### Chapter 10: Meeting an Old Friend in a Strange Land
The morning light filtered in as she pulled back the curtain.
Lianhua sat on the edge of her bed, gracefully lifting her leg.
In the hazy, clear light, the young girl’s snow-white feet resembled fresh eggs or smooth, creamy milk. Each graceful, slender leg was flawlessly white, with evenly and tightly distributed muscles that were plump yet delicate. Even the pale skin, almost transparent, revealed delicate blue veins beneath.
It looked like a piece of art displayed in a glass cabinet, elegant and exquisite.
But soon enough, all of this beauty would be concealed by sheer white stockings, which wasn’t so bad after all.
Lianhua elegantly put on her pantyhose, smoothing out the wrinkles. Her smooth skin clung to the high-quality silk stockings, accentuating her plumpness and adding a unique charm.
She bent her toes slightly, the well-rounded toes wrapped in the white stockings slipping into her shoes. The hint of pink nails became coyly hidden underneath.
Lianhua swayed while looking at herself in the mirror—proper attire, composed appearance—and she smiled contentedly, pleased with her look.
“Should be good to go then?”
This wasn’t for a date or anything. This was just for the performance.
After all, as a performer, one should always present their best self to the audience.
But perhaps it might be different for the puppeteer.
Would the spotlight on her make the audience focus more on her than the puppets?
Still, there was something troubling about it.
“Yeah, no big deal.”
After all, there’s only one audience member—a cute girl—and she wouldn’t stare at her rudely during the show like some boys do.
Lianhua swayed again in front of the mirror as she murmured.
“Is this a bit odd…?”
To get so dolled up for someone she just met isn’t quite normal. She could imagine people mistaking her for a date if her dad saw her.
“Forget it, it’s about winning hearts!”
With that, Lianhua headed off to freshen up for the day. She’d be learning some new skills today and then heading to the park later.
The educational system had changed in this era. School hours were cut down so students had more time to develop other talents. Apart from essential knowledge, the rest was up to individuals.
Because Lianhua hadn’t taken any random classes, she had ample free time every afternoon.
Dad already left for work. After washing up, Lianhua began breakfast.
That stepmom lounged in the living room watching TV, clearly a housewife.
After finishing breakfast, Lianhua got ready to leave.
Her stepmom glanced at her, noting her meticulous grooming, and smirked. “Why so fancy? Off on a date?”
Lianhua replied calmly, “No, I’m just going.”
With that, she exited the house.
“Tsk!”
That stepmom glared, anger rising.
“This brat seems less respectful. Does she think less of me? d*mn.”
She picked up the phone and called someone.
“We need to move the plan forward. I’ll provide daily routes and tamper with her alarms. Be quick and clean. No traces, understand?”
With that, she hung up.
Calmly, a sinister smirk spread across her face.
“She’ll cry soon enough, thanks to you being that woman’s daughter.”
…
Yun Chang woke up around nine in the morning.
After a quick wash, she went to eat.
But almost immediately, she spotted a familiar face nearby.
A handsome black-haired young man with a gentle smile, like a neighborhood elder brother.
“Huh? What’s going on here?”
Wasn’t that her neighbor Mo Tu?
Why would he show up here?
Is she in Shanghe? Not Yun Chang?
If she didn’t know better, she might’ve thought she was back in real time.
Wait, maybe Mo Tu lives in Shanghe in this timeline, too, moving to the neighboring Yun Chang only in a year.
Now, meeting him is quite a coincidence!
“Fate, huh? Impressive.”
She wanted to wave hello, but quickly remembered he likely doesn’t recognize her yet.
“Nah, breakfast first.”
As she turned to leave, she felt his gaze.
“Did I give myself away?”
Guess her stare was pretty obvious.
But Mo Tu surprised her by walking over.
“Well, look who’s noticed me?”
As Yun Chang struggled to understand, Mo Tu stood before her smiling.
“Hey there, little lady, can I ask a question?”
“Uh…sure, ask away…”
She stammered, regaining her composure.
While she doesn’t dislike this future neighbor, she still considers him a stranger for now.
Probably just asking routine questions, right?
“Do you know me?”
“What?” Yun Chang got another shock.
How did he think she’d know him?
Was it her stare?
Holy cow, what kind of super observation skills!
He might have a future as a detective.
But even if they knew each other, she wouldn’t admit it.
“No.”
“Well.”
Mo Tu smiled gently, not pushing further.
“By the way, I just got here for business. Know anything about the city?”
Yun Chang glanced around him, noticing their proximity.
Just a few meters away, they lived close by?
How unexpected.
“No, not really, either.”
“I see.”
Yun Chang tried to leave.
Hungry, she needed food. Avoiding small talk was her goal.
“Um, I gotta go.”
“Okay, see ya.”
With a nod, she walked away.
Mo Tu watched her leave, stroking his chin.
“Interesting, maybe I do know her.”
