The secretary watched Ye Wanlan with caution.
Sheng Yunyi turned her head in surprise, but she did not see the girl's face, only watching her sweep past the vehicles and enter the gates of Jiangcheng No.1 Middle School.
The secretary was taken aback, "Isn't she... "
Could it be that she did not follow Zhou Hechen's car all the way here?
The secretary's frown deepened and he whispered an apology, "I'm sorry, Miss Yunyi, I was overreactive, I was afraid she would hurt you again."
"It's fine." Sheng Yunyi's voice was gentle, "Hechen said she never attended high school, how could she go to the high school section of No.1 Middle School?"
The secretary breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Maybe she wants to improve her education, but unfortunately, it's useless."
"It's still useful, a high school diploma is better than a middle school one no matter what."
"Miss Yunyi is right. I heard you were admitted to Harbor City Art University at the age of sixteen, which is admirable."
"Everyone has their own strengths," sighed Sheng Yunyi, "I can never learn the classical music that Hechen likes."
The secretary complimented, "That's not true, as long as it's you, the gentleman likes everything."
Sheng Yunyi smiled faintly, no longer speaking.
The green light came on, and the car sped away.
**
At this moment, in the counseling room of Jiangcheng No.1 Middle School.
Ye Wanlan knocked on the door and entered after getting permission.
The interior of the room was simple, just a desk, chairs, bookshelves, and a computer.
Rong Yu looked up, "Are you yesterday's appointment, Student Ye? You—"
The girl was dressed in a contemporary traditional Chinese attire, a pure white diagonal placket shirt paired with a light blue skirt illuminated by the moon. The wind caused the skirt to flutter, and its patterns shimmered as though a galaxy was in motion.
The sunlight painted a layer of gold on her cool, picturesque brows and eyes, so beautiful that it seemed to seal time itself, leaving one in prolonged silence, not daring to disturb.
It wasn't until Rong Yu received a kick from the person curled up in a soft chair that he came back to his senses.
He winced in pain and immediately returned to the moment, "Hello, Student Ye, I'm your counselor for this session. My surname is Rong. Please take a seat, and I'll take your pulse."
Ye Wanlan took her seat as instructed, raising an eyebrow, "A counselor who practices traditional Chinese medicine to take a pulse?"
Rong Yu spoke enigmatically, "I'm different, I only need the pulse diagnosis."
Pulse diagnosis, surname Rong...
Great Purity Pulse!
Ye Wanlan's eyes narrowed.
Rong Yu did not notice the subtle change in the girl's expression, but Yan Tingfeng caught it clearly.
His eyelashes lifted slightly, revealing cold eyes like the color of the moon, but his voice was gentle, "What's wrong?"
Ye Wanlan said indifferently, "I haven't heard of such a psychological therapy method, just curious."
No, she certainly knew.
In the past, the Great Purity Sect, one of the Six Great Sects of Shenzhou, with its physiognomy known throughout the world, was a force in the martial world.
The Master of Great Purity, who could divine heaven's will and peer into the human heart!
She did not recognize Rong Yu, but she was familiar with his ancestors.
"Student Ye, rest assured, I'm reliable," Rong Yu said as he started to take her pulse.
As seconds and minutes passed, his expression grew more serious until it shattered.
Something was off, how could he not read anything?
As a member of the Rong Family, bearing the orthodox lineage of the Great Purity Sect, he could read an ordinary person with ease!
"It seems that taking the pulse is of no use," Ye Wanlan leaned back in the chair, smiling faintly, "Doctor Rong can try another method."
Rong Yu went into self-retreat, "... Student Ye, please fill out a form."
Ye Wanlan sat in front of the computer and filled out a mental health assessment form.
After she finished, a cup appeared before her.
A voice fell, "Have some hot water."
Ye Wanlan looked up.
It was another person in the counseling room, who she had noticed upon entering.
His nameplate read "Assistant," but this identity did not match his demeanor or appearance at all.
His smile was warm and gentle, his gaze crystal clear. He could be described as having the grace of rosy clouds and the luster of moonlight, majestic as a jade tree standing in the wind.
