Churan's thoughts were interrupted as her gaze drifted towards the right. There she saw an incredibly beautiful girl dressed in a black hanfu adorned with red stripes on her sleeves, holding a weapon with a unique cover. Despite the weapon's beauty, the girl outshone it. As Churan observed her, a strange mixture of feelings emanated from the girl—was it contempt, fear, or hatred?
Nano responded to her unspoken question, "It's your older sister Zeno."
Churan then asked, "Why does she look at me like that?"
Nano responded, "Before your mother passed away, you two were very close. But after that, there were changes in the palace, and your relationship became more formalized. You're not as close as you used to be."
Churan's thoughts wandered to the real Churan's mother, contemplating the deep impact she had on the family.
("She appeared to have been a wonderful mother, managing to bring three very different people together and foster mutual love. Wonderful people bring joy when they enter our lives, but their departure leaves a severe and painful mark on our hearts.")
"I'm going to my room," Churan said, "Nano, you don't need to accompany me. Thank you."
Nano replied, "There's no need to thank me. Miss, I'm just glad you're alright. In the past, you always seemed isolated, as if you were lost in your own world."
Churan smiled, reflecting on the unexpected commonalities between her and Nano.
("Perhaps we're more alike than I realized. Even if you own the whole world, if you're trapped within yourself, it can be incredibly hard to break free and truly live. Yet, what is the answer to sincerity?")
Churan pondered, realizing she didn't know the answer. With no resolution in sight, she decided to withdraw.
("No, this cannot be the solution. No, this definitely can't be the answer.")
She stepped away and retreated to her room, her thoughts swirling like a storm within. The answer eluded her, and the uncertainty left her feeling even more alone in her solitude.
Churan walked to her room, deep in thought about her next move. As she passed a mirror, she paused, feeling a sense of shock as she caught a glimpse of her reflection. To her surprise, the face that stared back at her was not that of real Churan, but eerily reminiscent of her face.
"Why didn't others notice the difference?" she wondered, gazing at her reflection. "Is this the capital that everyone yearns to visit? It seems nothing more than a place lacking in emotion and filled with fear."
Churan continued her thoughts, feeling a pang of curiosity and determination.
"But staying here won't get me anywhere," she mused. "I have to go outside. Her father loves her; he definitely won't reject my request."
With newfound determination, Churan set off to find her father and request to leave the palace. In her mind, this was her only chance to uncover the truth and gain the freedom she yearned for.
…..
Churan stood outside the hall, her efforts to enter hampered by diligent servants who firmly prevented her passage. Frustrated, she repeatedly attempted to catch the attention of her father, raising her voice over the din.
Her persistence paid off as her father heard her calls and called out to the servants, instructing them to allow her entry.
Churan pushed past and entered the expansive hall. She smiled and delicately ran her finger under her nose before addressing her father with a mix of politeness and determination.
"I apologize for interrupting your busy schedule," she began, her words laced with a hint of urgency. "I heard you'll be heading out after this meeting, and I just had to see you."
The General Wang's smile widened; his demeanor noticeably different from the previous day. "Don't worry, I'm pleased you were able to stand before me again," he responded, his voice tinged with surprise.
"What's so important that it can't wait until tomorrow?" he inquired, his expression now filled with curiosity and a touch of wariness.
"Well, father, I know that you are afraid for my health and do not want to make me go out of the house, but …" she talked, with a hope that she might win
Her father interjected, his concern and anger evident in his voice. "No, I will not let you go out, no matter what you do. Just stay at home and I will bring teachers and everything you need."
Churan clenched her fists, trying to maintain her composure. "Father," she pleaded, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and desperation. "I thought only a disaster would be able to save me, as there were no chances for miracles. But against all odds, I survived. Parents think they are always protecting their children, but couldn't you understand?"
She paused, taking a shaky breath before continuing, her voice growing stronger with each word. "I don't remember why I threw myself into the water and I won't remember soon or ever, but I don't have any friends. Everyone is living their lives, getting married, loving, and finding their way, but I'm stuck here."
Churan's shoulders slumped, the weight of her isolation and the unfairness of her situation seemingly overwhelmed her. "I thought it was protection," she confessed, "but I realized I was only being locked up, forced to drink bitter medicine. I can't even enjoy most foods due to my health."
Tears welled up in her eyes as she continued, her voice cracking. "I yearn for freedom, for the chance to live a life like others. I want friends and laughter, not a life of isolation and confinement."
Ziyi voice rang out in anger, "Churan! Stop!"
But Churan continued, her voice filled with determination. "It's easy for you to say that" she retorted. "I've already died in life once, so what's the problem if I live my life well from now on? And when death comes a second time, I won't be afraid, Dad. Good people are not afraid of death, but being good is not enough. I have to be happy enough to welcome death..."
General Wang's expression softened slightly, the weight of Lingjie's words clearly taking effect. He glanced at Churan, seeing her determination and intelligence reflected in this stranger's praise.
Churan couldn't help but secretly think, "As I already expected, the people here are insane, and the events unfolding are different from my understanding. Living here will be challenging."
General Wang chuckled and spoke, "Haha, yes, my daughter Renren is indeed beautiful. I apologize for being overly protective, as you are the youngest of my children. From now on, I won't hold you back. You can do whatever you want."
Churan grinned, pleased with the successful outcome of her plan. She exited the hall and began her journey back to her room, mulling over the prospect of further exploring the city. Little did she know that tomorrow held more revelations and unexpected surprises in store for her.