Re-birth: The Beginning after the End - Chapter 46

Chapter 46: NEW HOME

As she lay between her sleeping brothers, Li Hua found herself enveloped in a warmth that had nothing to do with shared blankets. Li Wei’s gentle snoring mixed with Li Hao’s peaceful breathing created a symphony of trust and comfort she had never known in her previous life.

To her right, Li Wei had unconsciously curled toward her, one hand loosely gripping the edge of her sleeve—a habit he’d developed since his fall. On her left, Li Hao had sprawled out like a starfish, yet somehow maintained contact with her shoulder, as if ensuring his sister wouldn’t disappear while he slept.

The events of her birthday washed over her like gentle waves: this morning’s earnest training with her brothers, the fascinating knowledge lesson about the five realms, her father’s hilarious retreat, her mother’s lovingly prepared longevity noodles that promised a hundred years of life, and the precious celestial diamond earrings that now adorned her ears. Her fingers traced the star-shaped celestial diamonds, their cool surface a reminder of her mother’s fierce protection and careful planning. Here, each moment had been wrapped in genuine love and thoughtful intention.

Little Firefly stirred in her consciousness; his presence warm with contentment. “Master,” he whispered in her thoughts, “your happiness… it feels like sunlight.”

A smile tugged at her lips as she realized he was right. The constant “roller coaster” of emotions wasn’t chaos—it was life, real and vibrant and full of joy she’d never dared to imagine possible.

Li Hua closed her eyes and entered her space.

“Master!” Little Firefly greeted as he flew into her embrace causing her to chuckle.

The familiar warmth of her sanctuary enveloped her as Little Firefly’s ethereal glow cast dancing shadows in the forest of the inner space.

“A lot has happened today, and you’ve been so quiet.” Li Hua said as she walked over to the spirit river. Little Firefly’s light pulsed in sync with her heartbeat as he nestled in her arms.

“I’ve been watching, learning,” he replied, his voice carrying the wisdom that belied his playful nature. “Your parents speak of each realm not from scrolls or second-hand knowledge, but from memory itself. The way your father’s voice shifted when describing the Celestial Plains, how your mother’s eyes held understanding—they’ve experienced these realms firsthand, walked their paths, witnessed their wonders.”

His light dimmed slightly, taking on a deeper golden hue. “And those celestial diamonds your mother gifted you… they’re transcendent. They resonate with pure elemental energy, like captured stars eager to dance. When you wear them, I can feel them humming with anticipation, as if they’ve been waiting countless years for someone who could unlock their true potential.”

Li Hua nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. “Come, let’s continue my training.”

“Wait, Master!” Little Firefly’s excitement pulsed through their shared consciousness. “I made a discovery while you were occupied with your birthday celebrations and lessons.”

“Oh?” Li Hua’s eyebrow arched with curiosity. “What kind of discovery?”

“Follow me, Master!” Little Firefly darted from her arms, his golden light trailing through the ethereal landscape of her inner space. He soared past the jade pavilion and across the ornate bridge, leading her toward the open field beyond. Li Hua followed at an unhurried pace, her steps graceful and measured.

The empty field before them suddenly began to ripple and shift, reality bending like a mirage in desert heat. Li Hua’s instincts kicked in instantly—her body dropped into a defensive stance, muscles coiled and ready to strike at the first sign of threat.

But as the distortion settled, a magnificent Siheyuan emerged from nothingness. Li Hua’s tension melted away, replaced by quiet wonder. Her eyes widened as she took in the traditional courtyard house that somehow bridged both her worlds—its classic architecture echoing her current family home, while subtle modern touches whispered of her past life. Every detail stood in perfect clarity, from the intricate roof tiles to the contemporary fixtures that made it uniquely familiar.

“Master, it seems we can construct whatever dwelling we desire here,” Little Firefly explained, his light pulsing with pride at his discovery. “It could be this courtyard house, or…”

The Siheyuan rippled and transformed, its traditional form giving way to a sleek two-story modern home that would have looked at home in any upscale neighborhood from her past life.

“Or even this…” Little Firefly’s voice softened as the building shifted once more, growing and expanding until Li Hua found herself staring at an exact replica of her three-story mansion—the home where she had lived as CEO of her multi-billion dollar empire.

