Chapter 3
Before the boat had even docked, I could see several people standing at its prow. Foremost were a striking young man and woman, as lovely a pair as immortals in a painting.
Lin Ruhai leaned toward me and murmured, “Those are Yu’er’s cousin and his wife, Jia Lian’s branch of the family. Among the younger Jias, they are at least capable of handling a few affairs.”
Under my veiled hat, I nodded. How thoughtful of you, future husband, I thought. Though I might know rather more about their identities and characters than you do.
Truthfully, I felt rather sweet on him. This middle-aged man looked so restrained and aloof, and not long ago he had given me a lengthy speech that positively ruled out romance. In practice, though, he was quite considerate.
It made me feel even sorrier for this father and daughter. Two such lovely people didn’t deserve to die so wretchedly.
As I was thinking this, the boat reached the dock.
A little girl emerged from the cabin. Like her father, Lin Ruhai, she seemed to have her own soft-focus lighting. The sight caught my breath.
How could she be so adorable!
My idol and my daughter, all in one. I could already see how happy I would be raising her.
Little Daiyu, come to Stepmother’s arms.
Her eyes reddened the moment she saw her father, but she was quick to notice me standing beside him.
In that instant, surprise, understanding, hurt, curiosity… so many emotions passed through her eyes that my heart ached for her.
I said nothing about it, merely handing a veiled hat to the older attendant beside her. “It’s windy on shore, and the sedan chairs are ready. You’re home now. Whatever you have to say can wait until we’re there.”
The attendant paused, glanced at Daiyu’s face, and hastened to put the hat on her.
Inside, I was ecstatic. Ahhh! She’s wearing the hat I gave her! Do you understand how it feels when your darling daughter accepts your present?!
Wang Xifeng, a shrewd woman, smiled. “How thoughtful of you, Miss Shen. Cousin Lin was so eager to see Uncle Lin that she rushed off the boat, and we forgot to remind her to wear her hat.”
“It’s quite all right. Only a little wind,” Lin Ruhai said.
He didn’t mention the risk of a young lady encountering unwanted attention in a place like the docks.
But as he turned to escort little Daiyu to her chair, he gave me a small nod, a trace of gratitude in his eyes.
With his demanding duties, clan affairs, and no one managing his household, such details were bound to escape him.
I didn’t consider being seen in public a problem myself. But I was wonderfully adaptable, and I did have advance knowledge of the script.
Of course I wouldn’t miss a chance to score points with the heroine and her father.