Through their time together, Lin Qingge discovered that Leng Ningyue, despite her seemingly cold demeanor, was actually quite detached, or perhaps even cold-hearted.
Yet, such a person, after being taken in by her, showed exceptional care towards her and Lin Zimo.
If it were merely to repay a life-saving debt, Leng Ningyue only needed to play the role of 'County Magistrate's Wife' to perfection. There was no need for her to do so much for herself and Lin Zimo.
Nor did she believe she possessed the charisma to inspire someone she had known for less than a month to be so devoted and heartfelt.
"Ouch—!"
Lost in thought, Lin Qingge was jolted back to reality by a sharp pain in her back, letting out an involuntary cry.
The next moment, Leng Ningyue's cool voice echoed from behind her:
"You still feel pain, which means you haven't completely gone daft."
"Sister Ningyue, if I'm daft, then there would be no intelligent people left in this world!"
"Hmph, if you weren't daft, why would you ask such a foolish question about why I treat you well?"
"Is this question very foolish?"
Looking at the somewhat foolish young girl before her, Leng Ningyue sighed with a hint of helplessness:
"Alas, forget it.
Who asked me to owe you so much…"
"Owe me?"
Lin Qingge, with her sharp ears, became even more bewildered and confused, "Sister Ningyue, what do you owe me?"
But Leng Ningyue countered with a question, "Until when do you plan to continue like this?"
After processing the words in her mind, Lin Qingge, realizing the other party was referring to her disguise as a man, thought for a moment and said, "Previously, I became a county magistrate to have a stable income to support myself and Mo'er, and to investigate the death of my elder brother, Lin Jingxing.
As for now, I want to become a high-ranking official while keeping this secret!
Not necessarily one below one person and above ten thousand, but at least a pivotal official who, even if my male disguise were revealed, could be spared death due to my capabilities and past achievements.
The best outcome would be that I not only save my life but also, due to my unique case, allow women to participate in the imperial examinations and hold official positions.
Sister Ningyue, am I being too idealistic?"
Looking at the young girl beside her, who, unlike her usual composed self, had shed her pretense of masculinity and was now beaming with starry eyes, Leng Ningyue reached out and gently ruffled her hair, saying softly,
"I believe that day will come."
After that, neither of them spoke further.
As the two emerged, dressed and refreshed after their bath, a freshly washed and fragrant Lin Zimo toddled over.
"Daddy, Mummy!"
Just as Lin Qingge was about to bend down, Leng Ningyue preempted her, scooping the little one into her arms with one hand.
…
Once again realizing that her strength might not even match her wife's, Lin Qingge instead raised her hand to pinch the little one's fair cheek, "Mo'er, were you good just now?"
"Daddy, Mo'er is not a child anymore!"
Lin Zimo's words were righteous, but the hand around his mother's neck was remarkably tight.
As if recalling something, he tucked his little head and half his body forward, leaning close to Lin Qingge's ear and whispering mysteriously,
"Daddy, Mo'er has already checked them out for you.
Their figures are all exceptionally stunning—broad shoulders, narrow waists, long legs, and those abs, so many pieces, much more impressive than the second son of the Lin family from the neighboring village that Daddy secretly peeked at before!"
"What do you mean by 'stunning' and 'impressive'?
Where did you hear these words?"
As Lin Qingge spoke, she raised her hand to tap Lin Zimo's little head twice. Lin Zimo, clutching his head, pouted aggrievedly,
"Tch, didn't I hear it from Daddy?"
"At such a young age, you don't learn the right things. You don't learn what's useful, but you pick up these useless things so quickly!"
After saying that, Lin Qingge was about to give the little one another tap, but Leng Ningyue, holding him in her arms, deftly sidestepped.
"As the saying goes, a doting mother spoils her son.
Mo'er is already mischievous by nature; if you continue to indulge him like this, won't you spoil him even more and make him uncontrollable!"
After hearing Lin Qingge's words, Leng Ningyue, who had re-fastened her veil, glanced at her and said exasperatedly,
"I've indulged you this much, let alone Mo'er, who is only a four-year-old child. He's at an age where he should be showered with affection. What's wrong with indulging him a little?"
Feeling as though she hadn't found a wife but a mother, Lin Qingge's mouth twitched, but she dared not utter another word under the other's domineering presence.
On the other side, Hua Jinrong and a few others approached.
He swayed his folding fan and lewdly leaned close to Lin Qingge's ear to tease, "My lord, how was the taste of mandarin ducks playing in the water, entwined and caressing each other?"
Lin Qingge's gaze, as substantial as if it could be touched, swept over the flamboyant peacock before her and the white lotus fox not far away. She hooked her lips into a half-smile, "On this matter, Master Hua, you should have a deeper understanding than this official."
Hua Jinrong: ???
Murong Bai: …
"My lord, why were people pointing and gesturing at me as I walked over just now? Did something stick to my back?"
Compared to Yan Tinghao's bewilderment, Lin Qingge, who knew the truth, symbolically patted Yan Tinghao's back firmly, "There, there's nothing on you now."
"This subordinate thanks my lord!"
Yan Tinghao, feeling that his lord was becoming increasingly approachable, happily cupped his fists in return.
His simple-mindedness was so apparent that even the young Lin Zimo couldn't bear to watch.
At this moment, Lin Moyuan, who had changed into more opulent attire, stepped forward and cupped his hands towards Lin Qingge, "I presume Lord Lin and everyone else are tired. I have already reserved a private room at Jubaozhai. I wonder if Lord Lin and everyone would grace us with your presence?"
Lin Qingge grumbled inwardly that this shameless fellow had been so thoughtful, but outwardly, she readily agreed with a smile.
"As Master Lin puts it, this subordinate is indeed so hungry that his back is sticking to his front."
"Hmph, since Master Lin is paying and making such earnest requests, this subordinate certainly must grant him the honor."
"Then it's settled."
Hua Jinrong 'swished' his fan closed and immediately called a waiter to prepare a carriage.
However, before Lin Qingge and her entourage could reach the entrance, they heard a woman's piercing shriek from the upper floor of the Xiangtang restaurant.
"Ah—
Trouble, trouble!
There's a dead person!"
Upon hearing the word 'dead person,' Leng Ningyue instinctively cast her gaze towards Lin Qingge, her eyes seeming to say, 'As expected, nothing good happens when I go out with you.'
In response, Lin Qingge could only shrug helplessly, then sternly commanded,
"Constable Yan, order everyone to stay put and not move erratically.
Doctor Murong and Master Hua, accompany this official to the upper floor to investigate what has happened.
As for your wife and Mo'er…"
Before Lin Qingge could finish, Lin Moyuan eagerly volunteered,
"Please rest assured, Lord Lin. Your wife and young master will be looked after by me."