The Heroine Pays Me to Fall in Love (Quick Transmigration) - Chapter 15

Jiang Zhinan sat at the table and lit a candle.

Outside, the first snow of the year had begun to fall. Thick flakes drifted lazily onto the branches and eaves, dressing everything in pure, pristine white.

Because she was extremely sensitive to the cold, Jiang Zhinan had ordered a fire to be lit in the room and draped a leather coat over her shoulders, finally feeling somewhat protected from the chill.

As usual, A’ning hadn’t come to see her today. Jiang Zhinan read for a while, then, feeling tired, blew out the candle, straightened her coat, and went to bed, tucking herself under the covers in preparation for sleep.

Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve. In a wealthy household, every detail of the day had to be meticulously observed. The festivities could last until late at night, so it was best to get some rest tonight and save her energy.

With that thought, Jiang Zhinan closed her eyes gently.

At that moment, the snow outside seemed to intensify, accompanied by the howling wind, and the soft sound of falling flakes reached her ears.

Annoyed by the noise, she pulled the covers tighter around herself, hoping to block out the world.

Eventually, she drifted into a deep sleep.

In a daze, she seemed to dream. The scene was still the Jiang residence, filled with the familiar faces she saw every day.

Even A’ning appeared in her dream, softly addressing her as “Miss,” just as she always did.

Jiang Zhinan smiled, about to respond, but the dream-A’ning suddenly transformed into a wisp of blue smoke, carried away by a gust of wind until it vanished completely.

“A’ning!” Jiang Zhinan’s voice cracked as she frantically searched in all directions, but no matter how hard she looked, she could not find her.

With A’ning’s disappearance, the ground beneath her feet and everything in her line of sight also vanished.

The sudden, massive change sent her into a panic. She ran through the dream, searching, seeking, fleeing—until there was nowhere left to escape. A gaping chasm opened beneath her, swallowing her whole, and she fell into a bottomless abyss.

Tears welled at the corners of her eyes. Her hands clenched tightly as her expression twisted in anguish.

It was then that she felt herself plunge into a warm embrace.

Like a lifeline, Jiang Zhinan clung to the person desperately, pressing herself into their arms.

“It’s okay now,” a voice whispered near her ear—one she knew better than anyone—gentle and deep.

Reality and dream merged. The horrifying images began to fade, leaving only calm darkness.

Jiang Zhinan slowly opened her eyes, though a trace of panic still lingered in them.

Daylight had arrived unnoticed. Outside, the courtyard was filled with the bustling voices of servants, busy hanging lanterns.

And there, sitting before her, was the A’ning who had vanished in her dream, opening her arms in a warm embrace that enveloped her.

Jiang Zhinan wiped the tears from her eyes, intending to pull away.

But A’ning held her too tightly. After several failed attempts to free herself, Jiang Zhinan gave up and nestled comfortably into her arms.

“Miss, did you have a nightmare?” A’ning asked softly, patting her back as if comforting a frightened little dog.

“Yes,” Jiang Zhinan murmured, nodding. “It was terrifying.”

“Then perhaps you should tell me about it,” A’ning suggested, a reassuring smile lingering in her eyes. “Dreams are false. Once you speak of them, they lose their power.”

“No, it’s nothing,” Jiang Zhinan shook her head, wary that A’ning might indulge her further.

“I see,” A’ning replied, nodding gently. “If you don’t want to speak of it, I won’t ask.”

After all, she could guess most of it.

Her mistress had woken unusually late that morning. A’ning had waited outside for a long time, finally unable to restrain her concern. She quietly pushed the door open, only to find Jiang Zhinan whispering in her sleep, her voice trembling, eyes glistening with tears.

Most startling of all, Jiang Zhinan had called her name—softly, repeatedly, not just in passing. The whispers conveyed fear, unease, and a desperate longing to find her.

Seeing this, A’ning’s heart ached. She stepped forward and held her mistress tightly, relief and delight surging through her.

Perhaps her mistress cared for her too—just as she cared for her.

After a moment, Jiang Zhinan rose from bed to wash and prepare for the day.

It was New Year’s Eve, after all—she couldn’t linger in her room, lest the gossiping maids tease her.

She washed quickly and approached the dressing mirror, intent on getting ready.

In a wealthy household, young ladies usually had attendants for such tasks, but Jiang Zhinan disliked imposing on others. She preferred to do what she could herself.

She picked up her brush, as usual, when A’ning, who had been standing by the window, approached with a smile.

“Miss,” she said, lips curving gently, “let me help you.”

“No need,” Jiang Zhinan shook her head. “I can do it myself, hey!”

Before she could finish, A’ning had already taken the brush.

Jiang Zhinan paused, deciding not to argue, only asking her to be gentle while brushing.

“Of course,” A’ning replied, her movements careful, as if handling a priceless treasure.

Jiang Zhinan watched her through the mirror. The atmosphere was calm and intimate.

A’ning styled her hair beautifully and then chose matching jewelry. By the time she was done, Jiang Zhinan looked even more stunning than usual.

“Thank you,” Jiang Zhinan said, pleasantly surprised, looking at her reflection. “It’s beautiful.”

“Not quite finished,” A’ning smiled, reaching into her pocket to reveal a small glimmering pair of items.

“What are those?” Jiang Zhinan asked softly, curious.

“Pendants,” A’ning said, gently fastening the jade earrings to her mistress’s earlobes.

They were exquisite, delicate, and clearly crafted with care.

“Where did they come from?” Jiang Zhinan reached to touch them, the texture strangely familiar.

“They were made from the jade on the hairpin you gave me before,” A’ning explained softly. “The hairpin broke into pieces, impossible to restore. So, I had a craftsman turn the jade into something new—one pair of earrings and a ring.

One for you, one for me.”

No wonder.

Jiang Zhinan paused, aware of the effort, yet hesitant to accept them outright.

“Miss, just take them,” A’ning said, seeing through her hesitation. “Consider it a keepsake. After the New Year, the provincial exams will be near. If I do well, I may leave soon. Then, if you ever think of me, at least you’ll have something to remember me by.”