17 Welcome Back

"Lady Seraphina. It's nice to see you again," Evelyn began and stood up, but Seraphina interrupted with a firm command.

"Sit."

Yep. He could see the resemblance. Xin thought. She must be Michael's daughter.

Observing her closely, Xin estimated that Seraphina was older than him.

Hers was a harsh austere beauty with purple eyes. Her long, flowing light blue hair almost appeared white under the room's bright lights.

She was dressed in a tight light blue dress that hugged her figure, adorned with delicate crystals and lace at the hem. A shiny pink diamond necklace adorned her neck, and she wore a rare Bijoux watch on her wrist. Completing her ensemble was a white coat and boots.

Xin estimated that her entire outfit cost a fortune, easily worth millions of dollars. Just the Bijoux watch alone was valued at around ten million or more.

The brand was highly regarded among the wealthy and influential. Owning at least one set was considered a status symbol in high society.

They were all the rage on [ClipCraze], a popular social media app where influencers, socialites, and celebrities showcased their extravagant lifestyles.

Seraphina's face possessed a captivating allure, fitting for the cover of any magazine, while her body exuded the elegance of a runway model.

However, Xin couldn't help but notice that she didn't smile. Not that he was judging her, as he himself rarely smiled.

Seconds when Michael entered the room, the waitstaff swiftly began serving the food. Xin gulped as he beheld the extravagant and exquisite dishes before him. It was like nothing he had ever seen or imagined.

The table was adorned with an array of delicacies, meticulously arranged with artistic precision. Sushi rolls glistened with fresh fish and vibrant vegetables, each one a miniature work of art. Slices of sashimi, so tender they seemed to melt in the mouth, were delicately arranged on a bed of ice.

Steaming bowls of miso soup emitted a tantalizing aroma, filled with fragrant herbs and ingredients that Xin couldn't even pronounce. Tempura shrimp and vegetables were fried to a perfect golden crispness, their light and airy coating tempting his taste buds.

Colorful plates of yakitori skewers showcased succulent pieces of grilled meat seasoned with a tantalizing blend of spices and sauces. And there, in the center of it all, sat a platter of the most prized delicacy — Wagyu beef. The marbling on the meat was so intricate that it resembled a piece of edible art.

Xin's stomach grumbled with anticipation as he eyed the delectable feast spread before him. The aroma of the food filled the room, making it hard for him to contain his hunger. He hadn't had breakfast, after all.

However, he restrained himself. He didn't want to embarrass his mother.

Michael and Seraphina were eating with grace and poise, with all the etiquette ironed with them since they were young. He had to match that at least, or try his best to act like a proper, educated human being.

"I'm glad that you're out of the hospital, Xin," Michael started.

"Augh . . . thank you." What was the best reply for this? Xin thought. Rather, how does he continue the conversation?

His mind raced to find the right words to respond. He didn't want to appear rude or ungrateful for their generosity.

Michael placed his chopstick on its holder and looked at Xin straight in the eyes while the chief cooked the wagyu beef to perfection.

"Evelyn told me about your circumstances. Do you want to go to school again?"

Michael's gaze was really intense, and Xin tried to match its intensity.

"Yes."

With his mother's heels digging against his shoe, he really couldn't say no.

"Then all you have to do is pass some test. Don't worry. It's rather easy. But I'm afraid that it will only advance you for two years. If you pass, you'll be a first-year college in Fate Academy."

". . ." First-year. . . He should be a third year by now, like Xiaxia, but Xin tried not to think about the years that left him because he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness and regret.

Xin couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion whenever he was reminded of the four years he had lost during his coma. It was as if time had stood still for him while the world around him had continued to move forward.

The pain of those missed years stirred up a mix of negative emotions inside him that he struggled to handle.

To cope with these emotions, Xin found it easier to push those memories aside and pretend that they didn't exist. It was a way for him to protect himself and make it through each day without dwelling on what he had missed.

"I'll try my best," Xin replied.

Michael nodded. "My daughter Seraphina is a graduating student at Fate Academy. You can search for her this coming Monday to help you around campus and your exam."

So she's a senior. Xin thought briefly, looking at Seraphina's way, but the latter was busy with her meal. Her face was a mask, beautiful, solemn, guarded, a face that gave nothing away.

"Its fine," Xin was quick to reply. "My sister is also going there. I can ask her. There's no need to trouble your daughter."

"It's no trouble at all, right Seraphina?"

Instead of answering, Seraphina stood to her feet, thanked her father for lunch, and grabbed her purse.

"I'm sorry, I have to leave first. I have a class after this," she said, her voice strangely flat but soothing.

Seraphina's outfit seemed too fancy for a regular class. Xin had initially thought she was headed to a party or some special event.

But he quickly reminded himself that Fate Academy was filled with elite students, so it shouldn't have come as a surprise.

Seraphina approached the door, paused, and looked his way. Xin expected her to say something dismissive or rude, given her aloof demeanor throughout their interaction.

However, to his astonishment, she stared directly at him. And then, for the first time, she smiled — a radiant smile that transformed her beautiful face into divine.

"Welcome back from the dead," she said, voice warm and teasing.

And she was gone.