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The estate was vast and of that rare serenity, filled with many trees, yet not even the slightest sound of cicadas could be heard.
Lin Suqing casually tossed away the rattan ball, which bounced and rolled into the flower bushes by the wall. She glanced once in the direction it stopped but continued on her way into the house.
When she passed through the flower-entwined gate and entered the inner courtyard, countless low orange trees, camellias, and a dense multitude of plants indistinguishable at a glance greeted her eyes. Yet, even here, there was no sign of any insects or ants.
She checked both the eastern and western wings but didn't find her master or the dog. The main hall was up ahead. It was unlikely for her master and the dog to be in the side rooms, so after a glance at the doorway, she continued inward.
However, even the back courtyard was devoid of their presence. It seemed they truly hadn't returned yet.
