At the old woman's arrival, Lin Baijian's expression stiffened with obvious discomfort for a moment. Then he ordered a maid to bring over a wide bench.
Supported by Lin Xiaojin, the old woman set down the Dragon Head Crutch she had been leaning on. Feeling her way along the edge of the bench, she climbed onto it and sat down.
On closer inspection, her wrinkled face bore a pair of utterly clouded eyes, without the slightest trace of light. Hao Ran, she had been blind for quite some time.
Looking again at the Dragon Head Crutch she had casually placed beside Lin Baijian, perhaps because its owner was a woman, its dragon-head design carried none of the usual ferocity or majesty. Instead, it seemed delicate and compact. Two tiny rings adorned its small dragon horns like a young girl's earrings, while a dainty Emerald Green Pearl rested in its mouth.
With displeasure, Lin Baijian shifted the crutch leaning against his seat and tossed it to Lin Xiaojin beside him to hold. Since the old woman was blind, he made no effort to conceal his expression, his distaste displayed with striking clarity.
"Grandmother, what brings you here today? Why take the leisure to watch such a dull contest among the younger generation?"
Lin Baijian's voice was completely at odds with the revulsion and disdain on his face. It could not have sounded more sincere or respectful.
This old woman was Lin Wanxia, the current Lin Family member of the highest seniority.
Even the present family head, Lin Baijian, was several generations beneath her. Yet because she had never involved herself in family affairs over the years, she held little real power. That was precisely why Lin Baijian showed respect on the surface while harboring none in his heart.
The old woman