“My home?” The words escaped Li Hua’s lips in a whisper, her composed facade cracking slightly as memories flooded back. Her eyes reflected a kaleidoscope of emotions: nostalgia for the life she’d left behind, appreciation for the power and success that home had represented, and a complex mix of relief and sadness at seeing it here, in this new world, as nothing more than a beautiful illusion.

Then the darker memories surfaced—the day she died in that very garden. Her sister’s face flashed before her, twisted with betrayal and hatred. The three hundred men surrounding her—including those whose lives she had saved—their guns trained on her in a perfect circle of steel and ingratitude. The memory sliced through her mind with knife-edge clarity, as sharp and painful as the day it happened.

Li Hua shook her head forcefully, dispersing the thoughts. Her eyes refocused on the mansion before her, but now its grand facade seemed to mock her with echoes of that final betrayal.

“Let’s change it for now,” she said softly, her voice steady despite the tremor in her heart. “I liked the courtyard house better but…make it bigger.” The simpler structure felt more fitting for this new life—a bridge between past and present that didn’t carry the weight of her last moments. The mansion before them shifted back into the courtyard.

“Yes master,” Little Firefly responded, knowing exactly what swirled in his master’s thoughts. He had initially hesitated to reveal the mansion, fearing it might resurrect painful memories, but concealing its existence would have felt like a betrayal of their trust. Perhaps it was better this way—facing the past together, even if only to choose to turn away from it.

Li Hua watched as the home transformed before her eyes, traditional elements blending seamlessly with modern luxury. Sleek marble columns rose alongside preserved wooden beams, while floor-to-ceiling windows replaced traditional walls, their crystal-clear surfaces framed by elegant stone archways.

At the courtyard’s heart featured a sophisticated reflection pool, its black granite surface creating a mirror-like expanse broken only by geometric platforms that seemed to float on water. Red silk-like peonies lined the edges of the walkways, their delicate petals catching the breeze in a mesmerizing dance. Their movement created an illusion of flowing water, complementing the stillness of the reflection pool below. Ornate bronze lanterns hung at regular intervals, their warm glow reflecting off the polished stone and creating an ethereal atmosphere that bridged the gap between traditional charm and contemporary elegance.

“Let me show you each wing, Master,” Little Firefly’s light bobbed excitedly as he guided her through the doorways. “To the east, your training sanctuary.” Li Hua stepped into a vast space with polished floors and mirrored walls, perfect for cultivation and combat practice. The room seemed to hum with potential.

“The northern wing houses your private quarters,” he continued, leading her into a sophisticated suite. A master bedroom stood empty, awaiting the basic necessities—sheets, pillows, blankets, and other comforts that would make it truly livable. The spa-like bathroom with its large deep soaking tub and rainfall shower, all carved from single pieces of jade and marble, would need towels and amenities. An enormous walk-in closet waited to be filled with whatever garments she might bring.

“And here,” he guided her to the southern wing, “your kitchen and dining space.” The kitchen gleamed with modern appliances and smooth marble countertops—like a showroom display waiting for its first meal to be prepared.

“Master, it’s not quite livable yet—we’ll need to bring in necessities and food,” Little Firefly explained, seeming to read her thoughts. “But it’s quite good, isn’t it? The home exists to store temporary things and makes it convenient to access rather than constantly taking the jade pavilion to the storage area.”

Li Hua nodded, a smile playing at her lips. “You’ve done well, Little Firefly.”

“I tried to capture your essence in every detail, Master,” Little Firefly’s light brightened with pride. Each room perfectly balanced traditional elements with modern luxury, as if he had carefully studied her memories and shaped the space to match her refined tastes. “Though of course, we can adjust anything that’s not to your liking.”

“No, it’s perfect. This,” she said softly to Little Firefly, “this feels right. It honors the past without being consumed by it.”

“It does indeed, master.” Little Firefly bounced behind her, his golden light casting dancing shadows across their new sanctuary.

“Can you fill it with the things I’ve stored?” Li Hua asked.

“Yes, master. Just tell me what you want brought here.”

Li Hua thought carefully about what she needed. “Let’s start with one of each sustenance in the kitchen. Place them in the middle of the room so I can organize them properly later.”

“Yes, master.”

“Next, bring out one roll of silk and one roll of cotton and place that in my room.”

She paused, mentally reviewing her inventory. For a moment, she regretted not getting any cleaning supplies.

“That should be all for now. I’m going to head to the Jade pavilion to change first—I need to train. I’ll come back to organize everything afterward.”

Little Firefly nodded and began materializing all the requested items from the shelves.