Chapter 93-2
Exchanging moves
The old ladys face turned serious, and she pushed her out the door, insisting on placing it into her pocket. Her tone softened then, her full head of silver hair trembling as she gently grasped her hand.
Take this, Jingxing, use this money to buy some snacks for Xiaowei. Im old now and dont have many desires; I just want to see our family living together in harmony. If you and Yuhang are happy and Xiaowei grows up safely, Ill be content.
Ji Jingxing felt a warmth in her eyes and said with emotion, Mom
Mother Song waved her hand: Go on, take the child and come back early. Dont forget to come over for dumplings tomorrow.
script async /pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-7308560877180315" crossorigin="anonymous"> <!-- Display - Feb. 2024 - 1 -->
After Mother Song returned to the room, Song Yuhang was helping the pale-faced Lin Yan out of the bathroom.
Whats happened here?
Its nothing, Auntie, Lin Yan said, lifting her eyes faintly, forehead still beaded with sweat, her palm-sized face as white as paper, yet she forced herself to stand up and walk outside.
Then Ill be heading back too.
Song Yuhang helped her to sit back down again: Heading back? How can you head back in this state? Sit for a while, Ill pour you a glass of water.
Saying this, she dashed into the kitchen, with Mother Song following her.
Whats going on? Werent you alright just now?
While pouring water, Song Yuhang grumbled softly.
I couldnt very well speak up at the dinner table, but her stomach is weak, and she overate, which led to indigestion. That bottle of medicinal liquor of yours must be at least ten years old; I wouldnt dare to drink it, yet you kept pouring it for her. Now look whats happened, regardless of whether its exquisite delicacies or simple teas and meals, its all come back up.
Saying so and shaking her head, she walked out and brought the water to her lips, carefully helping her drink.
The medicinal liquor is spicy; if you cant drink it, then dont. My mom has no one to drink with her on normal days, so she seized the opportunity with you, didnt she?
Lin Yan, sipping the warm water, felt much better, I can do it myself, let me do it. As long as Auntie is happy, its all good.
Mother Song, listening in the kitchen, felt a sour and astringent pang in her heart, and warm tears welled up in her eyes.
This child is so thoughtful; its impossible not to be moved.
Come, Yanyan, take a digestive tablet. From now on, you must tell Auntie what you can and cannot eat. Also, the bed sheets and duvet cover in the Yuhang roomI just changed them yesterday. Dont bother going back today; its a long way. Just stay and sleep here.
Thank you, Auntie. Lin Yan, upon hearing the first part of the sentence, popped the tablet into her mouth. The second part almost choked her, leaving her face blushing red.
This wouldnt that be inappropriate?
Mother Song walked into the kitchen and took out some honey and aged tangerine peel to make a hangover soup. After preparing it, she turned on the TV to watch the Spring Festival Gala and said, Whats wrong with that? Sooner or later, were all family. Its more lively with you here to accompany me. If you leave, Yuhang would follow you anyway.
Song Yuhang sat between them, wrapping an arm around her mothers shoulder, and making playful faces.
Mom, this time youre really acting like my mom.
Two elbows jabbed into her stomach simultaneously.
Lin Yan gritted her teeth: Song, Yu, hang.
Mother Song retorted, Being a close mom means you still have to do the dishes!
Song Yuhang threw her head back in a long howl, collapsing onto the sofa.
In the Lin residence.
Cough, cough, cough I cant eat anymore. The old man was coughing violently, sitting alone in the vast villas dining room.
The room was cold and quiet, and the delicate and abundant dishes on the table had hardly been touched.
A woman gently patted his back and used a handkerchief to wipe the saliva dribbling from the corner of his mouth.
Alright, alright, no more eating, Ill assist the master in returning to rest.
As she spoke, she and the butler together secured the man into the wheelchair.
Lin Youyuan lifted his eyes to look at her, his voice hoarse: Dont fuss about, Old Lin can take me up. You should also get some rest.
The womans eyes flickered, wanting to say more, but the butler, always Lin Youyuans confidant, had already pushed the wheelchair away.
Left with no other option, the woman could only stand there, stomping her foot in silent frustration.
A servant approached and inquired, Madam, do you wish to keep these dishes?
Whats to keep? Throw it out for the dogs! The woman snapped, clutching her handkerchief. The sudden ferocity etched onto her face made the servant recoil a few steps, not daring to look up at her again.
Yes, madam.
In the tranquil corridor, laid with an intricately patterned carpet, the wheelchair rolled soundlessly.
Lin Youyuan coughed twice more, his complexion wan and his eyes sunken. Dressed in loose pajamas, the skin that showed was loose and dotted with age spots.
He was visibly aging at a rapid pace.
The butler couldnt help but feel compassion: Master
Lin Youyuan gestured to stop him mid-sentence: Did Geer come over today?
Butler Lin shook his head: No, the young masters mother is also severely ill, so he didnt come. However, he sent someone with a congratulatory gift, saying that he will come over to give his New Years greetings tomorrow morning.
A hint of a smile appeared on Lin Youyuans lips: Oh, what is it?
