301 It Is Entirely My Business! (1/2)

It could be seen that Ji Lingxi had completely recovered; both her mental and physical state had been fully revived. The fear that had been stacked upon each other from being hunted and fleeing for lives had vanished upon knowing where she was now – all the anxiety was gone!

Perhaps, everything else was not a something as long as she was her to Ji Lingxi.

She was pacified, comforted, at ease and had no doubt that she was safe.

”Girl, you’re really heartless.” Yue Rulan teased her companion but felt that a rock in her heart had finally been lifted.

After so much turmoil, you two are finally together!

”Where is that Young Master Yun of yours?” Yue Rulan asked. ”He has gone through great pains to save us this time, we must thank him properly.”

Ji Lingxi nodded, her face growing hot. ”Of course.”

Yue Rulan continued to rib her and said, ”Of course? How easy it is for you to say. I can’t even think of a way to thank him for such a huge favor, why don't you pledge yourself to him instead? Tell Young Master Yun directly, there’s no way you can repay his mercy; you can only offer your hand in marriage...”

She did not finish her words as her mouth was quickly covered by Ji Lingxi, who was abashed and fuming. ”Sister Lan! Stop that right now!”

Yue Rulan begged for mercy as the two ladies teased and ribbed each other as young girls do.

The sound of steady knocking came from the door. ”Can I come in?”

Ji Lingxi got up to open the door.

”Wait!” Yue Rulan said anxiously, ”Cover me up!”

”Certainly,” answered Ji Lingxi.

”Aren’t you wearing clothes already?”

…

At the door, a young man in purple clothes stood with his hands behind his back. He was watching the snow fall in the courtyard.

Even when all they could see was his back, the youth stood tall and handsome; his raven hair was black as ink, while his purple robes fluttered in the cold wind. He stood proudly amidst the gently falling snow, his elegance paramount and ethereal.

Ji Lingxi felt her heart thumping wildly, her mouth grew dry; for long moments, she did not know what to say.

”Yun…” She coughed and continued, ”Yun Yang, were you the one who saved us?”

Yun Yang turned and smiled, ”It was but a small matter. Are you alright?”

Ji Lingxi suddenly felt an odd sense of peculiarity strike her.

Is this piece of log actually talking to me in such a warm tone? Is this still Yun Yang? Where is the Yun Yang who used to taunt me incessantly? Why is it so awkward to converse like this?

It was only after a pause that she replied, ”I’m alright. Sister Lan’s leg, however, may pose some problem.”

Yun Yang looked at her and said, ”Don’t worry. I’ve done precursory conditioning on Sister Lan’s leg, there won’t be any sequelae left and will heal in at most three days or so. All these troubles aren’t troubles to me, in my home.”

How authoritative! Yet, it made one feel secure upon hearing those words.

However, Ji Lingxi felt that Yun Yang’s gaze was slightly odd. Whether he was looking at her or sometimes glancing discreetly at Sister Lan, the gaze was strange, like…

Ji Lingxi cracked her head, but could not figure out the intention behind Yun Yang’s strange gaze. Yue Rulan, on the other hand, had sharply noticed it's obvious intent!

Yun Yang’s gaze did not speak of a craving, neither did was it a lustful stare. It was filled with care and concern but there was a difference when he looked at her and when his eyes fell on Ji Lingxi.

Yun Yang’s gaze towards Ji Lingxi was like an older brother who was watching his mischievous little sister whom he did not take a good care of; it was filled with guilt and fond indulgence. It was like a father who looked upon his youngest daughter who had returned eighteen years later after being abandoned since young… It was sorrowful, but it was also full of kind affection!

Yes, kind affection!

Yue Rulan could easily identify such kind affection but Ji Lingxi barely understood it. The family that had brought Ji Lingxi up was an adopted family. She was not a biological child; the family atmosphere was unlike those of normal families, so of course, she was a stranger to such familial sentiment.

In spite of this, Yue Rulan, who understood the feeling fully well, was also stumped by her discovery.

You think that Lingxi was injured and bullied because you didn’t take care of her – the reason within is a little farfetched but it’s acceptable to explain the pampering fondness and guilt in your gaze. After all, we sisters know of Lingxi’s feeling towards you.

Yet… what does this kind affection imply?

What does it mean for you to have similar guilt for me?

Lingxi is familiar to you but this is the first time I’m meeting you... I would believe it if you say your love extends to her family and you have similar emotions for me out of the sympathy and sorry you have for Lingxi, but is this the same kind of respect that you hold for your elders?

Do I look old now? Old enough that I can be your elder?

It was while Yue Rulan was musing bitterly that Yun Yang had stepped into the room.