Chapter 44: Seeking Another World

Looking at the dishes on the table, one set consisted of four dishes and one soup, with every plate and morsel exquisitely presented.

Another set, consisting of two dishes and one soup, was served on plain, colorless plates, and the food looked quite mediocre.

Lin Jinyan looked toward Ma Nuo. Ma Nuo glanced at Lin Wanrong before saying, "This meal belongs to Miss Wanrong. When Yu Tong went to the kitchen, the dishes were already prepared; they were simply waiting to be delivered after the other courtyards had been served."

Lin Jinyan pulled Lin Wanrong down to sit and asked, "Sister, is this what your meals are usually like?"

Lin Wanrong kept her head lowered and did not answer. Lin Jinyan said softly, "Sister Wanrong, look up at me. This is not your fault. You don't need to feel embarrassed. It is Second Uncle and Second Aunt who have overlooked you; it is the Lin Estate that has overlooked you.

Now, let me ask you: do you want to live like this until the day you marry? Or are you willing to trust me, find the courage to strive for a different life, and obtain the treatment you deserve?"

Lin Wanrong stared blankly at Lin Jinyan. "The treatment I deserve? I was born... no one liked me. If the Lin family hadn't taken me in, I might have died long ago."

Lin Jinyan asked, "This meal is the treatment a lady of the Lin Estate should receive. Have you never thought about becoming a true member of the Lin family? Have you never wondered what it is like outside?

Are there no people you wish to see or things you wish to do? If there are, I will help you achieve them. In two days, I want to take you to the General's Manor. Do you want to go?"

Lin Wanrong looked at Lin Jinyan in a daze. "Can I go out? You want to take me to the General's Manor? Will they let me in? Do they know who I am... will they let me in? If you stay with me, aren't you afraid of people saying nasty things about you?"

By the end, Lin Wanrong lowered her head, her voice growing low and faint.

Lin Jinyan gripped Lin Wanrong's shoulders and asked with a serious expression, "You don't need to worry about any of that. You only need to tell me: do you want to? Do you trust me?"

Lin Wanrong looked at Lin Jinyan timidly, her eyes reddening. "What use is it if I want to?"

Lin Jinyan spoke with sincere words, "As long as you want it, and as long as you trust me, the things you desire can come true. Sister Wanrong, can you trust me?"

Lin Wanrong said helplessly, "I do trust you. You are the same age as me and don't have a mother by your side. I truly regard you as my sister, but our statuses are too different... why do you want to help me?"

Lin Jinyan broke into a smile. "Because you are my sister." *Because in my past life, you were pure and filial, and because you treated me with sincerity.*

Tears fell from Lin Wanrong's eyes. "Thank you... I don't dare. I'm afraid I will become a burden to you."

Lin Jinyan comforted her, "As long as you can trust me regardless of the circumstances, you will never be a burden. But if you truly want to do this, you will surely face cold stares and slander. Are you afraid?"

Lin Wanrong nodded and then shook her head. "I am afraid, but with you, I feel like I am not."

Lin Jinyan smiled. "Then in a moment, I will take you to see Grandmother. Don't be afraid; I will do the talking. Let's eat first; the food is getting cold."

After hearing this, Lin Wanrong felt her whole body tense up, and the meal tasted like wax in her mouth.

Ma Nuo attended to the two of them during the meal, her gaze involuntarily falling upon Lin Jinyan's face.

This eldest young lady was far too decisive for such a young age; she had arranged such a major matter on her own without seeking the Old Madam's consent.

Sensing the gaze, Lin Jinyan gave Ma Nuo a brilliant smile.

Meeting Lin Jinyan's eyes, Ma Nuo panicked for a moment before forcing a smile.

Taking a deep breath, she steadied her mind: *The eldest young lady acts with great maturity. Although she is bold, this is a kind-hearted act. As long as I perform my duties well, she will not make things difficult for me.*

(End of Chapter)