A sharp ringing sound suddenly echoed in Wei Lian's mind.
Not from outside.
From inside her head.
> Ding—
Wei Lian stiffened.
Before she could react, three clear, mechanical voices followed—soft, childish, yet perfectly synchronized.
> System One activated.
System Two activated.
System Three activated.
Her breath hitched.
She lowered her gaze slowly to the three girls clinging to her clothes.
The eldest blinked, head tilting slightly, as if listening to something only she could hear.
The second frowned in concentration.
The youngest gasped, eyes wide with excitement.
"Mama…" the youngest whispered, pressing a hand to her chest. "There's… a voice in my tummy."
Wei Lian swallowed.
The voice returned—this time calmer, steadier, as if explaining.
> Host Wei Lian confirmed.
Triplet auxiliary systems bound.
Authority: Mother-level control granted.
Her heart pounded.
Control?
The voice continued, slow and clear.
> Eldest daughter: Crop Growth System.
Ability: Grow crops, vegetables, and fruits.
> Second daughter: Floral Growth System.
Ability: Grow any flower.
> Third daughter: Condiment Production System.
Ability: Produce spices, sauces, seasonings.
Wei Lian's fingers tightened around her daughters' hands.
The voice added:
> Conditions:
— Growth requires soil.
— Growth completes in three days.
— Activation requires physical contact.
— Mother and daughter must think together.
Wei Lian's chest filled with a strange, overwhelming warmth.
Not infinite power.
Not heaven-breaking miracles.
But enough.
Enough to live.
Enough to fight.
Enough to protect.
She knelt down and looked into the eldest girl's eyes.
"Sweetheart," she said gently, hiding her shaking hands, "close your eyes. Think about cucumbers."
The girl nodded obediently.
Wei Lian took her small, cold hand in her own.
Both of them closed their eyes.
Think cucumber.
Fresh.
Green.
Strong.
A sudden warmth surged through their palms.
A soft green light flashed.
Wei Lian gasped.
In her daughter's hand—
Seeds appeared.
Not ordinary seeds.
Plump. Smooth. Glossy.
Advanced seeds.
Wei Lian's breath trembled.
She opened her eyes and stared.
"What… is this?" the girl asked innocently.
Wei Lian snapped out of it and immediately closed her fingers around the seeds.
"Nothing you tell anyone," she said quietly but firmly.
"Not a single word. Do you understand?"
The girls nodded instantly, sensing the seriousness.
"We hide," the second whispered.
"Yes," Wei Lian replied. "We hide."
Suddenly—
BANG!
The door shook violently.
The girls screamed.
"MAMA!"
Wei Lian reacted instantly.
She pulled all three behind her, pushing them into the darkest corner of the room, her body shielding them completely.
"Stay quiet," she whispered urgently.
Another kick slammed into the door.
Wood cracked.
The door burst open.
Two figures stormed in.
Her step–brother-in-law.
And her mother-in-law.
The man sneered, eyes sharp and cruel. He was tall, broad, and carried the arrogance of someone who had always been favored.
He was the son of the first wife.
Her father-in-law had two sons from that marriage.
When the first wife died, he married again.
That second wife—
was the woman standing behind him now.
Her mother-in-law.
The woman who gave birth to Wei Lian's dead husband.
The woman whose hatred had never been hidden.
"There you are," the step-brother-in-law spat, scanning the room. "Still alive?"
The mother-in-law's eyes were cold, calculating.
"And hiding again," she said sharply. "Just like a rat."
Wei Lian stood slowly, her back straight.
Her heart pounded—but not with fear.
With fury.
Behind her, three small hands clutched her clothes tightly.
This time—
She was not alone.
And this time—
She would not bow.