At these words, the atmosphere at the table briefly stiffened.
Shuang'er paused what she was doing. Her little face flushed slightly as she nervously twisted the corner of her clothes and softly explained, "Heroine Huo misunderstands. Shuang'er is merely a little maid by Young Master's side. Young Master was kind enough to take me in despite my lowly status—how could I dare call myself his confidante?"
A'Zhu quickly echoed her. "That's right. We sisters were once maids of the Murong Family. Young Master kindly saved us from dire straits. Now, we only wish to remain by his side for the rest of our lives. We would be content just serving him tea and attending to him."
A'Bi nodded as well, her gaze clear and resolute.
Looking at the three sensible women, Lin Xuan set down his wine cup. His gaze swept over them before finally settling on Huo Qingtong, and his expression turned serious.
"Nonsense." Lin Xuan's voice was not loud, yet it carried an unquestionable authority.
"In my eyes, you have never been mere maids or attendants. You are all, truly and undeniably, Lin Xuan's women. From now on, if any of you dare demean yourselves again, I'll have to enforce the family rules."
The three women's delicate bodies trembled in unison at his words.
Shuang'er's eyes immediately reddened, while A'Zhu and A'Bi wore expressions full of emotion and happiness.
The luncheon ended amid a warm yet suggestive atmosphere.
That afternoon, Huo Qingtong proposed returning to the Yin residence first.
"Young Master Lin, I have been away for quite some time. I'm afraid Sect Leader Huang and Lady Yin may be worried, so I shall return first," Huo Qingtong said.
Lin Xuan nodded. "Very well. Miss Huo, go back and let them know you are safe. Also, tell my