After whispering things about the shadow, Ning's body relaxed, and she fell asleep, her gentle snores a soothing sound. Xinan breathed a sigh of relief, her hand still stroking Ning's hair.
Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating Ning's serene face. Her cat-like eyes, button nose, and heart-shaped lips were a picture of elegance.
Ning's natural beauty shone, untainted by makeup or artifice. She preferred simplicity, unlike many who would actually improve their features.
Xinan's fingers continued to gently pat Ning's hair, her eyes taking in her princess's peaceful expression. Exhaustion finally caught up with her, and Xinan's eyelids drooped. She rested her head beside Ning's, her hand still entwined in her hair.
As the night wore on, Xinan's breathing slowed, and she drifted off to sleep, lulled by Ning's gentle snores.
The moon cast its silvery glow over the two friends, their bond a haven of tranquility amidst the shadows gathering outside.
The next morning, Ning was the first person to wake up. She noticed that she wasn't alone in her bed and almost began to panic but soon settled as she realized it was Xinan.
Ning's arms wrapped tightly around Xinan, holding her close. Xinan's eyes fluttered open, a warm smile spreading across her face.
"We have class this morning, Ning. We should go,"Xinan said, gently prying Ning's arms loose.
Ning grumbled, burying her face in Xinan's shoulder. "No, I wanna stay."
Xinan chuckled, knowing Ning's spoiled nature all too well. In Xuanlong, Ning had been pampered as royalty, and in New York, Xinan had indulged her every whim.
But Ning had also proven herself to be a diligent student, making Xinan proud.
"Don't blame me for what I'm gonna do next," Xinan whispered, a mischievous glint in her eye.
Ning's smile faltered, curiosity replacing it. "What are you gonna do?"
Xinan's lips curled into a sly smile. "You'll see."
With a swift motion, Xinan flipped Ning onto her back, tossing a pillow over her face.
Ning shrieked, laughing, as Xinan began to tickle her mercilessly.
"Get up, Princess! We're going to class!"
Ning's giggles filled the room, and she finally relented, tossing off the covers.
As they prepared for class, Ning caught Xinan's gaze, her eyes sparkling with gratitude.
"Thanks, Xinan. You make me feel complete here."
Xinan's expression softened, her voice barely above a whisper. "You'll always be my princess, Ning. Forever and always."
Their eyes locked, a silent understanding passing between them.
Ning's brow furrowed, her thoughts swirling. "Xinan, if I'm truly Princess Liuxian's reincarnation, why don't I have her memories? How do I avoid her soulmate, Prince Yazhu?"
Xinan's expression turned somber. "Honestly, Ning, I don't know. We weren't given that information."
Ning's frustration boiled over. "But I need to know! I'm not allowed to meet Prince Yazhu, if he even exists. How do I recognize him? These blackouts, shadows...it's all so overwhelming."
Xinan's eyes filled with compassion as she reached out, taking Ning's hands in hers. "Your Highness..."
Ning's gaze met Xinan's, her expression questioning the formal address. But Xinan's serious tone hinted at something important.
"...would you like to search for answers?" Xinan asked, her voice low and deliberate. "We've hidden for ten years, but maybe it's time to uncover the truth. You've always believed Princess Liuxian acted with a purpose. Perhaps her actions were meant to protect you."
Ning's thoughts whirled. Could Xinan be right? Was it time to confront the mysteries of her past?
"Xinan, are you saying...?" Ning trailed off, unsure.
Xinan's grip on her hands tightened. "I'm saying, Ning, that maybe you came back to this world for a reason. To uncover the truth, to clear your name, and to find justice."
Ning's heart pounded. The possibility ignited a spark within her.
"Okay," Ning whispered, determination etched on her face.
Xinan's eyes shone with resolve. "Then, Your Highness, let's begin our search for answers." Ning smiled and nodded.
After the discussion, both girls left to prepare for their classes. The got dressed and Xinan made quick breakfast for them both.
Ning and Xinan hastily finished breakfast, mindful of their early morning classes. As they stepped outside, Xinan's brow furrowed. "Something seems odd."
Ning chuckled. "You're so used to Sarah's car, you forgot we have our own!"
Xinan laughed, shaking her head. "Guess we're spoiled!"
They walked toward the garage, and as they opened the door, a stunning white Porsche gleamed in the morning light. Ning's eyes sparkled.