Its an antique snuff bottle, claimed to be a relic of the Qing Dynasty emperors. He went to great lengths searching for over half a year as a gift for you.
This child, hes considerate. Lin Youyuan leaned on his wheelchair and let out a long sigh, and as soon as he finished speaking, he was seized by a bout of coughing.
Master the butler moved to pat his back.
Lin Youyuan stopped his movement: Do you think the woman Jin Xia is trustworthy?
I wouldnt dare to speculate about the lady. The old butler lowered his head.
<!-- Display - Feb. 2024 - 2 -->
Lin Youyuan covered his mouth with a handkerchief, and from his throat came a heh-heh-heh sound, making it unclear whether he was coughing or laughing.
He didnt speak, and Lin Youyuan did not ask further.
Has the young miss returned?
As Butler Lin continued to push him forward, he shook his head.
Lin Youyuan closed his eyes, allowing himself to be wheeled into the bedroom.
Its better she doesnt return, better that she stays away.
The expansive villa returned to silence, with the occasional bark of a dog coming from the distant woods.
Jin Xia slipped out the main gate and turned into the neighboring building.
Didnt I tell you not to come over? Lin Ge opened the door to his study, glanced aroundthe corridor was pitch-dark, not a soul in sight.
He quickly pulled her inside.
Jin Xia nestled softly into his arms, her fingertips gently teasing his chest.
That old fart has gotten on my nerves again.
She spoke with not a small measure of grievance, but Lin Ge pushed her away abruptly.
Go back, this is not the place for you.
But Jin Xia stamped her foot in frustration. When will he finally die? Every day I have to attend to him, bear the sight of his coarse, sagging skin, even bathe him it makes me want to puke.
Lin Ge let out a cold snort and moved to his desk to immerse himself in his work.
A centipede dies but never stiffens immediately not so fast.
But Ive been doping his medicine for over half a year now and still no sign of improvement Jin Xia pouted, circling around to his front, about to sit on his lap when she caught sight of the crystal ball on the desk, her eyes instantly lighting up.
Wow, this is so pretty!
She reached out and grabbed it.
Before she could sit down, someone snatched the crystal ball from her hand and shoved her against the wall, gripping her neck.
Lin Ges eyes were bloodshot as he tightened his grip on her hand, steadily increasing the pressure.
Dont. Touch. My. Things.
Jin Xia rolled her eyes, her feet flailing wildly against the wall. She never would have imagined that the seemingly frail Lin Ge could possess such strength.
Looking at his face now, it was clear he had lost his usual geniality. His gaze was fierce and icy, as if he were merely pinching an ant to death.
Jin Xia was frightened; she started gasping for breath, tears welling up in the corners of her eyes, desperately slapping at his wrist.
Cough cough Im sorry I I was wrong.
In countless moments, Lin Ge had thought of killing her, making her one of his specimens.
However, when he thought of her remaining usefulness,
the bloody streaks in his eyes visibly faded.
Lin Ge let go, and Jin Xia fell to the ground, sitting with a thud. She trembled all over, staring at him with a mix of shock and fear.
Lin Ge bent down, gently helping her up, and even patted off the dust from her dress.
Sorry, did I scare you? Its just that its very precious, so I dont want others to touch it.
The womans eyes were red, and there was still a ring of bruise on her neck where he had choked her. Lin Ge gently massaged it, easing the pain.
Im sorry, I was impulsive just now. It wont happen again, Xiaxia. You have to believe me, I will surely rescue you from this sea of suffering.
One moment he was fiercely cruel, the next, tender as water. This capricious change was as swift as flipping through a book, sending shivers down Jin Xias spine.
She felt as though she had never truly known this man, and an unfounded chill rose within her as she looked at his face.
Lin Ge continued to display his expertise, picking up a cup of water from the table and handing it to her: Im sorry Xiaxia, take a sip to calm down. Here, it was my bad mood tonight. Youve worked hard taking care of Lin Youyuan, and I should be more understanding.
Jin Xia didnt dare to linger, pushing his hand away she stood up by herself: Its okay, its okay, Ill go back first.
With those words, she left the room as if fleeing for her life.
Not long after her departure, a dark figure emerged from behind the bookshelf.
You dont kill her, arent you afraid shell tell Lin Youyuan?
Lin Ge scoffed coldly, caressing the crystal ball as if it were the softest part of a woman.
Lin Youyuan is no easy mark. If she tells him, shell be even less likely to survive.
And youre not worried that shell cut off all ties with you and stop doing your bidding?
Lin Ge sneered, at this point, there was no longer a need to pretend.
After drinking that stuff, few people can resist addiction. Just wait and see; shell be back for more tomorrow.
The man in black turned to leave, but someone called out to stop him.
<!-- Display - Feb. 2024 - 3 -->
You did well this time, the money has been transferred to your account.
A contemptuous smile played at the corner of the mans lips: You know, Im not in it for the money.
I know, dont worry. Lin Ge stood up and stuffed a gold bar into his hand.
Ill help you, just as youve helped me.
LP: EWW!!!
Visit freewe𝑏nov(e)l.𝗰𝐨𝐦 for the 𝑏est n𝘰vel reading experience