Yao Yao took a deep breath, squared her tiny shoulders, and gave Su Mi a confident nod.
"Let's go."
Su Mi hesitated, glancing nervously at the noblewoman. "Are you sure about this, Yao Yao?"
"Of course!" Yao Yao huffed, flipping her silky black hair over her shoulder. "Look at me. There's no way she can just ignore someone this adorable."
Su Mi still looked unconvinced.
Yao Yao waved a hand dismissively. "Either way, it's time for my grand reintroduction."
Before Su Mi could protest, Yao Yao strutted forward with the confidence of a queen trapped in a five-year-old's body. She held her chin high, her back perfectly straight, and carried herself like a noble heiress. Even though she was dressed in plain, coarse fabric, she felt as if the people in the marketplace were moving aside for her.
Of course, that was just in her head.
She had nothing to fear.
After all, she was also a woman in her forties.
Well, technically.
That meant they were equals! Woman to woman.
What kind of woman could resist a precious little girl with flawless skin, big pink eyes, and an adorable, angelic face?
That's right. No one.
And if she succeeds, she will be waltzing back to the luxurious life she was born into—no more poverty.
As Yao Yao approached the noblewoman's carriage, she called out sweetly, "Good day! Lady Sh—I mean, my dearest mother! It's so nice to meet you here!"
Her voice was warm, affectionate, and perfectly innocent. She even gave a slight tilt of her head for an extra touch of cuteness. For a moment, the noblewoman's gaze rested upon her.
She heard her.
She saw her.
And then...
She turned away.
The two girls next to her also looked at Yao Yao. Unlike their mother, they displayed their emotions more openly. The younger girl appeared slightly surprised, while the older girl paused for a moment. Ultimately, they both entered the carriage silently, following their mother.
The door closed with a hollow thud. The driver climbed into his seat, gripping the reins in one hand. With a flick, the horses neighed, and the carriage rolled forward, carrying them away without a single glance back.
Yao Yao stood frozen in sheer disbelief.
…Excuse me?
Did—Did she just get dismissed like air?!
Her tiny hands balled into fists as her face turned red in frustration.
That woman! She just left without even looking at her!
Heat rushed to her face, and her cheeks flushed as irritation surged through her. Frustration bubbled up, hot and uncontrollable. Before she could stop herself, her little foot stomped down in fury!
"Oi! You rude woman!" Yao Yao yelled.
She waved her hands in exasperation, her tiny form quaking with righteous anger. "How dare you ignore someone as cute as me?! Don't you know who I am?! I'm—!"
A sudden burst of power shot out from her tiny hands.
CRACK!
A bright flash of energy slammed into the carriage's wheel.
The wooden wheel shattered upon impact.
Time seemed to slow. The carriage lurched violently to the side, the horses neighed in panic, the driver yelped, and then—
THUD!
The grand carriage tilted and collapsed onto the stone road with an earth-shaking crash....
Yao Yao stood there, her tiny arms still raised and her eyes wide with shock. Su Mi, who had been watching everything unfold, stood with her mouth slightly agape. The crowd gasped as people rushed forward to assess the damage.
Yao Yao slowly lowered her hands, her gaze shifting from the wrecked carriage… to Su Mi… back to the carriage… and then again to Su Mi.
Su Mi blinked.
Yao Yao blinked back.
"Su Mi," Yao Yao whispered, her voice soft and lips twitching slightly.
Su Mi gulped. "…Yes?"
"Pick me up and run."
"…."
Su Mi's instincts kicked in, and without hesitation, she grabbed Yao Yao hastily and ran.
Behind them, the noblewoman's furious voice pierced through the chaos—"GRAB THAT CHILD!"
"STOP THEM!" a guard shouted from behind.
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!" Yao Yao wailed as they fled through the crowded streets.
"RUN FASTER, SU MI!" Yao Yao urged, twisting her head to peek behind them.
"DO YOU THINK I'M A HORSE?!" Su Mi shot back, breathless but sprinting for dear life.
The guards were relentlessly chasing them through the bustling market crowd. Suddenly, Yao Yao's pink eyes lit up with a brilliant idea. If she could blast a carriage, she could blast some guards! She squirmed in Su Mi's hold, twisting around to face their pursuers.
"Yao Yao, what are you doing?!" Su Mi gasped, trying to keep her steady.
Yao Yao ignored her. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. A strange, rhythmic pulse thumped in her chest, hot and warm, as if something inside her was alive.
She clenched her tiny fists, reaching for the warm heat in her chest, deliberately spreading it across her body and eventually gathering it into her palm.
Slowly, she opened her eyes and lifted her hand as she aimed her palm at the approaching guards..
And then—
BANG!
Dust and debris erupted into the air, causing the guards to stop suddenly. They recoiled, coughing as they covered their faces from the sudden blast.
Yao Yao gasped.
It worked!
She could control it!
"I'M AMAZING!" Yao Yao shouted, her tiny face glowing with excitement.
Su Mi felt her soul leaving her body as the guards groaned in pain behind her. "STOP MAKING THIS WORSE THAN IT ALREADY IS!" she snapped between ragged breaths.
Taking advantage of the stunned guards, Su Mi quickly slipped into a narrow alley, disappearing from sight. The twisting path led her deeper into the city's maze-like backstreets. Su Mi was now breathing hard, her pace slowing. She wasn't built for long-distance sprints, especially while carrying an overly confident five-year-old.
After another turn, the alley suddenly opened up into a secluded garden. She stumbled to a stop, gasping for breath. Lowering Yao Yao to the ground, she leaned on her knees. "No more running... I can't... breathe..."
Yao Yao dusted herself off, completely unfazed. "Tsk. If only there is flying magic.."
Su Mi cast a withering glare at her, too tired to retort. Yao Yao Yao observed their surroundings and realised they had wandered into a garden.
A soft breeze rustled the leaves of a cherry blossom tree, and the scent of freshly brewed tea drifted through the air. Nearby, a conservatory stood, its structure elegant yet seemingly empty inside.
In the heart of the peaceful garden, a boy was seated at a table, sipping tea quietly. He appeared no older than twelve, clad in a crisp, well-tailored robe adorned with embroidered silver accents. His dark brown hair framed his face neatly, while his sharp golden eyes were a rare shade.
Showing no hint of surprise, the boy gently set down his teacup, glancing at Yao Yao and Su Mi with a touch of amusement.
"You two seem... troubled," his voice smooth and composed.
Yao Yao blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his clean demeanor.
"Who is this kid?" she wondered.
For years, she navigated the corporate world, dealing with people who hid their power behind charming smiles. But this boy, despite his delicate appearance, had a strong presence that made it clear he was no ordinary child. His magical power seemed to hum just beneath the surface, almost imperceptibly.
She tilted her head, a curious look crossing her face. "Who are you?"
The boy smiled gently as if her question didn't concern him. He offered a soft smile, his golden eyes glinting mysteriously. "I could ask the same of you," he said, his tone light, but Yao Yao didn't miss the sharpness beneath it.
"Especially when you're the ones who stumbled into my private space."