Ning had asked her parents for a simple car, but they'd insisted on something more fitting for a princess, even in exile. The Porsche was a symbol of their love and concern.
"Time to drive ourselves to class," Xinan said, grinning.
Ning nodded, retrieving the keys. "Let's go!"
As they settled into the luxurious interior, Ning felt a mix of emotions: gratitude for her parents' thoughtfulness and a hint of unease about the attention the car might attract.
Ning's eyes sparkled with curiosity as Xinan expertly navigated the electric Porsche through the morning traffic. "Xinan, how are you so good at driving and so fast?" she asked, her voice tinged with admiration.
Xinan's gaze remained fixed on the road, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. She deftly avoided the question, her expression turning serious. "Let's focus on getting to school, okay?"
Ning's curiosity was piqued, but she let it slide. As they arrived at school, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Sarah's absence nagged at her mind.
Oh and one thing, nobody actually cared about the car Ning used. 'maybe I was just paranoid"
During her classes, Ning's thoughts drifted to Sarah. She dialed her number, her concern evident in her voice. "Hey, where are you?"
Sarah's reassuring tone calmed Ning's nerves. "I had something important to take care of. Don't worry."
Ning's brow furrowed, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. She pushed aside her worries, focusing on her schoolwork.
At lunchtime, Ning joined Xinan in the cafeteria. Xinan had already ordered food for both, her thoughtful gesture warming Ning's heart. As Ning sat, a group of rowdy students passed by, one intentionally spilling a drink on her clothes.
Ning's anger flared, her eyes narrowing. Xinan swiftly grasped her hand, forcing her to sit. "Calm down," Xinan whispered, her eyes locked onto the students. "Let me handle this."
Xinan's intimidating stare sent shivers down their spines. Xinan's warning was low and even. "I'll poke my fingers in your eyes if you don't apologize now, no cap."
"We're sorry. Please forgive us senior."
The students hastily retreated, apologizing repeatedly as they fled. Ning's anger dissipated, replaced by amusement at Xinan's fierce protection. She smiled, her eyes crinkling. "Thanks, Xinan."
Xinan's expression softened, her eyes shining with warmth. "Anytime, Ning."
After lunch, Ning and Xinan attended their remaining classes, their afternoon passing without incident. As the school day drew to a close, they headed home, eager for a quiet evening.
A week passed, with school life unfolding smoothly. With vacation looming, excitement built among students.
Sarah, assistant course representative for Business Administration, organized a get-together at Miami Beach, scheduled for Thursday to Saturday. "Don't forget, everyone needs to submit their projects latest by Wednesday," she reminded Ning.
Ning jotted down notes, her brow furrowed in concentration. As Sarah scrolled through her phone, Ning's curiosity piqued. She gently took the phone, eyes widening at the screen.
"Wait, you listen to this?" Ning asked, amusement dancing in her voice.
Sarah smiled sheepishly. "I love it."
Ning's eyes sparkled. "You're so full of surprises, Sarah."
After discussing the get-together details, Sarah suddenly asked, "What do you mean I'm full of surprises?"
Ning laughed. "We never actually talked about our taste in music."
Sarah smiled defensively. "Chinese pop is pretty good!"
Ning's eyes sparkled. "I know, right? I stumbled upon this one song on Spotify. Needed something to calm me down, and it helped."
Sarah's expression changed to surprise. "You listen to him?"
Ning clarified, "Not really. I just found that one song calming."
Sarah chuckled, shaking her head. "His songs are upbeat, Ning! He's a rapper. He doesn't do calming songs. How did his music make you feel calm?"
Ning shrugged, looking puzzled. "I don't know. I just found it calming. It gave me peace of mind."
Sarah's intense gaze made Ning uncomfortable. She waved her hands, attempting to break the scrutiny. "Sarah, what's wrong?"
Sarah's smile returned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Okay, whatever calms you down."
Ning sensed a hidden meaning. "What do you mean?"
Sarah's grin grew mischievous. "Want to meet the person who calms you?"
Ning's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, you know him?"
Sarah teased, "A little bit."
Ning's excitement exploded. "Autograph! Please?"
"You'll get one." Sarah responded, smiling mischievously before muttering something else to herself. "... And more."
Ning, being very oblivious to what was going on, jumped, hugging Sarah tightly. "Thank you, Sarah!"
"Anything for you, princess"