Chu Yu took a few steps, then suddenly turned back, "Little girl!"
Yun Jinnian lifted her eyes, her vision blurred with tears, and sniffled as she looked at Chu Yu.
"Thank you for saving me," Chu Yu said, pausing before adding, "I apologize for before!"
Then he quickly left.
Yun Jinnian sat on the bed.
Heh, a cold laugh escaped her. Was this a slap followed by a sweet date?
She still had to accept it, damn it.
But she was utterly helpless, without a single useful person at her disposal, without silver, and without knowledge of martial arts. She couldn’t even step beyond the secondary door, let alone the main gate.
To make a change, she had to rely on Chu Yu’s schemes.
Yun Jinnian clenched her fist and let it rest on the quilt.
She couldn’t be like she was in her dreams; no, she absolutely could not...
It took a while before Yun Jinnian slowly got out of bed and methodically checked the room before finally letting out a soft sigh of relief.
Leaning by the window, she looked out at the night sky, sleepless.
Mrs. Yuan came over and saw Yun Jinnian sitting by the window, her small hand propping up her cheek as she daydreamed. She hurriedly pushed the door open and entered the room, "Miss, why are you sitting by the window? What if you catch a cold?"
"Nanny, I’m fine!" Yun Jinnian said lightly.
The nanny draped a cloak over Yun Jinnian and touched her hands, saying, "How long have you been sitting? Your hands are so cold!"
The nanny sighed, not knowing how to comfort Yun Jinnian.
A father who doesn’t care, a grandmother who doesn’t love, and the only one who loved her had been sent to the villa, with no telling when she might return.
"Miss, shall I go fetch water for your face?"
The nanny cheerfully went off to the main kitchen with the bucket.
Yun Jinnian watched her go and took a deep breath. Niannian Garden might lack a small kitchen to prepare her own meals, but it must have a place to boil water, so the nanny wouldn’t have to totter to the main kitchen to fetch hot water early in the morning, while those maids and servant women still slept.
No, Ru Yue was already up, slowly walking over while organizing her clothes.
Ru Yue was surprised to see Yun Jinnian up so early, "Miss, you’re awake already?"
Naturally, Yun Jinnian wouldn’t tell Ru Yue that she had spent the night sleepless. She nodded slightly, "Mhm!"
"Then I’ll fetch hot water from the main kitchen!"
"No need, the nanny has gone!"
Ru Yue blushed slightly, thinking that she had risen early enough, but the nanny had gotten up even earlier.
The nanny quickly returned with the hot water, and after Yun Jinnian washed up, breakfast was delivered from the main kitchen.
Plain porridge, two dishes of pickles, an egg, and two buns.
This was Yun Jinnian’s breakfast.
Yun Jinnian didn’t mind; it was already much better than the days of just a bowl of porridge and a dish of pickles.
After breakfast, Yun Jinnian went with Ru Yue to Lady He’s Nuanxin Garden.
Tianmi was startled to see Yun Jinnian and quickly went in to report.
Mrs. He’s hand paused while she was holding a bowl, glanced at Yun Chen who was eating breakfast, and said enthusiastically, "Please invite Lady Jinnian in!"
Yun Chen gently put down his chopsticks and watched the petite and frail figure of Yun Jinnian walk in.
She was wearing a brand new dress that made her little face look even more exquisite.
This child, once grown, would surely be a stunning beauty!
"I greet you, uncle and aunt," Yun Jinnian said.
Mrs. He hurriedly got up and approached, taking Yun Jinnian’s hand, "Why have you come so early? Have you had breakfast?"
"I have eaten," Yun Jinnian replied respectfully, her gaze sweeping briefly.
Bird’s nest porridge, over a dozen exquisite breakfast dishes, and six or seven refreshing cold dishes—her eyes lowered momentarily.
Such was the way here, as it was at Yun Muyou’s place.
And needless to say, even more so at Cixin Academy.
Mrs. He knew full well what food was available in Niannian Garden, and her face burned with embarrassment that Yun Jinnian had come to visit.
"Do you have matters to attend to so early, Lady Jinnian?"
Mrs. He’s heart suddenly lifted, and Yun Chen also looked intently at Yun Jinnian.