However, Ye Wanlan could distinctly smell the strong scent of fresh blood on him.
This reminded her of a person from her past life.
She had an additional secret; she was someone who was reincarnated with the memories of her past life.
This life's name was also chosen by herself.
To call him an old acquaintance would also be inaccurate; when she was still Princess Yongning, they had never met, only their names had stood side by side.
Three hundred years ago, he was the youngest Martial Arts Alliance Hierarch in Jianghu—Master of Highest Heaven Tower.
Some said that one was the Crown Prince of Daning and the other became the Martial Saint, who alone ruled over their respective domains, but together they were the unbeatable pair under the heavens of Shenzhou.
Latter generations even added a legendary romance to their tale in unofficial histories, to imagine the dragon and phoenix among men from a century ago, yet they indeed did not know each other.
Her impression of the Master of Highest Heaven Tower also existed only within the rumors of the marketplaces.
But three hundred years later, the mountains and rivers were eternally silent, and even the most legendary historical figures had all turned to ashes.
Ye Wanlan looked at the man before her.
The two of them faced each other calmly, one with a composed expression, the other with a smile in his eyes.
Yet it seemed as if there was lightning flashing and thunder rumbling, and the rains were furiously pouring down.
In the end, it was Yan Tingfeng who first averted his gaze, his dark pupils rippling with an odd turbulence.
Rong Yu did not notice the abnormal tension between them as he was examining the results of the psychological test, and he couldn't help but inhale sharply, "Your situation is really serious. What are you thinking about every day?"
Ye Wanlan: "Killing, world destruction."
Rong Yu: "?"
It was in this instant that a murderous intent came surging forth, nearly becoming a tangible blade, poised to slice through one's throat.
Rong Yu felt almost unable to catch his breath.
Ye Wanlan suddenly smiled lightly: "Just a joke, Doctor Rong, I am a person of good morals and integrity."
The air flowed freely once again, and Rong Yu coughed violently, "Ye, Student Ye, that joke isn't very appropriate, you really should think less about these dark things, look at flowers, plants, trees, and animals every day, don't you think the world is beautiful?"
"I don't."
"..."
The one-hour psychological counseling session ended.
Rong Yu had a dazed look in his eyes.
He too wanted to destroy the world now.
Yan Tingfeng stood up, "I'll escort Miss Ye out."
Rong Yu was startled, a bit astonished, "Brother, you—"
He had known Yan Tingfeng for four years.
His brother was always amiable and almost never lost his temper, but he had never seen Yan Tingfeng take the initiative like this before.
Yan Tingfeng ignored Rong Yu and left the counseling room.
"No need to see me out," Ye Wanlan said in a cool tone, "Rest assured, at least for now, I won't do such things."
Upon hearing this, Yan Tingfeng blinked and laughed lightly, "It's raining, Miss Ye."
Water droplets fell, and mist enshrouded the surroundings.
In the misty light rain, the man's features seemed even more exquisite and refined, his demeanor as gentle as spring water.
He took out a hat and placed it on her head, saying gently, "Be careful on your way."
After Ye Wanlan left, the smile on Yan Tingfeng's face vanished in an instant, leaving only a bone-deep ferocity and murderous intent.
Behind him, a Hidden Guard appeared silently.
"Investigate her."
"Yes, Young Master."
**
In the afternoon, at the Lin Family Old House.
The Lin Family held a family banquet every week, and today happened to be Saturday.
In Lin Huaijin's generation, there were four people; Lin Woyu and Lin Huaijin were twins, their names derived from the phrase 'cherishing the jade and holding the precious stone'.
"Your cousin will be coming over tonight," Lin Woyu said, "Make sure not to talk out of turn, keep your mouths shut."
"Cousin?"
That one word made Lin Yue and Lin Qin, brother and sister, stop in their tracks simultaneously.
"Forgotten?" Lin Woyu added, "It's your eldest uncle's daughter, the one your third uncle brought back—"
Lin Yue sneered lightly, "Of course, I know, Mom, you should ask who in the major families of Jiangcheng doesn't know Ms. Sheng Yunyi's stand-in."
