Zhao Lan stood at the edge of the vast courtyard, where early morning sunlight spilled over the estate's ancient stones. She was reminded of the life she lived before—when she let herself fade into the background, overshadowed by others. But not this time. This was her new beginning, and today marked her first step toward changing her family's fortunes.
Having foreseen the impact of future investments and business strategies, Zhao Lan had a plan to ensure her father's business would be secure. Her goal was not only to protect her family but also to elevate them. After carefully researching profitable ventures from her memories, Zhao Lan approached her father with a business proposal.
Zhao Lan's father listened to her attentively, intrigued yet skeptical. She presented her ideas with confidence, outlining a strategy that was surprisingly complex for someone her age. Her father, though wary of her sudden shift in demeanor, couldn't help but admire her determination and wisdom. It was a side of her he hadn't seen before.
"You've thought a lot about this, haven't you?" he asked, a small smile on his face.
Zhao Lan nodded. "It's the least I can do to protect our family."
Her father agreed to give her ideas a chance, and with his approval, Zhao Lan set to work. She spent her days overseeing investments and studying market trends while her nights were spent strategizing her next steps. The entire household noticed the change, especially Zhao Min, who couldn't hide her resentment as Zhao Lan took on a more prominent role within the family.
Meanwhile, Li Wei continued to be a frequent visitor, unaware of Zhao Lan's past life and the growing affection she harbored for him. Their friendship deepened as he often sought her out for advice on his studies and future plans. Zhao Lan's heart swelled with hope, cherishing the moments they spent together.
One evening, as they shared a quiet moment in the garden, Zhao Lan allowed herself a rare glimpse of vulnerability. She wondered if, in this life, she could finally reveal her true feelings to Li Wei. But as she looked into his kind eyes, the shadow of Zhao Min's jealousy lingered in the back of her mind, a reminder of the obstacles still standing in her way.