Princess is Glamorous in Modern Day Chapter 2

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Xia Wanyuan reclined against the plush leather seat as the vehicle glided along at a constant pace. Owing to the vehicle's outstanding engineering, the blurring scenery rushing past the window brought no shakes or bumps to her inside.

In her prior life, after the dynasty's revival, Xia Wanyuan as princess regent always enjoyed top-tier honors. Still, next to today's automobiles, not even the finest imperial carriage could compare.

Towering skyscrapers lined the streets, neon lights flickered on early, crowds flowed endlessly, and the streets buzzed with energy—all this dazzled in Xia Wanyuan’s gaze.

A deep sigh escaped Xia Wanyuan’s lips. In her youth, she had savored royal luxuries too. But after the imperial court fell, she endured chaos raising her siblings amid endless turmoil and hardships.

Witnessing such serene prosperity now stirred a profound peace within her soul. At last, she sensed herself truly belonging to this time.

Lost in her reflections, she overlooked the car coming to a halt.

“Miss, we’re here.” Only the driver’s voice snapped Xia Wanyuan from her reverie.

“Wait here.”

Saying that, Xia Wanyuan swung the door open and stepped out. Before leaving home, she had draped a long jacket over her skirt. Yet spring evenings carried a chill, prompting her to pull her sleeves down.

Beijing’s International Kindergarten stood as the city’s elite preschool, attended solely by the offspring of the wealthy and powerful. Arriving a bit late, Xia Wanyuan noted just a handful of parents lingering at the gates.

Seeing classes had ended, a twinge of regret hit Xia Wanyuan. She pivoted to leave, but something tugged at her senses, making her glance back. Through the guard office window, a pair of bright, grape-like eyes fixed on her.

Maybe it stemmed from that innate mother-child bond, but Xia Wanyuan figured this boy must be the result of the body’s original owner and her supposed husband’s fleeting encounter. The birth had been grueling, lasting a full day and night. With her husband ignoring her completely, the original owner lashed out at the child, shirking all maternal care and harboring deep resentment.

Yet having taken over this body, Xia Wanyuan refused to let her son face an orphan’s fate. At ten years old, she had lost both parents to the nation’s fall, knowing intimately the ache of utter isolation.

That resolve in mind, Xia Wanyuan offered a warm smile and approached the boy.

Entering the guardhouse, she beheld the child’s face and knew without doubt—he was hers.

“Xiao Bao, Mommy’s here to pick you up. Come home with Mommy.”

Kneeling down, Xia Wanyuan gazed at the cute, plump little bundle. Recalling his nickname, she spoke with tender softness.

Still, the little one seemed wary, peeking at her with misty eyes before dropping his gaze in timid grief.

“Eh? Little girl, are you a liar? Little kid, is she really your mother?”

The guard first thought the stunning young woman resembled the boy somewhat, but the child’s reluctance sparked doubts of abduction. His fingers crept toward the pager.

At the guard’s question, the little dumpling raised his head for another look at Xia Wanyuan. Her eyes held a novel warmth and kindness. Before, his mother had only shooed him away harshly. Now, that inviting glow drew him irresistibly nearer.

“Xiao Bao, come back with Mommy, alright?” Xia Wanyuan’s heart melted at his forlorn stare, surging with maternal love. Unable to resist, she reached out to caress his silky hair. The more she watched, the cuter this little one from her body’s past seemed.

The sudden pat stunned the little dumpling, widening his already huge eyes further. Could this be what a mother’s touch felt like?

“Okay.”

The little dumpling had never known the warmth of a mother. He felt deep envy toward his kindergarten friends, whose parents picked them up daily. Even if his mother was simply acting on impulse, it didn't matter to him. He yearned deeply to have that sense of a mother.

After the little dumpling gave his firm confirmation, the security guard at last permitted him to leave. Xia Wanyuan took hold of the little dumpling's hand and headed toward the car.

The chauffeur remained seated in the vehicle, observing as Xia Wanyuan led the little master by the hand in his direction. An unexpected harmony radiated between them.

Yet, the Young Master harbored strong dislike for the so-called Madam and forbade the Little Master from approaching her. 'Does the Young Master know of this? What scheme does Miss Xia have?' Memories of the Master's merciless tactics made the chauffeur tremble uncontrollably.

“Let’s go home.” Xia Wanyuan guided Xiao Bao into the car. The chauffeur lingered in a stupor.

