Chapter 88: Gifting Han Lin

Han Lin wiped down the wooden counter with a damp cloth as Lu Feng poured himself a cup of cool water from the clay pitcher. The warm ambient light of the kitchen cast soft, dancing shadows across the timber walls, filling the space with a comfortable, familiar ease after a long day.

As Lu Feng leaned back against the counter and took a slow sip, he began sharing the news he had gathered earlier during his visit to the Grand Crimson Pavilion. He brought up his meeting with Su Rong and carefully detailed the shocking revelations she had shared regarding his aunt, Lu Ruoxi.

Han Lin stopped her cleaning mid-stroke, her jaw dropping slightly in sheer surprise. Having grown up listening to Lu Feng’s childhood stories back at the main Lu family estate, she had always held a vague, grand image of Lu Ruoxi in her mind as an eccentric, powerful relative.

But hearing these new revelations—the true depth of her aunt’s secret influence, her shadowy connections across the region, and the lingering, dangerous impact of her past actions—left Han Lin far more stunned than Lu Feng himself.

"I knew Lady Ruoxi was extraordinary from the stories you used to tell me," Han Lin murmured, shaking her head in utter disbelief as she set her rag aside. "But to think she had connections of that scale... It almost feels like listening to a grand legend about someone else entirely. To think she was moving such huge pieces behind the scenes!"

Lu Feng chuckled softly, setting his empty cup back down on the table. "Our family has far more secrets than I initially realized." He then reached across the counter, picking up the two items he had brought out from his quarters. He slid the silk-wrapped box forward and placed a smaller, carved wooden case directly beside it. "Anyway, these are for you."

Han Lin blinked in surprise, her eyes darting back and forth between the two elegant boxes. "For me? But Young Master, what is all this?"

"Open them and see," Lu Feng said with a slight nod.

Curious and eager, Han Lin untied the fine silk ribbon of the larger box first. Nestled within the soft velvet lining was the magnificent jade pendant carved into the likeness of a soaring dragon, its smooth surface glistening under the lantern light with a rich, natural luster.

Before she could even process the exquisite craftsmanship and utter a sound of gratitude, she opened the smaller wooden case beside it, revealing an elegant, delicately carved hairpin that radiated a soft, serene aura into the cool kitchen air.

Just as Lu Feng picked up his water cup to take another drink, light, measured footsteps sounded along the wooden hallway outside. Ye Chenxue walked into the kitchen, her dark hair neatly pinned back and her countenance remarkably refined after completing her intense meditation session.

Seeing the open display boxes resting on the counter, a gentle, rare smile appeared on Ye Chenxue’s face. She stepped closer to the counter, her cold blue eyes softening as she looked at Han Lin. "It seems your gift has finally arrived, just as Lu Feng promised you earlier."

However, as Ye Chenxue’s gaze fell upon the hairpin resting in its velvet slot, her expression shifted into one of quiet intrigue. She leaned in slightly, raising a slender hand to point toward the artifact. "Lu Feng, this hairpin... I can feel a remarkably dense and pure concentration of defensive Qi residing within its core. What kind of purpose does it serve?"

Lu Feng swallowed his drink, setting the cup back down on the wooden counter. "It is for Han Lin’s personal protection. The defensive array I bought from that local merchant previously was far too fragile and failed instantly when the intruders broke into the estate last night. So, I obtained this to make sure she stays safe at all times, no matter where she is."

He offered a reassuring look to both of them before continuing. "You do not have to worry about being scammed this time. I already took care of the dishonest merchant who sold me that scrap, and this piece comes from a far more reliable source. Its defensive barrier is passive, constant, and bound to protect her without fail against unexpected attacks."

Han Lin nodded repeatedly, a look of profound relief washing over her face as she looked at the hairpin. Ye Chenxue’s composed posture relaxed noticeably upon hearing his explanation.

Though she rarely vocalized her personal worries, she too had been secretly anxious about Han Lin’s safety as a non-cultivator after the previous night’s chaotic intrusion. Knowing that Han Lin now possessed a dependable, high-grade safeguard brought an unspoken peace to her mind.

"Let me help you put them on," Ye Chenxue said softly, stepping around the counter.

She lifted the thick silver chain attached to the dragon jade pendant, carefully looping it around Han Lin’s neck and fastening the delicate clasp behind her nape. She smoothed out the pendant so it rested perfectly against the front of Han Lin’s tunic. Next, Ye Chenxue picked up the protective hairpin, gently gathering a lock of Han Lin’s hair before sliding the pin smoothly into place, securing her hair with effortless grace and skill.

Ye Chenxue stepped back slightly to admire her work, her eyes brightening with genuine appreciation. "It suits you remarkably well, Han Lin. You look truly beautiful."

Lu Feng looked at her as well, offering a warm, genuine nod of approval. "Chenxue is right. It looks great on you, Han Lin."

Hearing such direct compliments from both of them at the exact same time, a deep, warm blush crept up Han Lin’s cheeks, spreading rapidly to the tips of her ears. "T-thank you, Young Master! Thank you, Miss Chenxue!" she stammered, ducking her head in embarrassment to hide her red face.

To break the overwhelming embarrassment of the moment, Han Lin quickly turned around, grabbed the serving platters, and hurried out toward the central dining hall. "I’ll go set the table for dinner right away!"

As she walked down the softly lit wooden corridor carrying the dishes, a sudden wave of quiet, painful regret washed over her. Inwardly, she was practically kicking herself for her earlier scheme. She had deliberately cooked a smaller portion of the exquisite main dish just to tease them and leave them wanting more, never anticipating that they would share such a joyful, warm moment together right before sitting down to eat.

’Ah, why did I have to be so stingy with the meat tonight?’ she thought to herself, wincing slightly as she laid out the dining bowls and wooden chopsticks on the table. ’They are being so sweet to me, and I’m serving them a tiny portion!’

She paused by the head of the dining table, taking a deep breath before letting out a small, helpless shrug. ’Oh well... There is plenty of fresh fruit and baked bread on the side. They can fill up on those tonight, and I will just make an absolute feast for them tomorrow to make up for it!’