Hearing Lin Yu say that he came to change her fate, Zhu Zhuqing felt a complex mixture of emotions, touched and warmed in a way she hadn't experienced in a long time.
However, having long been accustomed to keeping her emotions hidden, she was unsure how to smile and could only respond with a cold, yet sincere, "Thank you."
"No need to thank me. Let's eat. Afterward, we can take a tour of the estate. You can introduce me to the place. From now on, I'll be here to support you," Lin Yu replied with a warm smile.
Zhu Zhuqing, initially silent, felt her heart soften even more. It was as though a cold block of ice had been melted by a sudden influx of warm water, leaving her feeling both touched and a bit choked up.
How long had it been since anyone had cared for her? Ever since her parents announced her engagement to the third prince, Dai Mubai, she hadn't felt warmth from any family members. Her parents became distant, and her sister's attitude turned cold and antagonistic.
Many nights, she wanted to cry, but she always held back. She had to stay strong—she was left with nothing but herself.
Now, it seemed like someone was willing to stand by her side, to face life's challenges with her, and to help her break free from what felt like a predestined fate.
The icy barrier around her heart was melting away. Yet, despite having opened up to Lin Yu emotionally, Zhu Zhuqing's long-standing habits made it difficult for her to express her feelings openly. She simply continued to eat her meal in silence.
Lin Yu, undeterred, enjoyed his meal with a smile. Around them, many pairs of eyes observed the unusual scene of Lin Yu not only sitting with Zhu Zhuqing but also conversing with her.
"Hey, do you guys know who this person is?"
"I don't know, but he seems quite handsome. He must be a new addition to the estate. Otherwise, I would have known him."
"He's bold to sit with the second miss and talk to her. Doesn't he fear the first miss?"
"Yeah, but could he be trying to get close to the second miss? She's engaged to the royal family. If the royal family finds out, even the Crown Prince might take issue!"
As people whispered among themselves, the news reached an attendant tasked with serving Zhu Zhuqing. He had been sent to find Lin Yu and persuade him to join Zhu Zhuyun's side. Upon finding Lin Yu and seeing him with Zhu Zhuqing, the attendant frowned and discreetly left the floor.
This is Lin Yu, how could he speak to the second miss? Didn't he know her status? This needed to be reported to the first miss so she could decide what to do.
The attendant quickly returned to Zhu Zhuyun and reported, "What! You say this Lin Yu actually spoke to my dear sister and they were even chatting and laughing?"
"Yes, that's what I saw," the attendant replied. "But perhaps Lin Yu doesn't know the second miss's status, and the second miss is quite beautiful, much like you, so it's not surprising he might engage with her."
Although the attendant relayed the message, he cautiously added that Lin Yu might still be a valuable asset and could potentially be recruited by Zhu Zhuyun's side.
Zhu Zhuyun frowned in thought. The attendant's words made sense. Zhu Zhuqing's beauty would indeed attract attention, and it might be premature to judge Lin Yu solely based on his interaction with her.
If this oversight led to losing a talented individual like Lin Yu, it would be a missed opportunity. Therefore, Zhu Zhuyun decided to give Lin Yu a chance.
After some contemplation, Zhu Zhuyun addressed the attendant, "You're right. The interaction between Lin Yu and my sister is not a major issue for now. But when you speak with him again, make sure he understands my relationship with my sister."
"Let him know that if he wishes to receive the best resources and training within the estate, aligning with me is his best choice. If he refuses, he will become my adversary, and there will be no place for him in the estate."
"Understood," the attendant responded with a bow.
Meanwhile, after their meal, Lin Yu, accompanied by Zhu Zhuqing, explored the estate. They visited the academy and the Soul Spirit Manifestation Training Grounds before finally arriving at the Soul Fighting Arena.
The arena was as opulent as the outer Soul Fighting Arenas, though much smaller and without counters or charming attendants. Instead, it featured a bustling hall and a row of announcement boards.
These boards were used for matching opponents. Participants would write their Soul Spirits, strength, and desired opponent criteria on the boards, then post their announcements. Others who saw and matched the criteria could respond, and once the battle was over, they would simply remove their announcement.