"What? Although the Second Miss's voice was soft, Lin Wanrong, along with Madam Xiao and the Second Miss, could hear clearly.
Not only did the Second Miss and Madam Xiao freeze, but even Lin Wanrong himself couldn't believe his ears. Is this little girl crazy? He understood Xiao Yu Shuang's good intentions—she was saying this to clear Lin Wanrong's name. But was it worth sacrificing her own reputation?
Lin Wanrong sighed with emotion. Forget it, forget it. Xiao Yu Shuang went to such lengths for him, probably wanting his help to get the Xiao family out of trouble. Seeing the disbelief on the faces of Madam Xiao and the Second Miss, Lin Wanrong felt a deep calm in his heart. He said to Xiao Yu Shuang, "I know the Second Miss intentionally said this to save me, but a woman's chastity is as precious as life. Be cautious with your words."
"Yes, Yu Shuang, you must not speak recklessly. You're still too young to be choosing a husband. How could there be any private commitments?" Madam Xiao hurriedly grabbed Xiao Yu Shuang's hand.
Xiao Yu Ruo, however, remained silent, coldly looking at Lin Wanrong. It was unclear what she was thinking.
For the sake of this devoted little girl, Lin Wanrong decided he had to help the Xiao family. He said, "Second Miss, Madam, please allow me to have a word."
Madam Xiao gave him a glance, thinking that this matter shouldn't spread outside; she needed to find a private place to talk. "Lin San, come with me," Xiao Yu Ruo said.
"No, I want to go too." The Second Miss anxiously held onto her sister, giving Lin Wanrong a concerned look.
"You, girl, haven't you caused enough trouble?" Madam Xiao sternly faced her, and Xiao Yu Shuang, not daring to resist her mother, could only watch as the three of them walked into the adjacent room.
It was a quiet little room. Upon entering, the atmosphere became somewhat oppressive, and neither the Xiao family mother nor daughter spoke.
Lin Wanrong thought he should take the initiative in this matter, lest people think he abducted their young lady. "Madam, Second Miss, what the Second Miss just said was only to defend me. It should not be taken seriously."
Xiao Yu Ruo looked at him and sneered, "What, do you want us to believe you're not serious?"
Madam Xiao sighed, "Lin San, I've heard some things about you. Yu Shuang is still young, and sometimes her temper deviates a bit. Don't misunderstand."
"Don't worry, Madam. I won't misunderstand. The Second Miss is still young, and she finds some things amusing. It's just a momentary curiosity. When her thoughts settle, everything will return to normal," Lin Wanrong assured.
"Then make a vow that you will not have any intentions toward Yu Shuang," Xiao Yu Ruo said.
Damn, she's pushing it. Although he understood the mother and daughter's protective feelings, their disdain for his status as a servant still irritated him. What a load of nonsense—just because the little girl begged, he bothered to endure their miserable treatment.
Thinking of Xiao Yu Shuang, Lin Wanrong felt a bit better. Regardless, the trust she placed in him touched him deeply. With a sneer, he said, "Second Miss, if you trust me, I won't make a vow. You can see for yourself. If you don't trust me, even if I swear a thousand oaths, it won't matter."
Xiao Yu Ruo said, "The Second Miss is lively and sincere. I like her very much, but it doesn't involve any romantic feelings. She's young, and I see her as a little sister. Madam and the Second Miss can think whatever they want about me, but don't doubt the Second Miss."
Clap! The door was pushed open, and Xiao Yu Shuang stood pale-faced outside, staring at Lin Wanrong. Her eyes were vacant, as if all color had drained from them.
Surprised, Xiao Yu Ruo asked, "Yu Shuang, what are you doing here?" She understood her sister's temperament very well. Once she made up her mind, it was challenging to change it.
As if not hearing her sister's words, Xiao Yu Shuang looked at Lin Wanrong, slowly saying, "Lin San, were your words just now true? Do you really not like me?"
"Rude." Madam Xiao exclaimed. This girl was having an affair with a servant; it was disgraceful.
However, Xiao Yu Shuang seemed not to hear her mother's words. Without any color in her face, eyes wide open, she bit her lip tightly, nervously watching Lin Wanrong, waiting for his answer.
Unexpectedly, Lin Wanrong, who hadn't expected Xiao Yu Shuang to eavesdrop on their conversation, couldn't bring himself to speak. Thoughts about this excellent little girl crossed his mind. It wouldn't be bad to have her in a few years. This sudden thought scared even himself.
Seeing him remain silent for a long time, Xiao Yu Shuang understood. She bit her silver teeth, desperately holding back tears, looked deeply at Lin Wanrong, and said, "Lin San, regardless of anything, remember what you promised me. You must help my mother and sister, or else, I...I..."
She couldn't continue, turned her body, rushed out the door, and ran quickly into the courtyard. The glistening teardrops in her eyes, under the late autumn sunlight, sparkled like radiant pearls.
The three people in the room were a bit dumbfounded. Madam Xiao and the Second Miss knew Xiao Yu Shuang's temper very well. She was a determined girl, and once she made up her mind, it was challenging to change it.
Lin Wanrong, too, was dazed for a moment. This matter took him by surprise, making him feel unprepared. Charisma was indeed a killer; he couldn't decide if it was a blessing or a curse. He didn't know whether to be self-deprecating or self-admiring.
Shaking his head, Lin Wanrong decided not to dwell on these matters. It was crucial to handle the things Xiao Yu Shuang entrusted him with first, ensuring he didn't let her down.
He glanced at Xiao Yu Ruo and went straight to the point, "Second Miss, I've heard from the Second Miss that there are plans for collaboration between Tao Dongcheng and the Xiao family. I wonder how the Second Miss and Madam are considering this."
He said this naturally, forgetting for a moment that he was just a servant in the eyes of the Second Miss.