Are you thinking of Raven

[Favorability increased by 10 with Raven]

Regaining my senses within seconds, I looked ahead to find Raven had already departed. With a sigh, I turned back towards home. As I stepped inside, the aroma of dinner wafted through the air, and I found my mother by the stove, her hands skillfully maneuvering the ingredients.

"You've made an interesting friend in Jade," she said sternly, pausing her cooking to look at me. "Make sure you treat her well."

"Mom, I've told you before, she's not my friend, just a classmate," I corrected, a hint of frustration in my voice.

"Oh? And classmates give each other hugs, do they?" she teased, a knowing smile on her face. "And you think I didn't see you blushing and frozen in place for the longest time after Raven had left?"

Her words sent a wave of red to my cheeks, though I couldn't deny the truth in them. Perhaps I could become friends with Raven, survive, and even ensure she doesn't fall for the hero of the book. That way, she might stay alive.

"Jade, what are you smiling about? Are you thinking of Raven?" my mother interrupted my thoughts, her voice laced with mirth.

Flustered more than before, I didn't even bother to respond. I rushed to my room, grabbed a towel, and locked myself in the bathroom. The moment the warm water touched my skin, I felt a wave of calm wash over me.

Fifteen minutes later, I emerged from the bathroom, dried off, and dressed. Descending back to the living room, I found my mother had finished cooking and was now lounging on the sofa, her eyes glued to the television. I joined her, settling beside her as the dishes simmered in the kitchen.

"So, you've finally mustered the courage to come down, Jade," she quipped, teasing me.

"Mom, it's not funny. You spent the entire afternoon with her and forgot all about me," I retorted, my voice tinged with anger.

"Oh, my baby is jealous," she cooed, stroking my head. "Don't worry, Jade, I love you just as much. But in life, we have to learn to share."

Her touch instantly soothed me, though I wasn't truly angry. I just wanted to express my displeasure at being treated like a servant today.

We spent the next thirty minutes watching television, with my mother occasionally checking on the food. Dinner was ready soon after, and we ate in good spirits. Afterward, I bid my mother goodnight and retreated to my room. Lying on my bed, sleep claimed me swiftly.

POV: Lily

After Jade had gone to bed, I remained in the living room, waiting a few moments to ensure she was asleep. Confident she was, I opened a cabinet and retrieved a crystal ball. Placing my hand upon it, the orb emitted a soft glow, revealing the image of the dragon woman from before. This time, she seemed to be in a forest, her demeanor content.

"So, my dear, how are things going with Jade? Are you both well?" the dragon woman asked enthusiastically.

"Don't worry, everything is fine, Irene," I replied with equal enthusiasm. "And you'll never guess what happened today."

"Wait a moment, what did you just call me, my dear?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of amusement and surprise.

"I called you Irene. Is there a problem?" Lily replied, her tone casual as if she hadn't just dropped a bombshell.

"Of course, there's a problem. That's not my name," she retorted, her brows knitting together in a frown.

"Sorry, but that's going to be your name from now on. After all, your name should fit your new form, shouldn't it?" Lily said, laughter bubbling in her voice like a mischievous stream.

"You know what? I'm not even going to argue with you. But tell me, what happened today that's got you so thrilled?" she inquired, leaning forward with a spark of curiosity in her eyes.

"You're not going to believe this, but today Jade brought a girl home," Lily exclaimed, her excitement infectious.

"And how is that incredible?" Irene asked, her confusion evident.

"Be patient, I'm getting there. This girl's name is Raven, and she's absolutely adorable. Plus, I have a hunch that in a few years, Jade and Raven will be an item," Lily declared, her eyes gleaming with the thrill of her prediction.

"Aren't you getting ahead of yourself, Lily? They've just met, haven't they?" she pointed out, a voice of reason amidst Lily's daydreams.

"You wouldn't understand. It's my instinct telling me; I just feel it," Lily insisted, her conviction strong.

"Are you sure it's not because before Jade's transmigration, she spent 20 years single and never had a relationship with anyone?" she teased, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

"Stop raining on my parade, Irene. Anyway, you'll change your tune when you see Raven. But enough about that, you're still coming back on Monday, right?" Lily asked, her tone shifting to one of hopeful expectation.

"Yes, of course, don't worry. But for now, I have to leave you. See you Monday, my heart," she said warmly.

"Until Monday, my love," Lily responded as the crystal ball dimmed. 

Jade's POV

It had been several days since my first study session with Raven, and frankly, I was relieved it was the weekend. These past days had been mentally taxing, with Raven coming over after school to study, almost too quickly making herself at home. My mother and Raven had grown unexpectedly close; my mother had even shown her my baby pictures, granting Raven more authority in my house than I seemed to have. But at least she was smiling, even though I hadn't managed to increase her favorability yet.

This morning, I woke up unusually late, which was odd because my mother usually wakes me. Shrugging it off, I went through my morning routine, dressed in a simple t-shirt and pants, and headed downstairs. As soon as I reached the bottom, I saw my mother and Raven chatting away happily.

"What are you doing here, Raven? Don't you have a home?" I asked, pointing at Raven with a mix of jest and surprise.

At that moment, my mother gave me the most terrifying look I've ever seen—the kind that says you're in deep trouble and there's no way out.

"It's just a joke, I'm kidding! Raven, you can stay as long as you like," I said quickly, sweating bullets as my mother's gaze bore into me.

"Actually, Jade," my mother said with a mischievous smile, "Raven wants to give you something in return for helping her with her homework."

"Oh really? And what might that be?" I asked, my excitement piqued.

"It's…"