“Master, I am your space spirit. My name is Duobao. I am truly sorry, Master. I did not appear in your past life because our space rules say I may not show myself to anyone who does not hold authentic bloodline inheritance from the true owner. And the space could not grow either.”
Song Mianmian fell silent for a moment then pressed forward. “The space can grow? What is needed? What will it become?”
Duobao looked like any ordinary five-year-old girl but spoke quickly and clearly, as mature as any grown person. She explained that precious metals and jewels could fuel growth, though vast quantities were required. Each expansion would make the space ten times larger. The cost would rise sharply with every stage. Best of all their current stockpile was already enough to fuel the first expansion and leave plenty over.
Song Mianmian chose not to rush. She would sort through what they held first so nothing was wasted. Duobao also confirmed she had indeed been bound to the space itself in her past life, not to Du Qinghui. As for why she had returned to life Duobao did not know.
Zhao Zilin had been stationed far away in Black Province before being posted to the capital as a deputy regimental commander. His record had been thoroughly reviewed. Within two hours the restrictions at the Zhao home were lifted. Song Mianmian had already moved her most precious belongings into the space. As soon as the guards left she slipped into Zhao Xinde’s study.
In her past life she had never known about the hidden vault behind the wall. She had only discovered it after death. She had longed to reclaim or destroy everything there but had been powerless. Now she would take it all back. Du Qinghui had once thought of abandoning Zhao Zilin but had stayed when she saw his family’s wealth and good fortune. Zhao Zilin in turn had strayed but kept Du Qinghui for her gifts with plants. Their happy union everyone had so admired had been built entirely on treasures that never belonged to them.
Du Qinghui would have no share in the space now. Every coin every jewel every scrap of what was hers would be reclaimed. Without their advantages Du Qinghui and Zhao Zilin would face a very different future. And they would marry — Du Qinghui carried the child of a wealthy married man and her family would insist Zhao Zilin take responsibility.
Song Mianmian worked quickly. She pulled the bookshelf entirely into the space revealing the vault door behind it. She could not take things from a distance yet; everything had to be touched directly. She had no interest in the books themselves she had examined them all before and knew they were worthless. She simply cleared the way. She stepped inside and removed every single item. Then she replaced the shelf exactly as it had been and added two apples and three jars of tangerines from the desk to her stores.
She slipped out just as Huang Jing opened her bedroom door. Song Mianmian hurried toward the washroom as if she had been heading there all along. Huang Jing saw her and fell silent then sat looking weary in the main room. Song Mianmian stayed inside for five minutes enjoying the space. When she came out Huang Jing went in immediately. She emerged minutes later ready to speak but Song Mianmian was already at the door.
“I am going out to buy something. I will be right back.”
She carried nothing not even her old olive satchel. Huang Jing nodded. “Please come back soon. I do not like being alone.”
Song Mianmian felt nothing but scorn. Everyone knew her parents’ compensation money rested in Zhao Xinde’s hands. He gave Huang Jing ten yuan at the start of each month publicly for Song Mianmian’s upkeep. Two other families who had wanted to adopt her sent money fine clothes and supplements every month all signed for by Huang Jing. Song Mianmian’s wages went directly to them as well. For nine years the clothes those kind families sent had gone to Huang Jing’s own daughters and relatives passed down to Song Mianmian only when worn out. Food was always scarce no meat unless guests came and even then the best portions never reached her. She had once believed they all ate simply. She had learned otherwise only after death.
Chores too had fallen entirely to her. The older daughter was said to be frail. The younger one too small. Huang Jing had played the helpless victim and Song Mianmian had accepted it. She had even been kept from making friends. Any girl who showed kindness was warned against told she meant harm. Song Mianmian had believed Huang Jing was only protective and had obeyed. She had known no true friend in all those years.
Huang Jing had never struck her or spoken harshly but she had used quiet cruelty every day. Song Mianmian thought of it all now and felt a fierce resolve. She would take every remaining thing of value from this house before she was done.