Chapter 34: A Beautiful Visitor
In the backyard…
“…”
Lin Tianlu stood frozen, dumbfounded.
He had been heading to the kitchen to fetch some fruit for the diligently practicing Hua Shuya, but as he passed by the backyard, he saw a figure splashing in the water basin.
Was there a water ghost haunting his house?
“Hoo—”
Mao Ruoyu emerged from the basin, pushing her wet hair back. As she looked up, her eyes met Lin Tianlu’s, and she froze.
Lin Tianlu rubbed his eyes, making sure he wasn’t hallucinating.
Then, he walked towards her, his face full of astonishment. “Madam Mao?! Why are you in the water basin…”
“I-I apologize for the unseemly sight, Sir. I accidentally dropped a piece of jewelry into the basin, and I was trying to retrieve it.”
Mao Ruoyu quickly came up with an excuse. “But the basin was slippery, and I fell in.”
“That was… quite careless of you, Madam.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled helplessly. “If you had lost something, you could have asked me for help. There was no need to risk yourself.”
He gently helped her out of the basin. “Did you find your jewelry?”
“Yes, I did.”
Mao Ruoyu nodded, then her eyes widened as she realized that her clothes were completely soaked. Her thin dress clung to her body, revealing her curves.
Her face flushed crimson, and she felt a wave of dizziness.
“This, this—”
“You should go back inside and change your clothes, Madam. It’s getting late, and the autumn wind is chilly. You might catch a cold.”
Lin Tianlu quickly averted his gaze, pretending not to notice, and took off his outer robe, wrapping it around her. “It would be troublesome if you got sick.”
“Thank you… Sir.”
Mao Ruoyu’s voice was barely a whisper as she clutched the robe tightly, her face burning with embarrassment. She hurried back to her house.
…
After she left, Lin Tianlu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
Madam Mao’s figure was even more alluring than he had imagined, her curves practically overflowing.
Thankfully, he was able to maintain his composure.
“Why are women’s undergarments in this era so revealing? Do they even provide any support?”
He tapped his forehead.
He shouldn’t be having these thoughts. If he continued down this path, even his Ice Heart Skill and his vast collection of NSFW images wouldn’t be enough to keep him on the righteous path.
…
As night fell…
Hua Shuya, who was about to have dinner, suddenly received an urgent message from the authorities. She grabbed her sword and rushed off to help, seemingly another incident had occurred in Changling County.
Mao Ruoyu placed two bowls of rice on the table and glanced at the girl’s retreating figure with a puzzled expression.
“Is Miss Hua always so busy?”
“She comes from a wealthy family, but she has such a chivalrous heart. It’s truly admirable.” Lin Tianlu picked up his chopsticks. “Interacting with others will be good for her in the future.”
He was curious how such a rich and privileged girl could be so righteous and courageous — the Hua family must have raised her well.
How did they manage to raise such an outstanding child?
Those spoiled rich kids in his modern world could learn a thing or two from her.
Mao Ruoyu sat down again and asked curiously, “You seem to have a good relationship with Miss Hua, Mr. Lin.”
“We’re both friends and teacher-student. It’s my fortune to be acquainted with such an upright and sensible young lady.”
Lin Tianlu chuckled.
If Hua Shuya hadn’t stumbled upon him on the mountain, he might still be living alone on Mount Taiyi, counting beans.
And after descending the mountain, she had taken such good care of him. He was truly indebted to her.
“You two have a wonderful relationship.”
She had spoken without thinking, and Mao Ruoyu quickly coughed lightly. “Mr. Lin, is the food to your liking tonight?”
“Your cooking is always delicious, Madam.”
Lin Tianlu continued eating, enjoying every dish.
Especially the crispy fried chicken. It was divine!
It was as good as any fast food chain back in his world!
Seeing him enjoying the meal, Mao Ruoyu smiled unconsciously, her heart filled with a mix of emotions.
Just a few days ago, she had never imagined that she, a ghost practitioner who lurked in the shadows, would be sitting here, enjoying a home-cooked meal with a living person. This extraordinary master, who should have terrified her, was now sitting beside her, eating the same food, laughing and joking.
This feeling…
Wasn’t bad.
But at that moment, a chilling Yin wind swept through the room, disrupting the peaceful atmosphere.
Mao Ruoyu’s pupils constricted, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. She looked towards the courtyard, her face filled with fear.
“This, this is—”
“Calm down, Madam Mao.” Lin Tianlu quickly stood up and reassured her. “It’s not an evil spirit. It’s just an acquaintance. You stay here and finish your meal. I’ll go and see who it is.”
“An acquaintance?”
Mao Ruoyu’s face was pale, and she clutched his sleeve worriedly. “Mr. Lin, this aura is very cold and sinister. Be careful! She might have ill intentions!”
“Don’t worry, she’s not hostile.”
Lin Tianlu gently patted her shoulder.
Then, under her anxious gaze, he walked out of the room.
…
Creak—
As the courtyard gate opened, a beautiful figure, bathed in the moonlight, approached gracefully.
“—Good evening, Mr. Lin.”
Cheng Yishi, dressed in a brocade robe and skirt, her silver hair flowing gently, exuded an elegant and refined aura.
Their eyes met, and she smiled gently, bowing respectfully. “I apologize for intruding so late at night, Sir.”
Lin Tianlu looked her up and down, then chuckled. “It seems you’ve calmed down, Miss Cheng. You’re much more composed than when we last met.”
“It’s all thanks to your patient guidance, Sir. You helped me find a reason to live.”
Cheng Yishi clasped her hands before her, her expression serious as she bowed deeply. “I’m eternally grateful for your kindness, Mr. Lin. If you hadn’t shown me mercy that day, I would have been left to rot, my bones forgotten.”
“Saving a life is a natural duty. There’s no need for such formality.” Lin Tianlu smiled and bowed, gesturing towards the house. “Since you’ve come all this way, Miss Cheng, why don’t you come in and have a seat?”
“I would be delighted.” Cheng Yishi’s smile widened, her eyes sparkling.
But as she stepped into the courtyard, she paused, glancing towards the side yard. “Is there someone else here, Sir? Is it Miss Hua?”
“Miss Hua went to help the authorities. The person in the main hall is Madam Mao, my neighbor. She’s been taking good care of me.”
“She seems like a kind woman.”
Cheng Yishi’s eyes flickered.
As they chatted, they reached the main hall.
Lin Tianlu lit a candle and poured a cup of warm tea for her.
“Thank you for your hospitality, Sir.”
“There’s no need for such formality between us.” Lin Tianlu asked curiously, “How have you been these past few days, Miss Cheng?”
Cheng Yishi sat down gracefully, smoothing her skirt, and pondered for a moment.
“Cheng Yanghua… my father is dead, so there has been some chaos in the family. I’ve been busy with the funeral arrangements and taking over the family business.”
“So the Cheng family business is now…”
“Under my management.”
Lin Tianlu was surprised.
For a woman to manage the family business in this era was quite unusual.
Seemingly reading his thoughts, Cheng Yishi shook her head with a wry smile. “My siblings are all useless, only interested in poetry, calligraphy, and other frivolous pursuits. They wouldn’t know how to manage a business or handle finances.
Besides, I’ve always helped with the family business. No one objected to me taking over.”
Lin Tianlu was impressed and bowed respectfully. “You’re truly independent and capable, Miss Cheng. I admire your strength.”
“You flatter me, Sir. I’m not that…”
Cheng Yishi blushed.
But she quickly coughed lightly and reached into her robe.
“Let’s not dwell on such trivial matters. I came here tonight to give you something important, Sir.”
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