After Failing to Find Immortality 84

Chapter 84: A Beauty’s Worries

…

The autumn wind grew colder, and the streets became even more deserted.

In a quaint and chilly courtyard, a graceful figure stood alone, her lotus-like steps moving gently as she swept the fallen leaves and dust with a broom.

Her voluptuous figure was accentuated by the ruqun, swaying with every movement, truly captivating. Even a distant glance was enough to mesmerize.

Another gust of bleak autumn wind blew past, and the woman paused, raising her hand to gather the front of her robe, covering her fair skin. But her ample bosom was difficult to restrain, pushing against the tight clothing, creating a breathtakingly high curve.

“Unknowingly… it’s already been about ten days.”

A soft sigh escaped her lips, carrying a hint of melancholy in her gentle voice.

Mao Ruoyu gathered her hair and looked back at the desolate courtyard gate, shaking her head in self-deprecation.

She was no longer the same as before.

In the past, she had never experienced such emotional turmoil. She had always been alone, acting in the darkness, with no need for so-called mortal emotions.

But now, things were completely different.

During the days since Lin Tianlu’s departure, every time she came to help clean the courtyard, she couldn’t help but look up, hoping to see a familiar figure appear at the gate. Whenever she swept the pavilion or the study, she couldn’t help but recall his gentle smile.

“We only spent less than a month together, but the impression is so deep.”

Mao Ruoyu chuckled to herself.

She was also laughing at her own foolishness, for falling in love so easily and developing admiration for him.

But…

Recalling every moment they had spent together over the past month, although it was as plain as water, it was also unforgettable. The handsome scholar hadn’t done anything particularly grand to make her heart flutter, but his every action was like a warm spring flowing into her heart, gradually melting her frozen heart. Before she knew it, he had silently captured her affections.

“They say that a thief steals hearts… but I offered mine willingly, how embarrassing.”

Mao Ruoyu couldn’t help but blush slightly, feeling both shy and annoyed as she tapped her forehead.

As an elder, she should have been more reserved.

How could she be so easily lost in thought after just a short wait?

“…I wonder if Mr. Lin and Miss Hua are safe and sound.”

A hint of worry surfaced in her heart, and she sighed softly.

The ten days of waiting had made her increasingly anxious.

Knock, knock, knock.

A sudden knock on the door startled Mao Ruoyu back to reality. She saw a petite and delicate girl standing at the gate, her slender figure wrapped in a Daoist robe and her hair cascading down her back, already showing signs of beauty.

She immediately smiled warmly. “Miss Mo, you’re here so early again today?”

“I must always be respectful when paying my respects to Senior.” Mo Duan’yan bowed solemnly and peeked into the quiet courtyard. “Has Mr. Lin not returned yet?”

“It will probably be another five or six days.”

Mo Duan’yan didn’t seem disappointed. Instead, she stepped forward and took the broom from Mao Ruoyu’s hand with a serious expression. “Madam Mao, please let me do these chores. You should go and rest in the pavilion for a while.”

Mao Ruoyu smiled gently. “I’ll go prepare some breakfast for you.”

“N-no need, I’ve already had breakfast!”

Mo Duan’yan waved her hands repeatedly, her face slightly flushed.

Seeing the girl diligently start sweeping, Mao Ruoyu chuckled to herself.

This well-behaved girl had been visiting frequently lately.

Even though she knew that Lin Tianlu wouldn’t be back for more than half a month, she hadn’t slacked off at all. She even came here every morning to help with the cleaning.

At first, Mao Ruoyu naturally tried to refuse, but the girl would put on a pitiful expression, making it impossible to refuse outright.

When asked why, the girl would always say with a serious face that she had received a great favor that was difficult to repay, and she could only do her best to show her gratitude… She acted like a little adult.

“Madam Mao, are you thirsty? Let me bring you some tea.”

Looking at the teapot and teacups that were brought over with great enthusiasm, Mao Ruoyu smiled helplessly. “There’s no need to go through so much trouble for such a small matter.”

But Mo Duan’yan just shook her head stubbornly and started wiping the dusty tables, chairs, and pillars with a cloth without saying a word.

