Ye Renxin's Shock, Ye Lingling's Repayment

"This garden is so elegant," Bai Chenxiang said softly.

Huo Wu nodded, her eyes also filled with admiration.

There weren't many servants in the manor.

Occasionally, they would encounter one or two servants, all of whom respectfully bowed to Ye Renxin.

Ye Renxin sighed.

"I've made Young Master Yu laugh."

"The Seven Heart Begonia family now only has Lingling and me left."

His voice was full of weariness.

"In this generation, it's just us grandfather and granddaughter, relying on each other."

Yu Xiaolong looked at Ye Lingling beside him.

The young girl remained silent, her eyes downcast.

Her cool and elegant demeanor was like a begonia flower under the moonlight.

The main hall of the manor wasn't large, and its furnishings were simple.

There were wooden tables and chairs, and a few calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls.

Ye Renxin personally brewed tea, his movements slow and solemn.

"The Seven Heart Begonia was once a prestigious family."

The old man pushed a teacup towards Yu Xiaolong.

"Alas, each generation is worse than the last."

"Lingling's father..."

At this point, Ye Renxin's hand trembled slightly.

Yu Xiaolong listened quietly.

He could tell that this old man carried too much on his shoulders.

Ye Lingling stood up and gave a slight bow to everyone.

She turned and left the main hall, her footsteps light.

Yu Xiaolong's gaze unconsciously followed her retreating figure.

The girl's figure was slender, her waist as delicate as a willow branch.

Her purple long dress shimmered faintly under the moonlight.

Her legs were long, but her steps were small.

It was as if she measured the path beneath her feet with every stride.

Her ankles were occasionally revealed beneath the hem of her skirt.

Fair and slender, as if they would shatter at a touch.

Yu Xiaolong withdrew his gaze and picked up his teacup.

Huo Wu was whispering to Bai Chenxiang beside him.

Ye Renxin sighed again.

"Lingling's father died at the hands of the Ghost Family."

The old man's voice was low.

"The hatred between the two families has lasted for generations."

Yu Xiaolong frowned slightly.

The Ghost Family?

He remembered that Ghost Douluo came from the Ghost Family.

No wonder Ye Renxin was being hunted by Ghost Douluo.

"Elder Ye, please accept my condolences."

Yu Xiaolong put down his teacup.

Ye Renxin waved his hand, "It's all in the past."

"Young Master Yu, you should rest early."

"The guest rooms have been prepared."

Yu Xiaolong stood up and left the main hall with Huo Wu and Bai Chenxiang.

Ye Renxin sat alone in the hall, unmoving for a long time.

The night grew deeper.

On the other side of the manor, in Ye Lingling's boudoir.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating the girl's cool and clear face.

She sat before the dressing table, her long hair cascading down.

The door was gently pushed open.

Ye Renxin walked in.

"Lingling, not asleep yet?"

The old man's voice was soft, filled with affection.

Ye Lingling shook her head slightly.

She raised a finger and pointed to the bed, gesturing for her grandfather to sit down.

Ye Renxin sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at his granddaughter's back.

"Lingling, what do you think of that Young Master Yu?"

The old man asked cautiously.

Ye Lingling's hand paused.

She didn't turn around, nor did she give any response.

"Grandpa can see that he is no ordinary person."

Ye Renxin's gaze was deep.

"Although he's not young, his cultivation is at least level seventy."

"And that Soul Tool... I've never heard of anything like it."

Ye Lingling remained silent.

Her fingers gently played with the comb.

"Lingling, our Seven Heart Begonia family..."

Ye Renxin's voice choked slightly.

"You're all that's left."

"Grandpa is old, I can't protect you for much longer."

Ye Lingling turned around and looked at her grandfather.

Her eyes were clear, yet held a stubbornness.

Ye Renxin looked at his granddaughter, his eyes filled with heartache.

"That Young Master Yu is someone you can entrust yourself to."

"Grandpa wants you to... get closer to him."

Ye Lingling's eyelashes trembled slightly.

Her lips parted, but no sound came out.

Ye Renxin knew his granddaughter's nature.

"You don't need to give Grandpa an answer right now."

The old man stood up.

"Think it over carefully."

He patted his granddaughter's shoulder and left the room.

The door gently closed.

Ye Lingling sat alone in the candlelight.

Her fingers tightly gripped the hem of her skirt.

Her heart felt like it was burning.

She didn't want to be arranged.

She didn't want to be like a chess piece, her fate decided by others.

But Grandpa's gaze...

Ye Lingling closed her eyes.

She took a deep breath and stood up.

She opened the wardrobe, which was filled with plain dresses.

Her gaze fell upon a purple dress.

It was left to her by her mother.

Ye Lingling took out the dress and gently stroked the fabric.

A moment later, she made her decision.

The candlelight in the guest room was still lit.

Yu Xiaolong sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes closed to regulate his breathing.

Yu Xiaolong opened his eyes and nodded with satisfaction.

This trip to the Star Dou Great Forest had been quite rewarding.

A knock suddenly sounded at the door.

It was very light, like a feather landing on the wood.

Yu Xiaolong frowned. "Who is it?"

There was no answer from outside.

Yu Xiaolong rose and walked to the door.

The moment he opened it, he froze.

Ye Lingling was standing outside.

She was wearing that purple dress.

The candlelight shone from behind her, outlining her silhouette.

Pure and dignified, she looked like a fairy who had stepped out of a painting.

The young girl's collarbones were exquisite, appearing faintly beneath her neckline.

Yu Xiaolong noticed she was holding a copper basin.

Inside the basin was clear water, emitting a faint steam.

"Miss Ye?"

Yu Xiaolong was somewhat surprised.

Ye Lingling bowed slightly.

She carried the basin into the room with gentle movements.

After placing the basin on the stand, she turned around.

"Benefactor."

Her voice was very soft, yet crisp like jade striking jade.

This was the first time Yu Xiaolong had heard her speak.

"Grandfather sent me."

Ye Lingling lowered her gaze.

Her eyelashes cast shallow shadows in the candlelight.

Yu Xiaolong watched her, waiting for her to continue.

Ye Lingling took a deep breath.

Her fingers moved toward her waistband.

The purple belt came undone, and her dress loosened slightly.

Yu Xiaolong's pupils contracted sharply.

The girl's hands did not stop.

Her outer garment slid down her shoulders.

It revealed her fair collarbones and smooth

"Allow me to serve you, benefactor."

The maiden's voice was calm.

But Yu Xiaolong could hear the rapid beat of her breath.

He stood with his back to Ye Lingling, clenching his fists.

"Put your clothes back on."

Yu Xiaolong's voice was unquestionable.

Ye Lingling remained standing, unmoving.

In the candlelight, her shadow was cast upon the wall.

The maiden's breathing grew heavier.

Her eyes gradually turned red.

"Benefactor... do you despise me?"

Her voice finally held a tremor of emotion.

Yu Xiaolong did not turn around.

"It's not despise."

He stared at the wall, his gaze profound.

"I do not require this kind of repayment."