Prologue

“‘Vampire’ means ‘bloodsucker’—I’m sure you’ve all heard of it, right? Watching American dramas can really help improve your English, you know. Alright, everyone, follow me and read aloud,” the teacher instructed earnestly from the podium. While everyone else was diligently reciting the vocabulary, Teacher Yu noticed that Qiao Wei, sitting in the second row, was staring absentmindedly out the window.

With a sharp rap on the lectern, Teacher Yu brought the class to silence.

“Qiao Wei, repeat what I just explained,” she said, her anger barely contained as she called on the distracted student.

“I… I don’t know,” Qiao Wei stammered, lowering her long lashes under the teacher’s piercing gaze. Sunlight filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow over her pale profile, making her appear softer than usual.

“Copy the vocabulary list ten times! No daydreaming in class! Sit down!” Teacher Yu fixed Qiao Wei with a look of disappointment so deep it made her bow her head in shame.

The bell rang.

“Alright, class dismissed.” Teacher Yu shot Qiao Wei one last stern look before leaving the room.

“Are you alright, Qiao Wei?” her deskmate asked, concern evident as she studied Qiao Wei’s face.

“I’m fine,” Qiao Wei replied with a slight nod, though inside she scolded herself fiercely.

“That’s good. Don’t worry—if you can’t finish copying the vocabulary, I can help you!” Her classmate’s enthusiasm warmed Qiao Wei’s heart.

“It’s alright, I can finish it myself. Thank you,” Qiao Wei replied sincerely, offering a grateful smile.

“No need to thank me—we’re desk buddies!” Her classmate’s sunny grin made Qiao Wei feel even more comforted.

“Mom, Qiao You, I’m home.” After slipping into comfortable slippers, Qiao Wei followed the scent of corn drifting from the kitchen.

“Welcome back, Qiao Wei. I bought your favorite corn today—you should eat plenty,” her mother said, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind Qiao Wei’s ear as she looked at her daughter’s delicate face.

“You’re the best, Mom.” Qiao Wei watched her mother’s loving gesture and, for some reason, thought back to the day three years earlier when her father had passed away and her mother had cried in suppressed grief. Qiao Wei had been twelve then, and Qiao You just six months old. From that day, Qiao Wei had grown up fast. She began helping her mother run the flower shop, tending the lovely plants, playing with Qiao You… Fortunately, their father had left them a generous sum of money, so their lives were comfortable.

“Big sis, you’re back! Did you bring me chocolate?” As Qiao Wei lingered in her memories, a chubby little boy came running over, voice sweet and childish as he called out to her.

“I did, I did, you little glutton. Come with me,” Qiao Wei replied, crouching down to pinch Qiao You’s chubby cheek. Taking his plump little hand in hers, she led him out of the kitchen.

“Don’t eat too much, dinner will be ready soon,” their mother called after them, her smile growing even brighter as she watched her two children.

“Got it, Mom,” Qiao Wei replied, turning back. Her face and dark, jewel-like eyes were full of sweetness, as if she were a blooming white rose.

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Hello everyone! I’m Yu Ning. This is my first time posting a story, and the central theme of the entire novel is vampires. I’m not sure if you’ll all enjoy it. If you have any suggestions for the story, feel free to leave a message or contact me directly via QQ—I’ll do my best to improve the story. My QQ number is: 2846566291. I hope you’ll support me. Thank you!