Chapter 24 --- The Final Phase
By the time Bai Xia got home, it was already 6 p.m. The golden hue of the setting sun cast long shadows across the Bai family courtyard. As she stepped in, the faint chill in the evening air brushed against her uniform, but her calm steps didn't waver.
From across the yard, Bai Gin's sharp gaze nearly burned holes through her—eyes spitting daggers filled with resentment and jealousy. Bai Xia caught that glare but walked past her as if she hadn't even noticed.
After all, ignoring someone was sometimes sharper than any word could ever be.
Bai Gin's lips trembled with anger. She had tattled about Bai Xia to her mother earlier that day, hoping to see her humiliated—but instead, her mother had turned the scolding on her, sending her out to "reflect on her behavior."
The memory still stung.
Meanwhile, Bai Xia moved gracefully toward her small wooden room. In the courtyard, Bai Yang and Bai Xin—her younger siblings—were waiting for her, both dressed in crisp new uniforms. When they saw her, their faces immediately brightened like twin lanterns.
"Big Sister! You're so beautiful today!" Bai Xin chirped, her soft voice filled with admiration.
Bai Yang nodded eagerly beside her. "Yeah, even some girls at school were saying our sister looks like she came out of a painting!"
Bai Xia smiled faintly, her calm expression softening. "You two are talking nonsense again."
Bai Xin grinned mischievously, then tugged at her uniform sleeve. "We know it was you who bought us these new books and uniforms, Big Sister. Mom said she didn't, and we don't have any money... so it has to be you."
Bai Yang scratched his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "Yeah... thank you, Sister. We'll study hard and make you proud."
Bai Xia looked at them quietly, warmth flickering in her usually composed eyes. "That's all I ask. Just study well and don't worry about anything else."
The siblings exchanged a quick glance and beamed. "Okay! We're going out to play now before dinner!"
Bai Xia nodded. "Be careful."
With laughter trailing behind them, the two dashed out of the courtyard, leaving Bai Xia alone under the dim orange glow of dusk.
Once the door of her small wooden room was shut tightly, she exhaled softly and entered her space.
Unlike before, Stella didn't immediately pounce on her. Instead, she stood gracefully nearby, waiting until Bai Xia settled down.
"Good evening, Bai Xia."
"Good evening, Stella. How have you been?"
"I've been doing well," Stella replied with a small pout. "But... I would like a change of environment."
Bai Xia chuckled softly, her calm tone carrying quiet authority. "It's not time to bring you out yet. Please be patient—I'm working on it. For now, make me something to eat."
"Right away, Bai Xia!"
As Stella bustled away, Bai Xia walked toward the shimmering river within her space. The water's surface reflected soft light like liquid silver. When she stepped in, the cool, soothing sensation wrapped around her. The river's healing and beautification properties were working wonders—her skin now had a soft glow, smooth and spotless like jade.
After her bath, she found a small patch of green grass and sat cross-legged, her calm expression returning as she said in a quiet voice:
"Status."
---
Host: Bai Xia
Height: 5'6
Stamina: 20
Strength: 20
Intelligence: 20
Charisma: 20
Beauty: 23
Skills: Business Tycoon, Frost Eyes, Reaper Tears, Crystal Eyes
Knowledge: Master of All Tongues (MAT), Martial Arts (MA)
EXP Points: 50
Mission Points: 20
Space Size: 2000 acres
Money Bag: 40,000
---
(Mission)
Accumulate a net worth of 100 million yen
Reward: 100 EXP, 50 Mission Points
---
(Notifications)
Congratulations on using skill Crystal Eyes
EXP +10
Mission Points +5
---
Bai Xia closed the interface. She didn't want to buy anything yet—she remembered how costly the Martial Arts Skill had been, so she decided to hold back for now.
"System, is there a way for me to automatically claim my daily rewards?"
"Yes," the mechanical voice answered. "It is done. Your daily rewards will now be automatically added to your money bag at dawn."
"Good."
After finishing the meal Stella prepared, Bai Xia exited her space. Opening her school bag, she carefully counted the cash inside—it totaled 6,000 yen. She tucked the money into a small purse that came with her bag, then hid it safely inside.
Soon enough, they would leave the Bai family for good.
---
The days that followed passed swiftly, like wind brushing through spring grass.
At school, Bai Xia became the quiet center of attention. On Tuesday, a few boys had shyly approached her with gifts—flowers, chocolates, and neatly folded love letters. By Wednesday, whispers followed her in the hallways. On Thursday, she caught girls glancing her way with curiosity and envy.
But Bai Xia never let any of it touch her.
She would simply smile politely, reject their advances with gentle words, and return to her seat with that same calm composure that made people both admire and fear her.
By Friday evening, at around 6 p.m., everyone in the Bai family had returned from school and work. The courtyard was full—no one was missing.
Bai Xia sat quietly, her gaze distant, waiting. Her calm face gave away nothing, but inside, her thoughts were sharp and precise.
Today would mark the final phase of her plan.
And just as she finished that thought—
The old, frail gates of the Bai courtyard swung open with a loud bang.