Lin Woyu slapped his shoulder, "What kind of way is that to talk!"
Lin Yue hummed softly, "I'm telling the truth."
Lin Qin asked indifferently, "What is she coming for?"
Could it be that after losing hope of clinging to the Zhou Family, she found out that she might have the chance to bring this branch back to the main Lin Family in Yunjing, and that's why she's attending the family banquet to build relationships?
The Lin is a prominent surname, being descendants of the Heavenly Sound Sect.
The Heavenly Sound Sect is the only martial arts faction among the Six Great Sects composed entirely of women, specialized in classical musical instruments.
The Musicians of Heavenly Sound, with strings that compose the five tones, can astonish gods and spirits alike!
Even though the Heavenly Sound Sect was annihilated in a battle three hundred years ago, fortunately, a part of its disciples managed to preserve their heritage until today.
There are many branches of the Lin Family; the Jiangcheng Lin Family doesn't rank within the top ten of Jiangcheng, but the Yunjing Lin Family is one of the top five prominent families in Yunjing and is also the authentic lineage of the Heavenly Sound Sect.
The Lin Family takes pride in giving birth to daughters, and all musical skills are passed down only to female descendants, not to males.
If daughters from the branches can pass the main family's assessment, that branch may return to the main family.
In Lin Huaijin's branch, only Lin Qin exhibited a very high proficiency in the Zither, which the Lin Family took very seriously.
"I'm not sure, but I'll tell you in advance, if you have any grievances, don't show them," Lin Woyu warned the siblings, "If you upset your grandmother and her health deteriorates, don't blame me for dealing with you."
Lin Yue muttered, "It's not us who upset grandma."
Lin Qin didn't say a word, but her heart was in turmoil, and she lost the desire to practice the Zither.
She didn't want to be associated with Ye Wanlan at all, feeling embarrassed every time her classmates in school made jokes about using Ye Wanlan as a stand-in.
Luckily, after Ye Wanlan returned to the Lin Family, she hadn't changed her surname, and not many people knew that Ye Wanlan was her cousin.
Lin Qin's expression was indifferent.
She did, however, want to see what Ye Wanlan, who hadn't returned for four years, was really up to this time.
**
Meanwhile, on the way to the Lin Family Old House.
Lin Huaijin was responsible for driving, while Khor Peiqing and Lin Wenli sat in the back row, leaving the co-driver's seat for Ye Wanlan.
The atmosphere in the car was tense.
While waiting at a red light, Lin Huaijin asked, "How did the consultation go?"
Ye Wanlan replied calmly, "He said I'm just experiencing some depression, but my inner world is very beautiful, with virtuous and upright character."
Lin Huaijin believed her, "That's good, be well-behaved when we get to the old house."
The people of the Lin Family all knew what Ye Wanlan had been up to in the past four years, and they had not invited her to any family banquets.
Ye Wanlan said softly, "It's been a long time since I've seen grandma, I wonder how her health is."
"Just don't piss your grandma off," Lin Huaijin sighed, "I also wish you have truly realized your mistakes and returned."
Thirty minutes later, all four arrived at the Lin Family's residence.
Lin Huaijin went to park the car, while Ye Wanlan followed Khor Peiqing and Lin Wenli into the hall.
The other two branches of the Lin Family were present, along with several cousins.
"Peiqing's here, come have a seat, come have a seat."
"Oh my, Wenli, Qinqin says you're quite popular at school, and your studies are going well, how do you do it?"
As Khor Peiqing and Lin Wenli took their seats, the Lin Family's gaze finally shifted patronizingly towards Ye Wanlan.
She was still dressed in her New National Style attire, her hair that was previously draped over her shoulders now pinned up with a wooden hairpin, revealing a fair and elongated neck, set off by a pair of jade earrings.
A moment of silence.
Everyone thought of the same phrase—
Unparalleled beauty.
Lin Yue murmured, "No wonder she could be Sheng Yunyi's stand-in, she's got some capital..."
