Shen Nian leaned against her seat, propping up her face to look at her parents.
It had been a few days since she was reborn and returned, and she had gradually gotten used to her current life, looking forward to seeing Yan again even more.
Just as she was thinking, Yan's soft and sweet voice rang out.
"Nian Nian!"
Shen Nian gave a start, and subconsciously looked around.
Shen Shu patted her head, reminding her, "Nian Nian, Yan is over there."
Before Shen Nian could react, the little girl had already rushed to her, hopping happily and waving to her, "Nian Nian, I'm here!"
Shen Nian's brows softened, "Yan, how did you get here?" As she spoke, she suddenly saw Ye Anning next to Sui Yan.
Ye Anning tugged at the corner of her mouth when she saw her, and Shen Nian was momentarily stunned.
This... doesn't seem quite right!
Oblivious to the interaction between the two sisters, Sui Yan happily told Shen Nian, "Nian Nian, I came here to eat with Mom."
Shen Nian automatically responded, but her mind grew more muddled.
What exactly is going on here? It definitely wasn't like this before! Didn't Yan's mother pass away?
Just as she was thinking this, Ye Anning said lightly, "Uncle, Auntie, Yan and I need to go find our parents, otherwise they'll start worrying."
Lin Yifeng smiled, "Alright, when Yan gets home she can call Nian Nian."
Sui Yan obediently nodded, "Mm!"
As she watched Ye Anning lead Sui Yan away, Shen Nian couldn't help but fall into contemplation.
She had clearly seen that look in Ye Anning's eyes, that cold yet meaningful look directed at her.
Could it be that she had also... Just what was going on here?
Lin Yifeng stroked her daughter's head, "Nian Nian, do you miss Yan?"
Shen Nian returned to her senses, "Mm, I don't know when I can see Yan again."
Shen Shu felt a little guilty, "Nian Nian, it's all because your dad lacks ability."
Shen Nian didn't quite follow her dad's train of thought, "Dad, what's wrong?"
Shen Shu sighed, "If your dad had ability, you would be able to see Yan often."
The difference between their family and Yan's family is too great after all.
Shen Nian couldn't help laughing, "Dad, it's not your fault." She had always felt her dad had enough trouble dealing with their extended family.
...
After following the adults with Sui Yan in tow, Ye Anning quietly moved closer to Sui Yu and Sui Zhi.
Noticing her approach, the others also sensed something amiss.
Qiao Ze's eyes flashed, seeming to anticipate something.
Ye Anning noticed his gaze. In a low voice she said, "Shen Nian is probably the same as us."
They all understood what she meant by "the same" - the same experience and... the same purpose.
Qiao Ze didn't speak, but it was obvious he breathed a sigh of relief.
Being led by the hand, Sui Yan looked at them bewildered, "Sis, what are you talking about?"
Ye Anning pressed her lips, "Yan, do you like Shen Nian?"
It took Sui Yan a moment to realize Ye Anning was talking about her Nian Nian. Her brows lifted happily, "Like!"
Ye Anning gave a helpless smile, gently rubbing her head.
...
Liu Hua watched the children playing boisterously in the living room, feeling she had forgotten something.
She shook her head, intending to go about her business. But in that moment she suddenly remembered.
She called out to Sui Yu and Sui Zhi, "Little Yu, Little Zhi, when do you need to go back to school?"
Sui Yu gave a start. He silently looked to Sui Zhi. Clearly... Sui Zhi had also forgotten about school.
He sighed, "Mom, we'll head back to school tomorrow."
Sitting on the floor fiddling with toys, the little girl stared blankly at them. She pouted, "Mom, I want to go to school too." She had never been to school yet!
Liu Hua frowned, "You're still so young, what school? Little Ze should be going to school now."
Qiao Ze had no objections, "Auntie, can I go to the same school as Sui Yu and Sui Zhi?"
Liu Hua nodded, "I had someone help with the paperwork earlier, but then forgot again these days... I'll take you three to school tomorrow then."
Sui Yu pressed his brow, "Alright."
Sui Yan was very aggrieved, "Mommy, there won't be anyone at home to play with Yan anymore."
AhMan weakly spoke up, "Yan, you still have me."
Sui Yan: "...Hmph!"
Sui Zhi couldn't help laughing, "Mom, Yan can go to kindergarten now."
Just thinking of Yan going to school made Liu Hua's unease grow stronger. She brushed it off, "Let's talk about it later."
Everyone noticed Liu Hua's issue, but they didn't insist on continuing the conversation for now.
As for Shen Nian's side...
She had stayed home to rest for shock the past few days. Only when it came time to go to school did she remember something.
Although she had no connection with Ye Anning, she more or less understood Ye Anning had also returned through rebirth.
It was very likely the rest of them had gone through the same. Otherwise, the current circumstances could not possibly differ so much from the previous life.
If that was the case, then Lu Yunling might also have returned through rebirth...
Lu Yunling was Shen Nian's classmate, and they had always been on very good terms. If she had also been reborn, Shen Nian felt she would be quite happy.
She rubbed her face and got into her family car, heading to school.
By the time she arrived at school, class had already started. Shen Nian declined her parents' offer to take her to the classroom, walking into school with her backpack alone.
"Reporting!"
The teacher was in mid-lecture when a cool yet tender voice suddenly sounded from the classroom doorway.
She instinctively glanced over. The girl had exquisite features, but her expression was indifferent.
The teacher was startled for a moment before waving her hand, "Shen Nian, come on in."
Shen Nian strode into the classroom and immediately spotted her seatmate, Lu Yunling, with a glance.
She blinked at Lu Yunling, but noticed the other was looking at her with unfriendly eyes.
Shen Nian felt puzzled. Without stopping, she made her way to her seat before hearing Lu Yunling give a cold humph.
"... "
Shen Nian took out her textbook, appearing to listen attentively to the lesson. But her gaze kept shifting to Lu Yunling.
Unaware she was being watched, Lu Yunling's expression was slightly arrogant, with an air of disdain for all around her.
Shen Nian looked away again, lovely brows knitting together.
This Lu Yunling was completely unlike someone who had returned through rebirth, matching instead her original temperament at this age - obscurely haughty, cold, selfish. It was only later after getting to know Sui Yan that she slowly improved.
Shen Nian sighed. She decided to still find an opportunity to properly chat with Ye Anning.
Not knowing anything for certain now was really quite annoying.
