Arrived, arrived," Lin Wanrong thought to himself, "Isn't this clearly an attempt at seduction? Asking about my impression of the Second Miss, could it be an attempt to arrange a marriage between us? But the mother-in-law personally acting as a matchmaker is not in accordance with proper etiquette. It sounds nice but is rather unseemly."
Lin Wanrong smiled with feigned sincerity and said, "The Second Miss? Everyone has always thought highly of her. She is lively, innocent, beautiful, and kind—everyone likes her."
His words were resolute. If the servants of the Xiao family heard this, they would surely be infuriated. Before Third Brother came to the Xiao family, everyone knew what kind of person the Second Miss was. How could he speak so positively?
Madam Xiao looked at him and asked, "I am asking for your opinion about her."
"Well, Madam, the Second Miss and I have always had a good relationship," Lin Wanrong replied vaguely, sweat stains appearing on his forehead. The Madam's direct inquiry seemed too direct. I am not prepared for this. Though he had a thick skin, facing this matter, it was really difficult to articulate.
Seeing his unnatural expression, Madam Xiao couldn't help but laugh and said, "Lin San, this is the first time I've seen you so shy. Could it be that I was truly ignorant before?"
This woman is taking advantage of being my mother-in-law to flirt with me, how inappropriate. Lin Wanrong thought indignantly. He was not a pushover, and he chuckled, "Madam, it's just a misunderstanding by others. They only see my unrestrained appearance, not knowing that my true heart is fragile and in need of comfort."
Madam Xiao, although usually stern, couldn't help but laugh at his fabricated words. After a while, she said, "Lin San, Yuruo has told me about your silver-tongued eloquence. I used to doubt it, but today I finally see it."
Seeing her laughing charmingly, Lin Wanrong thought, "With my way of speaking, you have indeed seen something unique. Unrivaled in the world, apart from me, where else can you find it?"
"Lin San, where are you from? Who is in your family?" Madam Xiao asked again.
If he remembered correctly, this should be the second time Madam had asked this question. She mentioned it when the newcomer entered the mansion. Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "I am from Jingchu. There is no land or property in my family, no wife or livelihood—only me."
Madam sighed lightly, "You are quite pitiful." Then she sighed again, "Although you are unfortunate, my Xiao family is not much better off."
Lin Wanrong did not engage in the conversation, listening as Madam continued, "My Xiao family, with a widowed mother and daughter managing it for many years, has achieved some success. However, it is still a struggle. There is no one in the family to continue the lineage, making it difficult. Even with the efforts of my daughter and me, we are still subject to ridicule."
Lin Wanrong nodded, thinking, "Telling me this is useless. You better find a husband quickly, or let the Second Miss find a son-in-law. I, surnamed Lin, will never marry into your family. It's legitimate for Miss Yushuang to marry into my Lin family."
After expressing her feelings, Madam Xiao looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "I told you these things for no reason, ruining my mood. Let's talk about Yushuang. Lin San, you are a clever person, and that girl Yushuang has some affection for you. I know that."
Madam paused, looking at Lin Wanrong as if trying to gauge his reaction.
Lin Wanrong, being experienced, could not be easily moved by such words. He pretended not to hear and let her continue.
Seeing his lack of response, Madam sighed and said, "Regarding this matter, I was not very supportive initially. Yushuang is still young, and now is not the time to involve her in such matters. Moreover, the age and status difference between you two would undoubtedly invite ridicule if it became known."
Lin Wanrong thought, "Status? What a load of crap. You say it so nicely; it's just an excuse for you aristocrats. In my eyes, status is nothing. If Yushuang and I get along well, what's wrong with that? If the servant girl steals the young miss, that's fashionable. I like that. Even if I change my skin, as long as I elope with the Second Miss, let's see what you have to say about status."
Madam, seeing his disdainful expression, seemed to understand what he was thinking. She smiled and said, "You don't have to be anxious. These were my thoughts before. As a mother, thinking for my daughter, I hope you can understand. However, in recent days, observing your words and actions, although unconventional, there is some talent..."
She paused and continued, "Since you came to my Xiao family, you have been wholeheartedly assisting us, providing many ideas. Not just the soap and perfume, but also rescuing Yushuang in a critical moment and overpowering the Tao family in Hangzhou—your contributions are considerable. If I still unreasonably obstruct, not only would it be too overbearing, but it would also be unfair."
Lin Wanrong felt a sense of joy in his heart, though he did not show it on his face. Madam Xiao's words were much more pleasant compared to the Second Miss, who was unreasonable and harsh, teaching Yushuang some ridiculous self-defense techniques. Clearly, it was to guard against me, making me uneasy.
Madam Xiao, in a more serious tone, said, "However, Lin San, don't think that I am agreeing with you. Yushuang is still young, and there is still Yuruo above her. The two sisters have a close relationship, and Yushuang also listens to Yuruo a lot. If you want a good result between you and Yushuang, you'll have to figure out a way to get past Yuruo first. I won't intervene. How Yuruo views your relationship with Yushuang is beyond my control."
Lin Wanrong nodded, thinking, "You are plotting. This is a big plot. After circling around so much, it turns out to be a Tai Chi move. She nominally handed over the initiative to the Second Miss, making Lin San work hard to pass the test of the Second Miss. In essence, she is making Lin San exert all efforts to help the Xiao family."
Binding Lin San through the Second Miss and controlling the Second Miss through the Third Miss, this move is indeed high. Its core purpose is to tie down Lin San, a talented person. Now it can be said that it's all thanks to the Second Miss, both a success and a failure. The role of the Second Miss has never been so prominent.
Madam Xiao talked for a long time, yet it was as if she said nothing. However, she still sold a big favor, truly living up to her years of managing the Xiao family with astuteness.
Lin Wanrong, an old hand, quickly saw through the situation. Wanting to use Yushuang to
tie me down? Hehe, it's not certain who will be tied down by whom. Sorting out the Second Miss is more challenging and difficult than anything else. I like it. Regardless of your conspiracy, as long as it's a young girl, Lin San isn't afraid of anyone.
Madam, seeing Lin San's smiling expression, knew that she couldn't deceive this shrewd person. She sighed a little and thought, "If my Xiao family had a man like Lin San, even if it's just half of one, there would be no need for me to play these tricks."
Madam sighed and said, "Lin San, I heard that you encountered Mr. Wen Chang in Hangzhou this time? I also heard that Mr. Wen Chang appreciates you a lot. How is he recently?"
Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Mr. Wen is doing well. He asked me to convey his regards to Madam."
Madam Xiao looked out the window, sighed softly, and said, "Rarely does Mr. Wen Chang still remember me like this. Since we parted in the capital, it has been twenty years. There is no chance of meeting again. Time is truly heartless."
Seeing Madam's sentimental expression, Lin Wanrong thought, "Could it be that Madam has some old lover left in the capital?" Observing her facial expressions carefully, although her look was sorrowful, her eyes were exceptionally clear, not like the expression of missing someone. It seemed more like pure reflection. This Madam Xiao is indeed a person with a story, Lin Wanrong thought.
When he exited the room, the Second Miss was pacing outside. Seeing him come out, she hurriedly said, "Lin San, what did Mother discuss with you?"
Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Nothing much, just talked about the affairs of men and women."
The Second Miss was puzzled, "What affairs of men and women?"
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Madam said she wants to betroth the Second Miss to me."
Slightly changing her expression, Miss Yuruo huffed, "In your dreams!"
"I knew you would have this expression." Lin Wanrong smiled helplessly. Before he could speak, Si De rushed in anxiously from outside, shouting, "Third Brother, Second Miss, something bad has happened!"