In the dimness before the window, a slender silhouette stood, clad in all-black attire, resembling a revived corpse, motionless.
Lin Wanrong's entire body shivered, his eyes wide open, on the verge of uttering a cry. Despite considering himself courageous, the sight before him held his breath.
"Wh-who are you?" Lin Wanrong's voice trembled slightly, his body chilled, and cold sweat covering him. He hurriedly shouted, boosting his own courage.
The corpse-like figure moved slightly at the sound, and a hoarse voice emerged, "Awake, are you?"
Relieved that the figure could speak, Lin Wanrong's fear eased a bit. Yet, in the darkness, the person's true features remained unclear, and the voice seemed somewhat familiar. Lin Wanrong hesitated before asking, "Who, who are you?"
The shadow chuckled hoarsely, "What, after a few days, you don't recognize me anymore?"
Taking a few steps forward, the moonlight outside penetrated the window screen, casting a glow on his face. The first thing Lin Wanrong noticed was the empty eye sockets.
"Uncle Wei?" Lin Wanrong exclaimed in surprise, almost unable to believe his eyes.
Old Wei smiled, "Finally, you still remember me."
Wei, the old man, always appeared mysteriously, moving without making a sound. Lin Wanrong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, the last time he was this shocked was when he met Miss Qingxuan. However, that time was a mix of fear and amazement. This time, it was purely fear.
"Uncle Wei, your methods are quite frightening. With a more timid person, they might have fainted long ago." Lin Wanrong laughed, trying to ease the tension. Old Wei was his savior and the first relative he had in this place, making the reunion warm.
Wei chuckled a few times, "Wanrong, you have earned quite a reputation in the Xiao family. Even the young mistress has been watching you for a long time."
"Mistress? What mistress?" Lin Wanrong questioned.
Old Wei gave him a meaningful look, "The mistress I mentioned to you before."
Lin Wanrong suddenly realized, "Oh, you mean that big family where I was supposed to be a son. I'm already a significant figure in the Xiao family; I don't need to bother about that mistress anymore."
Old Wei seemed to understand his thoughts and sighed, "Wanrong, no one can choose their own fate. You are now deeply involved here. Do you know why I brought you to the Xiao family?"
"I don't know," Lin Wanrong replied honestly.
Old Wei looked at him and said, "This Xiao family is not an ordinary place. The mistress has a special significance. Have you met Lady Xiao?"
Lin Wanrong nodded, "Of course, I've met Lady Xiao. But why bring up Lady Xiao? Is there some gossip between the mistress and Lady Xiao? Is Lady Xiao as charming in her youth as she is now? Perhaps she had some romantic affairs back then?"
Old Wei, unaware of Lin Wanrong's thoughts, continued, "In her youth, Miss Guo was exceptionally beautiful and talented. She was a well-known figure in the capital, excelling in various arts. Many young talents were infatuated with her. When that mistress saw Miss Guo, he was amazed and deeply moved. Although the age difference was significant, Miss Guo never considered such things. It was a case of unrequited love for the mistress, who wanted to wait until matters settled down before proposing marriage. Little did he know that he missed the opportunity."
Lin Wanrong chuckled, "So, it was unrequited love. The mistress seems to be quite sentimental."
Old Wei shook his head, "It's not exactly unrequited love, as Miss Guo never thought of it in that way. It was more like a one-sided affection. The mistress wanted to propose after stabilizing his situation, but he missed the chance."
Lin Wanrong couldn't help but think, "So, he was infatuated. I also had a crush on Maggie Q once. Haha."
Old Wei seemed to sense his thoughts and sighed, "Wanrong, everyone cannot choose their own destiny. Now that you are in this situation, helping the Xiao family is in your best interest."
Lin Wanrong smiled, "Uncle Wei, I never thought that much. I just helped the Xiao family naturally. I don't need any benefits."
Old Wei stood up, patted Lin Wanrong on the shoulder, and said, "Remember, you need to have a long-term vision. Your opponents are not here but in the capital."
"Opponents? In the capital? What do you mean?" Lin Wanrong was puzzled.
Old Wei, with a profound look, said, "If you have the chance, you will understand. For now, just remember that the more you help the Xiao family, the more beneficial it will be for your future."
Lin Wanrong laughed, "I have already remembered, Uncle Wei. I have always been doing that."
Old Wei looked at him meaningfully, "Good, very good. Wanrong, your vision must be far-reaching. Remember, your opponents are not here but in the capital."
"What opponents? What's in the capital?" Lin Wanrong asked, confused.
Old Wei, smiling mysteriously, said, "If there is a chance, you will know. Now, I have said what I needed to. The rest is up to you. I'll leave now."
He patted Lin Wanrong's shoulder, quickly left the room, le
aped over the high wall, and disappeared into the moonlit night.