In her eyes, this gentle and kind lady and Mr. Lin must be a match made in heaven, so she naturally had to take good care of them.

…

After tidying up the courtyard, the girl bowed respectfully to Mao Ruoyu. “Madam Mao, I won’t stay any longer. If you need any help with anything, please feel free to come to Huilin Restaurant in the county and look for me. I will definitely do my best to assist you.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Miss Mo, for coming here to help every day.”

“It’s-it’s just my duty!”

Mo Duan’yan coughed lightly, seemingly embarrassed, and hurriedly turned to leave.

After watching the girl disappear into the distance, Mao Ruoyu sighed slightly.

“She’s such a well-behaved child.”

At such a young age, she didn’t have the slightest bit of arrogance that was common among her peers. Despite her fine clothes and well-mannered behavior, she was so sensible and polite. It was no wonder that Lin Tianlu had taken the initiative to guide her.

She was truly adorable.

“Has that girl just left?”

“Hmm?”

The sudden voice made Mao Ruoyu frown instinctively. She saw a cascade of silver-white hair fluttering in the wind as a graceful figure stepped into the courtyard.

“Miss Cheng.”

“Madam Mao, it’s been two days, I hope you’re well.”

Cheng Yishi was still elegant and charming, with a sweet smile on her face.

But as soon as their eyes met, there was a silent clash, a faint glint of coldness flashing as if there was still a small sense of rivalry hidden in their hearts.

“Why does the busy Miss Cheng have time today?” Mao Ruoyu took a sip of warm tea and smiled faintly. “Mr. Lin hasn’t returned yet.”

“I naturally know that.”

Cheng Yishi walked gracefully into the pavilion and sat down opposite her, smoothing her skirt. “Seeing Madam Mao always alone in the courtyard, reminiscing and feeling sad, I decided to come and keep you company.”

“Keep me company?”

Mao Ruoyu chuckled. “Is Miss Cheng so kind?”

“When have I ever come with ill intentions?”

Cheng Yishi said calmly. “Moreover, after learning about Madam Mao’s experiences over the years, I felt sympathy and wanted to talk to you more.”

Mao Ruoyu’s body stiffened slightly.

“You… are you intentionally investigating me?”

“I just don’t want Mr. Lin to be involved in any trouble, so I’m trying to help him avoid it as much as possible.” Cheng Yishi said softly. “But Madam Mao, your past is truly strange. Although you’ve been living a simple life alone in Changling County for the past two years, before that… there’s nothing.”

“What is your origin? Why do you know Yin techniques?”

“…”

Mao Ruoyu fell silent for a moment.

Cheng Yishi’s eyes flickered, and she couldn’t help but speak again. “What are you hiding? Could it be that you really have malicious intentions towards Mr. Lin?”

“No, I no longer have any intention of harming him.”

Seeing her indifferent reaction, Cheng Yishi felt a surge of displeasure in her heart.

“You… do you have something you can’t say?”

“My past is nothing worth mentioning.”

Cheng Yishi stood up abruptly, her eyes bloodshot as she glared at Mao Ruoyu, almost yelling.

But after hesitating for a while, she finally just flicked her sleeves and snorted coldly. “I naturally won’t interfere in your affairs anymore, but you better be prepared. Don’t let me see you scheming in the dark!”

Mao Ruoyu just chuckled softly, as if she was used to it. “Miss Cheng is truly concerned about Mr. Lin, I admire that.”

Cheng Yishi’s expression turned angry, and she immediately stepped forward and pressed her hands on Mao Ruoyu’s shoulders.

“Hmm?” Mao Ruoyu was slightly startled. By the time she reacted, the girl was already looking down at her with a fierce expression.

“I don’t want My dear Lin to be hurt, and I don’t want him to be angry or worried!”

Cheng Yishi’s eyes were bloodshot as she said each word with emphasis. “If you betray My dear Lin, I will definitely… kill you!”

Her words were filled with a chilling killing intent, causing a cold and eerie wind to sweep through the courtyard.

Mao Ruoyu seemed surprised by the girl’s deep obsession. The undisguised killing intent was almost tangible, making her face pale slightly, her heart trembling.

But…

“That’s wonderful.”

