Mrs. Liu lifted her head and glanced at Lin Yuan, her eyes brimming with ripples.
Lin Yuan, however, was not helping Mrs. Liu out of kindness; she just couldn’t stand Lin Siyu’s haughty attitude. The two had been at odds since their days in the Lin family hollow, and it had only grown worse since. Besides, that shameless woman had once tempted Xia Zheng. Lin Yuan hadn’t minded before because she had nothing to do with Xia Zheng, but now things were different. Xia Zheng was hers, and she wouldn’t let anyone else touch him!
Lin Siyu’s eyes shifted, remembering how Lady Jin had just called Lin Yuan "niece." She couldn’t help feeling envious. That old woman must have been deceived by the Little Disaster Star’s seemingly innocent appearance.
"By the way, Yuanyuan," as if the previous friction had never occurred, Lin Siyu smiled and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "I remember when I lived in the Lin family hollow, you seemed quite close to the young master from the Fuman Building. What is your relationship with him now?"
Before Lin Yuan could speak, Lin Siyu continued on her own, "Don’t blame your sister for not reminding you, but men cannot be trusted too easily. You and Young Master Xia have neither an engagement nor a formal matchmaker. Make sure his sweet nothings don’t deceive you. Otherwise, if word spreads, you’ll have a hard time finding a husband."
Lin Siyu’s manner was seemingly gentle and persuasive; those unaware of their relationship might think she and Lin Yuan were very close—perhaps even closer than sisters.
Lin Yuan found the situation amusing and curled her fingers. Lin Siyu seemed unable to resist taking a swipe at her, didn’t she? Her previous words might have sounded caring, but they were meant to embarrass her. After all, what unmarried woman spends all her time with a man? Lin Siyu was essentially calling her an indecent young woman without explicitly saying so!
Almost everyone present could discern the true meaning behind Lin Siyu’s words. Although Lady Jin had a favorable impression of Lin Yuan, she disapproved of women who did not adhere to propriety. Nevertheless, out of consideration for Lin Siyu, she still spoke up in defense of Lin Yuan.
"Maternal Aunt Lin, Yuanyuan now co-owns the Fuman Building with Young Master Xia. It’s only natural for them to meet often. You should refrain from making baseless accusations."
Although Lin Yuan knew Lady Jin didn’t fully trust her, she was grateful for her defense, at least outwardly.
Lin Yuan looked up, her eyes shimmering with understanding and grievance as she gazed at Lady Jin. Her vulnerable expression melted Lady Jin’s heart, who comforted her softly, "Yuanyuan, don’t be sad, and don’t listen to the slander of those vile people. Your aunt believes in your character."
Lady Jin’s words were a subtle rebuke to Lin Siyu, who quivered with anger.
Stealing a glance at Lin Siyu, Lin Yuan suppressed a smile. She looked genuinely moved, as if on the verge of tears, and after thanking Lady Jin, she turned to Lin Siyu. "Maternal Aunt Lin’s kind warning is appreciated, but for now, my relationship with Xia Zheng is solely business. As for anything else, I really haven’t considered it."
Lin Siyu sneered internally, not considering it? Yet their hands had already touched!
Lin Yuan swept a seemingly casual glance around the room, then refocused her attention on Lin Siyu, "However, I must thank you for the advice, Maternal Aunt Lin. Indeed, as a girl who is not yet married, I shouldn’t have too much contact with men. And after marriage, even more so. After all, a married woman shouldn’t consort with other men behind her husband’s back; wouldn’t that look bad? Wouldn’t it, Maternal Aunt Lin?"