After a long while, she finally opened the lid of the box. Inside the box were two pairs of silver earrings and a copper pendant the size of a thumb. She took out the pendant, gazing at it with sorrowful eyes. Its surface was smooth, utterly unremarkable. Yet, it was the pendant her grandfather had protected with his life. She knew exactly what was inside it— Her grandfather had told her to wear it always and never take it off. Last month, the chain broke, and she’d been so busy that she hadn’t bought a new one yet. Today, Chu Jianjue and Li Meirong suddenly brought up that fire, and the grief made her think of her family again. Every time she missed her family, she would think of this copper pendant. The world said she treasured it more than her own life. But Chu Lingzhi didn’t feel that way—because of it, greedy people had slaughtered her entire family. In moments of heartache over her family, she often wished she could throw this pendant away. But her grandfather had repeatedly urged her, before his death, to always keep it on her. For the sake of his last wish, she had worn it all this time… Knock, knock. Someone knocked on the door, and Chu Lingzhi snapped out of her sorrow. She placed the pendant into her bag, then stood up to open the door. It was her assistant, Liu Dongli. “Lingzhi, Ms. Fei is here,” Liu Dongli said, noticing her poor complexion and asking with concern, “Lingzhi, are you feeling unwell?” Chu Lingzhi forced a faint smile. “It’s nothing.” “Should I entertain Ms. Fei instead?” “I’ll go. She’s an honored guest.” Chu Lingzhi looked deeply at Liu Dongli. “Don’t worry, it’s just that time of the month.” With that, she headed toward the small private room where Ms. Fei was waiting. Ms. Fei had come primarily for health and beauty treatments. Chu Lingzhi only needed to give her acupuncture, no consultation required. About forty minutes later, the acupuncture was done, and after seeing Ms. Fei off, Chu Lingzhi returned to her office to grab her bag. As she passed Liu Dongli’s desk, she asked, “Dongli, are you going anywhere during your break?” Liu Dongli looked up and smiled brightly. “No, my boyfriend is bringing lunch over soon.” “I’ll borrow your car.” “Here, the keys.” Liu Dongli handed her the car keys. Driving to a jewelry store, under the enthusiastic service of the sales staff, she bought a platinum chain. Back in the car, she attached the pendant to the chain and, looking into the rearview mirror, put it around her neck. Paired with the platinum chain, it looked beautiful against her fair, flawless neck. It resembled a platinum necklace, except the pendant was made of copper, its smooth surface making it look quite similar to silver at first glance. Once it was on, Chu Lingzhi touched the pendant. It was back around her neck now, and she would take good care of it. Leaving the jewelry store, she found it was already lunchtime. Chu Lingzhi wasn’t hungry but felt like having some tea and snacks. So she drove to Ming Fang Xiang Teahouse. Ming Fang Xiang was a renowned teahouse in T City, located on the outskirts surrounded by rolling hills. The entire teahouse, inside and out, was decorated in an antique style. She parked the car, rolled down the window, and caught a faint scent of tea from afar. In the past, Luo Zifan used to bring her and Chu Junyu here to enjoy tea and pastries. Chu Lingzhi knew the place well. The teahouse was surrounded by various greenery—plane trees, willows, camphor trees, and all kinds of flowers… Walking into the front courtyard, the wind would rustle through the leaves, creating a uniquely charming atmosphere.