Chapter 22: Purchasing Maidservants

Watching his daughter's cheeky and spoiled manner, Lin Siyuan could only find it amusing

"Why do you insist on having a maid with martial skills?"

Lin Jinyan wore a mischievous, childlike smile. "So that in the future, when I go out to buy fun things and delicious food, I won't have to fear danger."

Lin Siyuan replied, "Kyoto is peaceful and stable. Besides, who in Taian City would dare touch you?"

Lin Jinyan continued to tug at Lin Siyuan's sleeve, saying, "Oh, Father~ No matter how stable it is, there are still child traffickers. Yan'er is so well-behaved and pretty; what if I were kidnapped? Brother has martial arts instructors sent by Grandfather by his side, but Yan'er has nothing at all."

As she finished speaking, all three people in the room burst into laughter. Lin Siyuan smiled and said

"A cunning little rascal as shameless as you won't be kidnapped. Besides, a maid who is both skilled in martial arts and loyal and capable isn't that easy to find."

"I'm in no rush, so we can take our time looking. Just don't tell Grandfather and Grandmother. I'll just mention it to Auntie; if we find someone, we find them, and if not, then so be it. I'm already grown up, and Nanny Zhou will be back soon. Even Nanny Gu comes to visit me often, so we have enough hands. You just need to keep the matter of hiring a maid under wraps. Father, Yan'er knows you dote on me most. Please just grant me this one little wish. Brother, help me plead with Father."

Lin Jin'an obediently stepped forward. The two children tugged at Lin Siyuan's sleeves on either side, pleading until Lin Siyuan was left completely helpless. He said helplessly

"Alright, alright, I promise you. You two little pests."

Lin Jinyan beamed with joy. "I knew Father was the best! Then it's a deal—only the four of us can know. You mustn't tell anyone else."

Lin Siyuan laughed helplessly. "Fine, fine. Once we find someone, your uncle and grandfather must investigate their family background thoroughly."

Lin Jinyan nodded like a chick pecking grain, offering a string of flattery that made Lin Siyuan laugh and scold her

"How did you become so smooth and glib after falling into the water?"

Lin Jinyan said with a straight face, "Perhaps I spent some time in the water with the fish and learned how to be slippery."

This once again sent the three into fits of laughter. Amidst their conversation, lunchtime arrived. Lin Siyuan stayed to have lunch with his son and daughter, creating a warm and beautiful atmosphere.

After the meal, Lin Siyuan took Lin Jin'an back to the study to test his schoolwork.

Lin Jin'an walked behind Lin Siyuan with his chin held high, casting resentful glances at Lin Jinyan, which only made her eyes sparkle with amusement.

After seeing her father and brother off, a Lin Jinyan in high spirits sat in the pavilion reading. As the sun began to set and the temperature became pleasant, she sat with her back to the sunlight, feeling quite languid.

Just as Lin Jinyan was contemplating life, she heard Yulan enter to report

"Miss, Miss Yuexue has come to see you."

Lin Jinyan's expression turned cold, and her fingers suddenly tightened, gripping the book in her hands firmly.

The warm, lazy atmosphere vanished instantly. Though the scenery remained unchanged, her state of mind was worlds apart.

Before she could speak, Zhou Yuexue's urgent and affectionate voice came from behind her

"Sister Jinyan, you're finally better! I have been so worried these past few days."

Without turning around, Lin Jinyan took a deep breath, slowly relaxed her fingers, placed the book on the stone table, and allowed a smile to grace her lips.

Zhou Yuexue walked over and sat beside Lin Jinyan, taking her hand and asking with concern

"Are you still feeling unwell anywhere? I have been praying to the Bodhisattva for your protection these past few days. When I heard this morning that you were out of danger, I felt so relieved that I lacked the strength to stay awake and only just arrived now. Please do not blame me, sister."

Lin Jinyan looked up at Zhou Yuexue, her face filled with heartache and concern, appearing every bit the loving sister. One could not tell at all that beneath this gentle and kind exterior lay such a malicious heart.

(End of Chapter)