Chapter 656: 341 New Year’s Eve_3
Ye Shuang knelt and bowed, before standing up to leave.
Ye Jian glanced at the wound on her forehead and scolded, “What am I to do with you... It’s fine if you are going to Yunzhou. The Qinglong Association will surely face a turbulent period soon, it’s better for you to lay low for a while.”
“Brother, what exactly is Master Xiao’s plan?”
“For me to tell you so you can further disrupt it?”
Ye Shuang pursed her lips, “When I’m not around, keep an eye on Master Xiao and make sure he doesn’t grow any unnecessary affections towards that Ming Jing. She is nothing but a venomous woman.”
Ye Jian sighed helplessly, “You’re exaggerating, they are just....”
Ye Shuang gave him a quick glance, “Do you think Master Xiao would care for gossip?”
She walked up to Ye Feng and patted his shoulder, “Little Junior, I owe you a life. Please look after Master Xiao when I’m gone.”
Ye Feng waved his hand with a smile, “Senior, you’re too courteous, it’s my duty.”
Ye Shuang stiffened a bit, is this guy really happy about her departure?
Well, only with her departure can there be a place for this kid.
——
After Ye Shuang left, Ye Feng asked, “Brother, I’m a bit lost. Who exactly is this Ming Jing? Xi Yu is actually her man, is this girl really that powerful?”
Ye Jian patted his head, “Let’s go see Master Xiao.”
Ye Feng nodded and entered the Ran family’s study for the first time.
He looked around curiously, Ran Tengxiao was standing in front of a painting, his upright posture gave off a sense of loneliness.
“Master Xiao, my junior sister has left. This is my younger brother Ye Feng, he will guard your safety closely from now on.”
Ye Feng followed his brother’s example and greeted, “Nice to meet you, Master Xiao, I’m Ye Feng.”
Ye Feng leaned closer to Ye Jian and asked, “What is Master Xiao looking at?”
Ye Jian signaled him to be quiet with his eyes.
Ye Feng stuck his tongue out and made a teasing face.
Seeing this, Ye Jian helplessly shook his head.
“My uncle, though he wasn’t much of a scholar, fancied himself refined, and collected many famous paintings. This masterpiece of the Fuchun Mountains, a famous artist’s copy, once reached a record price at auction and was bought by a wealthy businessman from Yunzhou. Half a year later, a huge fire broke out at the businessman’s house and all the people and all the collected treasures were reduced to ashes in the fire.”
Lin Qing frowned, “What show?”
Zhu Shaodan snorted, “You’ll find out tomorrow.”
“Where’s your sister?” Lin Qing glanced at Lin Ya bustling in the kitchen, feeling a bit upset.
“Not sure. It’s New Year’s Eve today, she probably went out with friends.” Zhu Shaodan then strolled upstairs clutching his phone not wanting to be interrogated further by Lin Qing.
Lin Ya emerged from the kitchen with a meal, “Auntie, come have your meal.”
Upon seeing the meal, Lin Qing found it quite impressive, “Did you make all of this?”
“Yes, I know you love shrimp wontons, Auntie. I specially bought fresh shrimps for the filling. I hope you’ll like it.”
Lin Qing took a bite and suddenly paused, “This tastes exactly like how your grandfather used to make it.”
The Lins had run a restaurant for generations in their small town. Lin Ya’s grandfather, Lin Qing’s father, was best at making shrimp wontons – a taste that had been etched deep in Lin Qing’s memory, quintessentially her father’s. Unfortunately, her father had died long ago.
“My father taught me how to make it. I never met my grandfather, but dad always said he was a very good man.”
A tear fell into Lin Qing’s bowl: “I have failed your family. As your aunt, I will make sure you’re never wronged again.”
After dinner, Lin Qing went upstairs to rest. After Lin Ya had tidied up the kitchen, she saw Li Juan walking into Granny Zhu’s room with a bowl of water.
Lin Ya instinctively followed her in.
“Madam, this is the medicine that the young miss wished for you to take.”
Granny Zhu glanced at the pill and instantly felt a headache, “I despise swallowing pills the most.”
“Young Miss is doing this for your good. Have it soon and get some sleep. Tomorrow is your big day, and it’s going to be quite bustling.”
Granny Zhu made a sour face from the taste of the pill. Li Juan quickly helped her swallow it down with some honey water.
“What kind of medicine is this? It’s so bitter.”
“Good medicine always tastes bitter, that’s how it benefits you. Drink honey water to alleviate the bitterness. I’ve kept it warm in a cup for you. Remember to drink it if you get thirsty in the middle of the night already.”
Li Juan closed the room door and left.
Lin Ya frowned, remembering that Granny Zhu was supposed to be taking herbal medicine rather than pills.
As the depth of the night receded and the first ray of dawn broke through the sky,
A new year was upon them.
Lin Ya felt a storm was brewing.
This was destined to be the final tranquil night.