The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of Zi Ning's new room in the Zi estate. The room was spacious, decorated with elegant furniture, soft carpets, and a large wardrobe filled with designer clothes. It was the kind of luxury that most people could only dream of.
Yet, as Zi Ning sat by the vanity, brushing her hair, she felt a strange sense of distance.
She had grown up in an ordinary family. She had learned to fight for everything she had. Now, overnight, she had become the heiress of not one but two of the wealthiest families in China.
It was overwhelming.
But she was not the type to run away.
A soft knock came from the door.
"Come in," she said calmly.
The door opened, and a young maid entered with a tray of breakfast. The girl looked nervous, carefully placing the food on the table before bowing.
"Miss Ning, if you need anything, just call me."
Zi Ning glanced at her. The maid was young, probably no older than twenty. Her hands trembled slightly as she poured the tea.
Zi Ning's voice was gentle. "What's your name?"
The maid's eyes widened, as if she hadn't expected the question. "I—I'm Xiao Mei."
Zi Ning gave a small nod. "Thank you, Xiao Mei."
The maid's face turned red, and she quickly lowered her head. "It's my duty, Miss Ning."
Zi Ning smiled faintly and picked up the teacup.
Even in this place of luxury, there were still people who had to serve others.
She would never forget where she came from.
After breakfast, Zi Ning was led to the main hall, where Zi Rong and Zi Heng were already waiting.
Zi Heng gestured toward the large TV screen mounted on the wall.
"You need to see this."
Zi Ning took a seat, and the screen flickered to life, showing a news broadcast.
"Breaking news! The lost heiress of the Zi and Yan families has been found! Actress and model Zi Ning, previously believed to be from an ordinary background, is actually the biological daughter of the Yan family and the granddaughter of the Zi family!"
Images of her flashed on the screen—photos from past events, scenes from her acting career, and even some private pictures from years ago.
Zi Ning's expression remained unreadable.
The anchor continued, "Many netizens are shocked by this revelation. Some are calling it the 'real-life Cinderella story.' Others are questioning how such a powerful family lost their daughter for so many years…"
Zi Ning's lips curled slightly.
Cinderella?
This wasn't a fairy tale.
It was a battlefield.
Zi Rong turned to her. "From now on, the public will watch your every move. Some will support you. Others will try to bring you down."
Zi Heng added, "And those who don't want you to inherit your rightful place will do everything to destroy you."
Zi Ning placed the teacup down with a soft clink.
"I understand."
Zi Rong smiled with approval. "Good."
While the Zi family prepared for Zi Ning's official return to high society, others were already plotting against her.
In a private room of an upscale restaurant, Wang Yin scrolled through her phone, reading the news updates.
Her nails tapped against the screen, her expression cold.
Across from her, Guo Bao sat with a cigarette between his fingers. He looked irritated.
"I still can't believe it. That woman is actually the real heiress? What kind of joke is this?"
Wang Yin sneered. "Does it matter? Just because she has their blood doesn't mean she can take over their power."
Guo Bao exhaled a puff of smoke. "What are you suggesting?"
Wang Yin leaned closer, her voice sharp.
"She grew up as a commoner. Do you think the elite circles will accept her so easily? She will be tested. And if she fails…"
Guo Bao smirked. "Then she'll be humiliated in front of everyone."
Wang Yin nodded. "Exactly. And we will make sure she fails."
Two days later, Zi Ning was officially introduced to the elite society of Beijing.
Zi Rong arranged a grand banquet at the Imperial Pearl Hotel, one of the most exclusive venues in the city. Only the richest and most powerful families were invited.
As Zi Ning stepped out of the black luxury car, cameras flashed instantly.
Reporters had gathered outside the hotel, eager to capture the first appearance of the lost heiress.
She was dressed in a fitted white gown that hugged her elegant figure. Her long hair cascaded down her back, and her makeup was subtle yet flawless.
She looked every bit the wealthy heiress.
She walked past the flashing cameras without hesitation, her every movement calm and graceful.
The moment she entered the banquet hall, all eyes turned to her.
Some were filled with curiosity.
Some with admiration.
And some… with jealousy.
As Zi Ning greeted several business figures, a voice suddenly rang out.
"Miss Zi Ning, it's quite surprising to see you here."
She turned.
Zi Rui stood there, his arms crossed. His expression was polite, but his eyes were filled with arrogance.
Zi Rui—the grandson of Zi Qian. He had always been considered one of the strongest successors of the Zi family.
And now, she was here to threaten his position.
Zi Ning gave a small smile. "It's surprising for me too. I never thought I would be part of such a grand event."
Zi Rui's lips curled. "It must be difficult, right? Suddenly entering such a high-class society when you've spent most of your life as an outsider."
Zi Ning's expression did not change.
"Not really," she replied lightly. "I've always known how to handle difficult situations."
Zi Rui's eyes darkened slightly.
Some of the guests around them chuckled.
Zi Ning had countered his words effortlessly.
Just then, another voice interrupted.
"I don't believe we've met."
Zi Ning turned again, this time facing a new opponent.
A young woman, dressed in a dazzling red dress, stepped forward.
Her face was beautiful, her makeup perfect, but her eyes were sharp—like a predator studying its prey.
Everyone in the room knew who she was.
Huo Lian.
Daughter of the powerful Huo family.
A socialite known for her ruthlessness in the elite circle.
And judging by the look in her eyes, she saw Zi Ning as a threat.
Zi Ning gave a small nod. "Zi Ning."
Huo Lian smiled, but there was no warmth in it. "Of course. You've been quite the topic of conversation lately."
Zi Ning met her gaze calmly. "I'm honored."
The tension in the air thickened.
It was clear.
This was just the beginning of the storm.