It was a habit she had formed after years of working as the CEO of Li Corporation.
A sudden realization struck her, she was in her bedroom? She was supposed to be dead, wasn't she? Or the drug was not meant to kill her?
While she was lost in thought, trying to put her memories in place, the sound of the door opening brought her back.
She walked out of the closet to see Si Jianyu standing in all his glory.
She rubbed her eyes. What was going on?
"Good morning, Young Miss. I'm pleased to report that last night, we successfully signed the contract with Ainz Software." Si Jianyu gave her a socially acceptable smile. There was a hint of pride in his voice as he gazed at her with awe.
"Ainz Software?" She repeated. She recalled that the deal with Ainz Software was what led the Li Real Estates into the tech world, so why was he talking about things that occurred years ago.
Besides, was he not shot? What was going on. While she was trying to wrap her fingers around the report, he interrupted her thoughts.
"Also, the Qingming festival[1] coming up tomorrow…" His voice was solemn but it hid empathy.
This was the first Qingming festival after the death of her parents. Though, he did not want to remind her of their death. She also had to visit their grave alongside her other relatives.
As she was so focused on work, her Grandfather, Li Fu was worried that she would not remember. He was also worried that she would remember and become sad again. He knew she had placed all her attention on work to forget their death.
As she was so focused on work, her Grandfather, Li Fu, was worried that she would not remember. He was also worried that she would remember and become sad again. He knew she had placed all her attention on work to forget their death.
"Qingming," she repeated. She recalled having not gone to their graves for a few years now.
Other than the first year, she had never gone back there. As for Ainz Software, they have been faithful partners for long. So why?
"Young Miss," her secretary called out, he sounded worried because she appeared absentminded. He concluded it might be because she was reminded of her parents.
Li Baozhai held her head as a rush of information clouded her brain before collapsing.
"Baozhai!" Si Jianyu's voice rang.
Those were the last words she heard before falling into the deep. Everything was dark but in that darkness, she was awakened.
She saw images of the past, her memories, some she recognized, some she didn't. The future after she died, she supposed. Or was it not? She had no idea. It was fast. Almost confusing as she couldn't really grasp the information she was seeing.
...
Two hours later, her eyes opened.
By her bedside was her grandfather and grandmother. Si Jianyu stood at the foot of her bed.
"Grandfather," her fruity voice sounded.
Immediately, every sign of exhaustion wore off his face as his eyes brightened.
Li Fu sighed, "Xiao Zhai, I told you not to overwork yourself."
Jia Ying quickly interrupted, "You brat! You almost gave us heart attacks. What will we do with you?"
Though her voice contained anger, there was still a bit of worry.
"Grandmother, I'm sorry." Li Baozhai apologized, trying to sit up.
Si Jianyu, hurried to her side to help her. He placed a pillow behind her so she could rest her back before pulling up the blanket.
"Why are you apologizing?"
"It's good to know when to apologise."
Her grandparents spoke at the same time.
"Old Fu, you dote on her too much that is why she doesn't know her limit." Jia Ying blamed her husband.
While the husband and wife bickered, Li Baozhai's eyes flickered with warmth.
She turned to observe Si Jianyu who had gone back to standing at the foot of her bed. Si Jianyu gazed affectionately at her. Which she caught onto. She couldn't help but wonder if he always did that and why she never took notice of his actions. However, when So Jianyu noticed she was also staring at him, he stared at his feet instead as if they were the most interesting things he had ever seen.
Li Baozhai found his action funny. She held in the smile threatening to break out because her grandparents were still present. Still her thoughts drifted to why she never noticed these little things… Why she never noticed the threat in her own family. Although she was thankful for getting a second chance, surely if she had noticed, things would not have ended the way it did in her past life.
"Jianyu, I hope you don't let her over work herself anymore. If she refuses, you can give Yingying a call."
"Yes, Old Master."
Jia Ying, was the one who disciplined while Li Fu dotted. They were like rain and sunshine, balancing each other.
Li Baozhai remained quiet as Li Fu and Jia Ying dished out instructions for her well-being.
Then a maid entered with a tray of food. Si Jianyu quickly placed a little adjustable desk on the bed before taking the tray from the maid and placing it on the desk.
The tray contained a glass of warm water, a bowl of rice and a bowl of Buddha Jumps Over The Wall.
This hearty meal is a variety of shark's fin soup. It is made with abalone, sea cucumbers, shark's fin, fish lips, bamboo and plenteous other ingredients.
"I had the kitchen prepare it for your grandfather previously, but it appears you need it more. It will help nourish your qi and also clear your lungs and intestines. So eat up," Jia Ying explained.
With the food placed in front of her, Li Baozhai tried to convince herself that it was made for her grandfather therefore it wouldn't be harmful.
She had no idea how she was continuously harmed in her past life, whether it was the food or water. It would be best if she had none of it. Thinking that, she recalled she had also gone to the hospital repeatedly for check-ups under the direction of the family doctor.
•••
[1] Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb Sweeping festival. A day set aside for honouring the dead.