Lin Woyu immediately hit him, "Shut up."
Lin Qin frowned slightly.
Although Ye Wanlan hadn't returned to the Lin Family in these four years, Lin Qin had occasionally seen her cousin in the market and knew she couldn't have possessed such an air.
On the main seat, Lin Weilan, who was resting with her eyes closed, suddenly opened her eyes, which shone like torches, and she actually laughed, "Ah Lan is back."
"Grandma, I came in a hurry and didn't bring you anything nice," Ye Wanlan said, putting down the box of tea leaves she was carrying.
"People have arrived, and that is enough." Lin Weilan waved her over with a deeper smile, "Come here and let Grandma take a look; it has been a long time since I've seen you."
The scene caused a stir.
Lin Qingwen and his wife exchanged glances, their expressions shifting slightly.
Lin Yue couldn't help but say, "Mom, Ye Wanlan has done so many outrageous things, how can Grandma..."
Lin Woyu: "Shut up."
Lin Yue was somewhat annoyed, but he indeed dared not say anything more.
Lin Weilan was the head of the family, with absolute authority.
Ye Wanlan stepped forward and bent slightly.
"It's good you're back," Lin Weilan murmured, with crystals gathering in her eyes, "Grandma is very happy; it really hasn't been easy..."
Ye Wanlan's eyes flickered slightly.
"Ah Lan, sit by Grandma," Lin Weilan instructed, "It's getting late, everyone take your seats. Butler, you may serve the dishes."
Lin Weilan's favoritism made many people of the Lin Family quite uncomfortable.
Facing a table full of delicacies, Lin Qin lost her appetite and found it hard to swallow.
Lin Huaijin was also astonishingly surprised.
He believed he had already shown favoritism towards Ye Wanlan, or else he would not have agreed to let her move back in.
How could Lin Weilan be even more indiscriminate?
Madam Lin was equally perplexed: "What does the old lady mean by this?"
"How would I know?" Lin Qingwen shook his head, lowering his voice, "You don't need to worry about anything; Mother's favoritism is of no use, I won't be able to save my elder niece."
Madam Lin thought it over and felt relieved.
Lin Weilan suddenly asked, "I remember Ah Lan's birthday is coming up, what birthday gift would you like?"
The table fell silent once more.
Ye Wanlan said, "Grandma, how about giving me the small company Huiteng?"
Lin Weilan was taken aback, "Why did you think of that?"
Huiteng was a Lin Family company on the verge of bankruptcy, dabbling in the clothing industry, one that even she had almost forgotten.
Ye Wanlan spoke lightly, "I want to try managing a company."
She had never hidden her ambition.
Power and control, of course, she liked these.
The country is so beautiful, how could it not make one yearn for it?
In her life as Princess Yongning, her greatest regret was the goals that remained unaccomplished.
This life had caught her by surprise with sudden reincarnation, and many of her plans had not yet begun.
But now, it was not too late.
"Good, you have courage!" Lin Weilan burst out laughing, "If you want it, take it; do with it as you please."
This time, even Lin Huaijin was startled, "Mom, this is not appropriate—"
Lin Weilan looked at him.
Lin Huaijin swallowed the words "in accordance with the rules" back down.
"Ah Lan, stay at the old house tonight," Lin Weilan patted Ye Wanlan's hand, "In a while, Grandma will transfer Huiteng to your name."
"Thank you, Grandma," Ye Wanlan nodded, "I would like to check on your health."
"No need, it's just an old problem," Lin Weilan waved her hands, smiling, "It's enough for Grandma to see you've come back, and seeing you, my health has gotten quite a bit better."
Ye Wanlan, holding her arm, insisted in a tone that allowed no refusal, "Grandma, just a look."
Lin Weilan couldn't help but laugh and cry, "Alright, have a look, I'll indulge you."
"The old lady's health is under the care of a specialized therapist, and even if there really are any issues, we'll be there for her," Madam Lin said indifferently, eyeing Ye Wanlan, "Could you not use the tricks you play on men, on your grandmother, please?"
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