The next day, at the An Family Villa.
Bai Wuchang had sent all the information on orphanages in Xuandu City last night, and An Yiqing had stayed up all night to go through them. She selected a few that met her criteria, and didn’t go to bed until one in the morning.
As a result, An Yiqing got up late today.
In the dining room, the An Family, Ye Chenghong, and Gu Yelin were sitting around the table, enjoying a bustling breakfast.
"Why hasn’t Niuniu woken up yet?" Old Master An looked at the time and raised his eyes from the newspaper.
An Zisheng took a sip of milk and shook his head, "Not sure, she might have gone to bed too late. Last night when I got up to drink some water after midnight, I think the lights in Niuniu’s room were still on."
"Still not asleep after midnight? What was she so busy with?" Old Lady An walked into the dining room with a plate of flower rolls, overhearing An Zisheng’s comment and exclaiming with concern.
"Not quite sure, after she got home last night, Niuniu stayed shut in her room, all secretive," An Zisheng shrugged his shoulders, feeling somewhat helpless about his self-reliant and strong daughter. While other wealthy heiresses were all about shopping, strolling, and beauty treatments, their precious daughter was into business, treating illnesses, and betting on raw materials. Because of this, the An Family felt not just pride but also worry.
Gu Yelin’s eyebrows furrowed slightly upon hearing the conversation. He remembered the stack of files he saw in An Yiqing’s room the night before.
During the conversation, a faint sound came from the top of the staircase.
"Grandpa, Grandma, Master, Mom and Dad, Eldest Brother, Second Brother, good morning Ah Lin," An Yiqing said sleepily as she stood on the staircase, her pajama coat thrown on haphazardly and her hair in disarray, as if she were not fully awake yet.
"Oh dear, Grandma’s little sweetheart! What made you so tired? Come down quickly, Aunt Li went to Old Wang’s place especially to get you fresh soy milk!" Old Lady An exclaimed, patting her thigh, her gaze filled with joy and concern as she looked at the girl.
An Yiqing nodded drowsily and staggered down the stairs.
Just at that moment, her right foot slipped and she suddenly tumbled down, missing her step!
Among the surprised cries of everyone, An Yiqing was now fully awake! Seeing her face about to hit the stairs, she gritted her teeth, ready to harness her Inner Breath!
A gust of wind blew by, and An Yiqing found herself caught in a familiar embrace!
"Whew—" The An Family all heaved a sigh of relief, having seen Gu Yelin teleport from the dining table to the staircase in a flash.
"Um... Ah Lin..." An Yiqing lifted her head from his arms, blinking in confusion, somewhat slow to react.
Gu Yelin’s dark eyes were filled with worry and disapproval.
"You can’t stay up so late in the future. If you can’t get up, just sleep in a bit more in the morning. We’re all family, and no one will be angry," Gu Yelin tapped An Yiqing’s nose, admonishing her with concern.
An Zisheng, hearing this, thought for the first time that this young man wasn’t so bad. He nodded in agreement and said to An Yiqing, "Yes, Niuniu. Little girls should sleep in. If you’re too tired, don’t worry about getting up early to join us for breakfast. Your rest is the most important."
An Yiqing smiled and nodded, obediently agreeing.
At the breakfast table
"Master, have you been in contact with the Shimen recently?" An Yiqing asked Ye Chenghong after taking a sip of the fresh soy milk.
"No. Don’t tell them yet. Let me have some peace," Ye Chenghong shook his newspaper nonchalantly, obstinately saying.
An Yiqing was speechless, the corner of her mouth twitching.