“Yes, Miss.”

Never mind, he was only a lowly driver. Why fret over it so much? With that thought, the chauffeur swiftly started the engine.

“Young Master, the kindergarten reported that Young Master was taken away by Miss Xia. We reviewed the surveillance footage, and it was indeed Miss Xia.”

The report crackling through his earpiece halted the man's review of the document. A flash of revulsion crossed his eyes.

“Bring Little Master back to the manor. Have you drafted the divorce agreement?”

“The lawyers are all in position and the documents have been drafted. They will be sent to your office tomorrow.”

“Alright.”

His words barely faded when silence once more blanketed the lavish office. The frigid ambiance stood in stark contrast to the vibrant city bustle visible through the window.

Xia Wanyuan arrived back at the villa with her little dumpling as darkness had already claimed the sky, stars sparkling above.

Since climbing into the car, the little dumpling had stayed nestled in Xia Wanyuan’s arms. A soft, innocent bundle, he seemed somewhat reserved due to this novel closeness with her.

“Let’s go inside for dinner, Xiao Bao.”

Xia Wanyuan lifted the little dumpling from the car and clasped his hand.

“Okay.” The little dumpling's round cheeks blushed pink at hearing Xia Wanyuan use his nickname. It marked the first time his mother addressed him as Xiao Bao rather than an ‘annoying brat’.

Memories of his mother's past names for him brought aggrieved tears to his eyes. He furtively glanced at Xia Wanyuan. How wonderful it would be if she had always treated him with such gentleness?

Feeling her son's stare, Xia Wanyuan turned and beheld the endearing child pouting up at her, eyes brimming with tears. Softness welled in her heart.

Her previous life left her childless, all her efforts poured into reviving the Xia Dynasty and nurturing her younger siblings. Now possessing her own tiny child, tenderness overflowed in her gaze.

She knelt down to match his height, gently stroked his head, and peered directly into his wide eyes.

“Xiao Bao, what happened in the past was Mommy’s mistake. Mommy will treat you very well in the future.”

Xia Wanyuan's declaration widened the little dumpling’s eyes in shock. His mother vowed to cherish him—was this for real?

She had shoved him away repeatedly during his early attempts to draw near. He'd resolved to shun this cruel mother, yet his need for her persisted. He desperately craved her affection.

Her soft smile and the comforting warmth of her hand atop his head finally coaxed a grin from him, and he threw himself into Xia Wanyuan’s arms.

As the joyful bundle launched into her embrace, Xia Wanyuan’s heart quivered, stirred by the innate mother-son connection.

The car's arrival drew Nanny Li outside to greet them. Already astonished by Xia Wanyuan's return for dinner, she was utterly stunned witnessing the blissful mother-son hug. Hadn't Miss Xia loathed Little Master? What on earth was happening?

Her years of family service taught her precisely what to say and what to withhold. Mastering her features, she approached Xia Wanyuan.

“Miss, Little Master, the food is ready. Please enjoy your dinner.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Xia Wanyuan released Xiao Bao, who appeared hesitant to part. Her mother's hug felt far too cozy to abandon. He cast a sulky glance at Nanny Li before striding quickly to match Xia Wanyuan's pace.

Nanny Li stood frozen in place. In what way had she wronged Little Master?

Upon entering the house, servants had already arranged the dishes. Wisps of steam rose enticingly beneath the lights.

“We weren’t aware that Miss and Little Master would return together, so we only managed to prepare some simple home-cooked meals. We can remake the feast later.”

Even though Xia Wanyuan had resided here for three years since tying the knot, she had always viewed the place merely as a spot to crash. She headed out at every chance she got, hardly ever dining in.

The servants got their paychecks regardless, so they whipped up dinner each evening, home or no home. Yet, with nobody touching the food, they kept it basic—just a handful of easy dishes to split among themselves.

She cast a look at the spread on the table: four dishes plus a soup. It seemed rather plain for the body's previous inhabitant, who reveled in lavish spending, but perfectly fine for the Xia Wanyuan of now.

“No need, this will do just fine. Nanny Li, please take Little Master to wash his hands.”

The servants, bracing for a tongue-lashing from Xia Wanyuan, stood stunned. Was Miss Xia being far too lenient today? What on earth was happening?

Thanks to the villa’s year-round climate control, Xia Wanyuan slipped off her coat. The wonders of modern tech, boosting human comfort so effortlessly, left her amazed yet again.