Lu Mei got along well with Liang Mulan, and Lin Nuan was certain Liang Mulan knew about Lu Mei's background. Yet Liang Mulan would rather forsake her pride to have a meal with the uncle of the Director of the Audit Office than to beg Lu Mei for help. The reason was clear to Lin Nuan—Liang Mulan didn't want to sacrifice Lin Nuan in exchange.
If she was honest with herself, Lin Nuan would never take on Lu Mei's suggestion unless it was the last resort.
In fact, Lu Mei coming to look for Lin Nuan was reminiscent of the time when Gu Hanyan came to talk to her. A different approach, but with similar intended outcomes.
Although Lin Nuan had previously chosen to go with what Gu Hanyan suggested, she was hesitant to agree again even though circumstances dictated otherwise.
In her haste, Lin Nuan stepped into a puddle. The cold water seeped into the soles of her shoes, and she stood rooted to the ground. It was as though the icy cold had awakened her senses.