Chapter 207: Token of Love - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 207: Token of Love

“Who might this lady be…?”

One wouldn’t hit a smiling face, especially not at the entrance of an academy. Both Shen Shi and Bai Sihan wanted to leave a good impression, so they spoke gracefully.

“We are from the Bai household, here to deliver some clean clothes to my nephew from the Feng family. May we pass, please?”

“Oh, you are related to the professor. My apologies. The young master from the Feng family has just finished his classes, so you’ll catch him at a good time.”

“Thank you for showing us the way.”

“You’re welcome, madam.”

The gatekeeper, suspecting nothing, allowed the carriage to pass into the academy.

As they traveled, mother and daughter admired the grandest academy in the capital they had ever seen.

Though located in the mountains, the academy exuded tranquility and ancient charm. Even the seemingly simple pines and cypresses by the roadside looked different from those elsewhere. “Perhaps it’s because the spiritual energy here is abundant, even the pines and cypresses are more nourished,” Shen Shi commented, though she couldn't quite articulate her thoughts.

Seeing such a fine academy, she believed the people inside must be even better.

Thinking about her daughter’s future, she felt a great sense of satisfaction.

When the carriage stopped, they switched to walking. They soon encountered a young attendant who quickly led them to Feng Jinlin's residence.

Feng Jinlin was chatting with Yin Canwen when he heard a clear voice behind him, “Cousin!”

Turning around, he saw Bai Sihan and Shi, who was looking around. He frowned and asked coldly, “Aunt, why are you here?”

He had little to do with these two, so their presence was strange.

Bai Sihan, pretending to be innocent, handed over the package and sweetly said to Feng Jinlin, “Cousin asked me to bring these clothes for you. Inside is a box with peace hand ropes she specially sought, said to ensure your success.”

“Ah Yao sent you? Where is she?”

Feng Jinlin didn’t believe her. Bai Siruo didn’t like them, and Ah Yao wouldn’t be close to them. It was strange for her to send them here.

Shen Shi saw an opportunity and feigned difficulty.

“Third Miss was out all night for family matters, caught a cold, and was still complaining of a headache this morning when we left.”

“Sick?”

“Is Third Miss alright?”

Both men asked at the same time, catching Shen Shi off guard. She scrutinized the young man beside Feng Jinlin.

Before she could speak, Feng Jinlin asked first, “How did Ah Yao catch a cold? What happened at home?”

Worried, Feng Jinlin asked anxiously, and though Yin Canwen said nothing, he looked concerned.

Shen Shi, pretending to be mysterious, lowered her voice and said, “The eldest Miss eloped with an outsider and was caught by the family. The man was labeled a bandit to quell the rumors. Third Miss spent the night looking for them and caught a cold.”

Hearing this, Feng Jinlin and Yin Canwen exchanged doubtful glances.

But Shen Shi continued, “The eldest Miss is now grounded, and the fourth master was so angry he whipped her fifty times.”

The previous story could be a lie, but Feng Jinlin knew his fourth uncle’s character. He would only beat Bai Siruo harshly if she had indeed made a grave mistake. Did she really misplace her affections?

Though he thought this, he didn’t let Shen Shi take advantage.

“Aunt, since you’ve delivered the items, please return. It’ll be hard to travel if it gets late.”

Seeing that Feng Jinlin didn’t continue the conversation, Shen Shi was displeased with his lack of tact.

Bai Sihan, anxious, tugged her mother’s sleeve, prompting Shen Shi to change the topic.

“Jinlin, do all the students rest here? Why do I only see you two?”

From her question, Feng Jinlin understood her intention, recalling Bai Sihan’s behavior during the Lantern Festival. He knew who she was interested in.

He said, “The third room on the left belongs to the son of Minister Wen. But I must warn you, Aunt and Cousin, that the Wen family isn’t a peaceful place. Be cautious.”

Bai Sihan, embarrassed, was at least bold. Shen Shi, however, was fearless.

“The eldest Miss has a good marriage prospect. We can’t let Sihan marry beneath her. Since the Bai family won’t help us, we must help ourselves.”

Feng Jinlin had said enough and didn’t want to argue, so he turned and left, with Yin Canwen following.

Shen Shi hummed twice and told Bai Sihan, “Go on, I’m here. Let’s see who dares say anything!”

Encouraged, Bai Sihan nodded firmly. In life, one must take risks to see what opportunities the future holds.

Taking a deep breath, she headed to Wen Mengsheng’s room and coincidentally met him returning.

“Mr. Wen.” Bai Sihan smiled charmingly at Wen Mengsheng, who was surprised.

“Miss Bai, why are you here?”

“I brought some things for my cousin from my cousin. It’s a coincidence meeting you here.”

Wen Mengsheng smiled but didn’t speak. He felt a bit guilty for her getting beaten because she stood up for him during the Lantern Festival. He wanted to say more, but she handed him a red rope.

Blushing, she said, “I personally sought this peace hand rope from Fahua Temple. The monk blessed it. It will surely ensure your success.”

She handed the rope to him. While maintaining his gentlemanly demeanor, Wen Mengsheng inwardly scoffed.

These things were just tricks to deceive ignorant women. If it were so effective, wouldn’t everyone just need a hand rope to top the list and bring glory to their families?

Ridiculous!

Because she was Feng Jinyao’s cousin, he paid more attention to her. Not wanting to be rude, he said, “Miss Bai, thank you. I’ll accept it.”

But Bai Sihan took this as a sign of their relationship, looking at him affectionately, and said, “I’ll pray for you every day at home. Don’t forget today’s kindness when you succeed.”

Wen Mengsheng sneered inwardly. Though she was pretty, she was not smart. He had great ambitions and wouldn’t be interested in someone who couldn’t help his career or family.

Bai Sihan’s hopes were bound to be dashed.