Immortal Serenade

7. New Beginnings

Lin Xi woke up to the warm rays of sunlight peeking through the window, casting a gentle glow on her face. She stretched her arms and yawned, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. She looked around the room, noticing that she was alone. Mei Lan must have already gotten up and started her day.

Curious, Lin Xi got out of bed and made her way to the garden. She found Mei Lan there, watering her plants with a gentle touch. Mei Lan's face was serene, her eyes shining with happiness as she tended to her garden. Lin Xi couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the older woman's beauty and grace.

"Good morning, Mei Lan," Lin Xi said, approaching her. "Do you need any help?"

Mei Lan looked up, a warm smile on her face. "Good morning, Lin Xi! I'm almost done here. Why don't you go freshen up instead? You must be hungry after a good night's sleep."

Lin Xi nodded, feeling a bit awkward but grateful for Mei Lan's kindness. She headed back inside to wash her face and change into some clean clothes.

Meanwhile, Mei Lan went back into her house, her hands moving deftly as she started preparing breakfast. The aroma of stir-frying vegetables and cooking rice filled the air, making Lin Xi's stomach growl with anticipation.

Just as Mei Lan was expertly flipping an egg in the pan, Chen Rui and Hei Bai emerged from their room, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. Their faces lit up as they caught the savory aromas wafting from the kitchen.

"Ah, Mei Lan, you're cooking!" Chen Rui exclaimed, his stomach growling in anticipation.

Hei Bai's eyes widened as he took in the spread on the table. "Wow, it looks amazing!"

Mei Lan chuckled, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Good morning, boys! I thought I'd make some breakfast to start the day off right."

Lin Xi joined them, her hair freshly washed and her face glowing from a quick wash. "Mei Lan, it all looks delicious!"

Mei Lan smiled, her hands moving efficiently as she served the food. "Let's sit down and enjoy our meal together. We have a lot to discuss today."

As they sat down to eat, the atmosphere was filled with the warmth and comfort of a family sharing a meal together. But beneath the surface, Lin Xi couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Mei Lan's kindness than met the eye...

In the Fairy Realm, Lin Xi's parents stood before Lord Yuhuang. They had come to plead for their daughter's forgiveness, but the weight of their task settled heavily upon them.

Lord Yuhuang's throne room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft rustle of his robes as he moved. His eyes, once warm and kind, now seemed cold and unforgiving.

"So, you have come to beg for Lin Xi's forgiveness," he stated, his voice devoid of emotion.

Lin Xi's father stepped forward, his voice trembling. "Yes, great Lord Yuhuang. We know our daughter was wrong to interfere with fate, but she was young and foolish. She didn't mean to cause harm."

Lord Yuhuang's gaze turned icy. "Her actions took my daughter Jing from me. I will not forgive so easily."

Lin Xi's father fell to his knees. "We understand your pain, Lord Yuhuang. But please, have mercy on our child. She is alone in the mortal realm, with no one to guide her."

Lord Yuhuang's expression remained unyielding. "She should have thought of that before she defied the laws of the Fairy Realm. I will not be swayed. Lin Xi's fate is sealed."

Lin Xi's mother fell to her knees, her wings trembling with desperation. "Great Lord Yuhuang, please! Have mercy on our daughter! She was foolish and impulsive, but she didn't mean to cause harm. She's our only child, and we can't bear the thought of losing her forever."