Mao Ruoyu smiled gently. “Miss Cheng’s deep affection makes me feel ashamed of myself.”

“You still dare—”

“Don’t worry.”

She gently held Cheng Yishi’s tense hands and said softly, “My past is truly nothing worth mentioning. It’s just a childhood of wandering and hardship. Even when I grew up a little, I disguised myself as a boy and did manual labor in various places.

Until one day, I encountered a flash flood while traveling and almost died. By chance, I was saved by a woman and learned some Yin techniques from her for a few years. That’s how I managed to live a normal life.”

“If Miss Cheng says that I once had malicious intentions towards Mr. Lin, I won’t deny it. But now that I’m under his care, Miss Cheng should be able to see what kind of feelings I have.”

“…”

Cheng Yishi’s expression froze slightly, and she unconsciously loosened her grip on Mao Ruoyu’s shoulders.

After a moment of silence, she pursed her lips and said softly, “I was too reckless, making Madam Mao recall unpleasant memories. If Madam wants to scold or hit me…”

“I wouldn’t bear to hurt our harmony.” Mao Ruoyu smiled gently. “I quite like Miss Cheng’s personality. If we can become friends in the future, I believe we can get along well.”

“…So gentle, be careful not to suffer in silence in the future.”

Cheng Yishi took a few steps back and smoothed her hair, sighing softly. “Forget it, since you have nothing to hide, I won’t be harsh or pester you anymore. However…” She glanced at Mao Ruoyu’s ample bosom with a cold expression. “Seeing your seductive figure, I didn’t expect that you haven’t had any intimacy with Mr. Lin yet, what a pity.”

This sudden change of topic made Mao Ruoyu’s smile freeze. Her face flushed red as she clenched her fists and lightly punched Cheng Yishi’s shoulder. “Y-you girl, what nonsense are you talking about!”

“I’m just stating the truth.” Cheng Yishi smiled elegantly. “Madam Mao needs to work harder.”

Mao Ruoyu forced a smile.

She really wanted to pinch this strange girl’s cheeks!

Pitter-patter.

The sound of light footsteps suddenly rang out.

Cheng Yishi’s expression instantly turned icy, and she quickly pulled Mao Ruoyu behind her, her eyes scanning the courtyard.

“Wh-what’s wrong?”

“Maybe it’s just my imagination, but…”

Cheng Yishi’s brows furrowed tightly. Just as she was about to say something, the locust tree in the courtyard suddenly trembled. Accompanied by a faint sword hum, a terrified scream came from outside, then vanished into thin air.

“…”

The two of them quickly ran out of the courtyard and followed the sound.

“What happened?”

The street was empty, but there was a faint trace of Yin energy lingering.

Cheng Yishi was slightly surprised.

Mao Ruoyu looked back at the locust tree thoughtfully. “Perhaps there were some evil spirits trying to cause trouble outside just now. And the locust tree and sword in the courtyard are quite extraordinary, they seem to have the ability to ward off evil and suppress demons, so they happened to drive them away.”

Cheng Yishi’s expression turned serious. After pondering for a moment, she said decisively, “I’ll stay with you tonight, right here. You shouldn’t wander around casually for the next few days.”

“Miss Cheng, you…”

“I know some self-protection techniques. If something unexpected happens, at least I can protect you.”

Cheng Yishi seemed to sense the strange gaze from beside her and averted her eyes, biting her lip lightly. “I just don’t want My dear Lin to be angry.”

Mao Ruoyu smiled gently. “Thank you, Miss Cheng. I didn’t expect you to be so…”

“Tell me first, where is My dear Lin’s bedroom? I want to stay in that room tonight.”

“…”

Mao Ruoyu almost couldn’t resist the urge to knock this infuriating girl on the head.

As expected, she couldn’t relax for even a moment when dealing with her!

***

Cheng Yishi uses the term “Lin Lang” (林郎) 

• Lin (林):  Protagonist surname in Chinese.

• Lang (郎): This character has a few meanings, but in this context, it’s most likely used as a term of endearment. It can mean “young man,” “husband,” or “lover.” It adds a sense of affection and familiarity to the name.

• Therefore, “Lin Lang” can be understood as:

  • My dear Lin

  • Beloved Lin