How Could I Possibly Have a Daughter After Reincarnating?

"Xia You, what’s wrong?"

Ling Ning looked at Xia You in confusion. They had been chatting just moments ago, but Xia You had suddenly grabbed her hand and pulled her into a dark alley. Now, they were catching their breath.

"It’s nothing," Xia You said lightly, though her tone hinted at unease. "I just thought someone was following us."

The abruptness of her actions left Xia You feeling slightly embarrassed.

"Eh?"

Hearing this, Ling Ning froze for a moment. Could it be a stalker or a creep? she thought. The idea made her shudder. What if someone was lurking nearby during her evening walks? She imagined all the horrible possibilities and felt a chill run down her spine.

Seeing Ling Ning’s worried expression, Xia You quickly added, "It’s probably just my imagination. Don’t overthink it. If anyone dares to lay a finger on you, I’ll make sure they regret it!"

Her eyes flashed with a steely resolve.

"Then I’ll leave my safety in your hands!"

Ling Ning said with a playful smile. She didn’t take Xia You’s words too seriously. To her, Xia You was a gentle, introverted girl—someone who needed her protection, not the other way around.

"Let’s go buy those groceries~"

"Mm~"

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"That’s odd. Where did they go?"

Xia Li had arrived at the spot where Ling Ning and Xia You had been standing, only to find it deserted. She scanned the area, perplexed. How could two people just disappear?

Unwilling to give up, Xia Li remembered their destination: the market. If they’re buying groceries, they have to go there eventually. With renewed determination, she hurried to the market entrance and found a good hiding spot to keep watch.

The midday sun blazed overhead. Wiping the sweat from her brow, Xia Li began to doubt herself. What if Ling Ning and Xia You had taken another route?

Before long, she spotted two familiar figures entering the market. Their hands were still clasped together. Seeing this, Xia Li felt a pang of irritation. Why? Why does it have to be like this? I was here first!

As the two entered the market, Xia Li followed, staying just close enough to eavesdrop.

"Xia You, is there anything specific you’d like to eat?”

"If it’s made by you, I’ll eat anything."

Hearing this, Ling Ning chuckled. "You’re always like this. No matter when I ask, your answer never changes."

Having lived with Xia You for so long and shared countless meals, Ling Ning was well-acquainted with her preferences. She had already planned the menu.

Meanwhile, Xia Li observed from a distance, her fists clenching unconsciously. Something felt off. Ever since Xia You’s family had gone through their struggles, her smiles had become rare. But today, with Ling Ning, she’d smiled so warmly—more than once.

This isn’t the same smile she gives me, Xia Li thought bitterly. Her gaze never left Xia You, who seemed completely absorbed in Ling Ning. She hadn’t looked away even once. This realization filled Xia Li with a sense of impending loss.

I can’t let them keep spending time alone together, Xia Li resolved. At this rate, it’s game over for me!

Without hesitation, she stepped out of her hiding spot and approached the pair.

"Xia You! Ling Ning! There you are~"

Hearing Xia Li’s voice, both turned toward her.

"Xia Li? What are you doing here?" Ling Ning asked.

"I... I had to stop by home for something and thought I’d check if you needed help," Xia Li stammered. Though she’d rehearsed her excuse, standing in front of Xia You made her nervous.

"That’s great timing. I was worried about carrying everything back," Ling Ning said. "Thanks for helping."

"Leave it to me!"

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"We’re back!"

Ling Ning’s group returned to the villa laden with groceries. Opening the door, they found Ling Ye sprawled on the sofa, hugging a pillow and watching TV, while Zhou Xiaoxiao sat nearby, absorbed in her phone.

Hearing Ling Ning’s voice, Ling Ye lifted her head, her expression one of utter despair. "Mom, I’m starving! What took you so long?"

"Didn’t you just have breakfast not too long ago?"

"Mom, sometimes you’re not hungry no matter how little you eat. Other times, no matter how much you eat, you’re still starving. I’m the latter right now!"

Ling Ning blinked. Why does this sound so familiar?

"Alright, alright. I’ll get started right away."

Carrying the groceries, Ling Ning headed to the kitchen.

"Let me help too~" Xia You said softly from the side.

Seeing this situation, Xia Li immediately offered to help as well—after all, she was the restaurant owner's daughter, and cooking was a small matter for her.

"There's no need to trouble yourself, two people in the kitchen is enough. Xia Li, why don't you rest in the living room?"

"Eh? Then I'll just watch from the doorway."

Although she was rejected, Xia Li didn't give up—she at least wanted to see how good Sister Ning's cooking skills were. But then Xia Li regretted it, because watching the two of them busy in the kitchen gave her the feeling of watching a couple showing off their love in an unusual way.

With Ling Ning as the head chef and Xia You as the assistant, they needed no words—usually just a gesture or a look from Ling Ning was enough for Xia You to know what she needed to do next or what to hand over. Their coordination was pleasing to watch.

Why are they so in sync? Just how long have they been together?!

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Author’s Note:

Lately, I’ve been low on reaction images. Just imagine my handsome face instead!