. She was also eager to make new friends and experience new adventures.

She packed her bags and said goodbye to her family. Her father, Clark, was a retired soldier who now worked as a security consultant. Her mother, Roselyne, was a nurse who worked at a nearby hospital. Her older brother, Damian, was a soldier who was currently on a mission overseas.

"Mom, Dad, I love you so much. Thank you for everything you've done for me," Meryl said with tears in her eyes.

"We love you too, honey. You're our pride and joy. We're so happy for you," Roselyne said with a smile.

"You're welcome, sweetheart. You've worked hard and earned this opportunity. We're so proud of you," Clark said with a grin.

"Hey, sis, don't forget to call me when you get there. I want to hear all about your new life," Damian said through the phone.

"I won't forget, bro. I miss you so much. Stay safe and come back soon," Meryl said with a sob.

"I miss you too, sis. I'll be back before you know it. Take care of yourself and have fun," Damian said with a chuckle.

They were all proud of Meryl and wished her all the best. They hugged her and told her to be careful and have fun.

Meryl smiled and thanked them. She loved her family very much. They were always supportive and understanding of her. They also shared her passion for reading and learning. They often had lively discussions about books, movies, and current events.

Meryl got into her car and drove to the airport. She turned on the radio and listened to some music. She sang along to some of her favorite songs and felt happy.

She arrived at the airport and checked in her luggage. She had a few hours before her flight, so she decided to browse some bookstores. She loved books and always looked for new ones to read.

She entered a bookstore and scanned the shelves. She saw some familiar titles and some new ones. She picked up a few books that caught her eye and read the summaries.

One of them was a fantasy novel set in a world of magic and martial arts. It was about a young girl who had a rare talent for both magic and martial arts, and who was engaged to a cold and domineering prince. It sounded intriguing and thrilling.

Meryl decided to buy it and read it on the plane. She paid for the book and put it in her backpack. She checked the time and saw that she still had some time left.

She decided to get some coffee and snacks at a nearby cafe. She walked out of the bookstore and crossed the street.

She didn't notice the speeding truck that ran a red light.

She only heard a loud horn and saw a flash of metal.

Then everything went black.

***

Meryl opened her eyes and blinked.

She felt dizzy and confused.

Where was she?

She looked around and saw that she was lying on a bed in a spacious room. The room was decorated with elegant furniture, paintings, and curtains. There was a large window that showed a beautiful garden outside. The garden was filled with colorful flowers, green trees, and a fountain. The sun was shining brightly in the sky, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere.

She tried to move but felt pain all over her body. She groaned and touched her head.

She felt something soft and silky on her head.

She looked at her hand and saw that it was holding long black hair.

She gasped and dropped her hair. She reached for her backpack, where she kept her phone and ID card.

She couldn't find it.

She panicked and looked for a mirror.

She saw one on the wall opposite the bed.

She got up from the bed, ignoring the pain, and walked towards the mirror.

She looked at her reflection and screamed.

The person in the mirror was not Meryl Lee.

It was someone else.

Someone with long black hair, big blue eyes, small mouth with pink lips, phoenix brows, pointed nose, white skin, mixed race appearance. She was 5ft 4 inches tall.

Someone who looked vaguely familiar to her.

Someone who reminded her of the cover of the fantasy novel she bought at the bookstore.

Someone named Xi Yuan.