“Big Brother, hello!”

Lin Yuxin stood up and politely greeted him.

[Big Brother looks just like a strong, muscular man—tall and powerful. Such a good physique, yet he will end up in a wheelchair in the future. What a pity.]

[It seems that this trip to the Bai residence is a must. Bai Yaoyao will give Big Brother hope this time, making him believe they share the same feelings. She wants him to be completely devoted to her.]

[I have to go and watch. Maybe I can stop it. I can’t let Big Brother spend his future in a wheelchair.]

Lin Chenglie’s eyes flickered as he looked at his little sister, his heart warming.

“Here, this is a gift from your Big Brother!”

Lin Chenglie took out a dagger and handed it to Lin Yuxin.

“Wow! I love it!”

Lin Yuxin’s eyes lit up with excitement as she immediately took the dagger and played with it.

[Hehe, I was just thinking of getting something for self-defense, and Big Brother gave me exactly what I needed. Finally, it’s not another hairpin.]

Zhao Hanya looked at her daughter.

Ever since her return, their lives had changed a lot, but they were all looking forward to it.

“As long as you like it. If you ever want anything else, just tell Big Brother.”

A slight smile appeared in Lin Chenglie’s eyes.

“Mm-hmm! Thank you, Big Brother!”

“Yo! Big Brother is back! What’s making you so happy?”

Lin Shaoyang, who had been away for two days, had just returned and asked curiously.

“Second Brother, Big Brother gave me a dagger, and I love it!”

Lin Yuxin explained.

“Oh, so if Big Brother gives it, you love it, but when I give you something, you don’t?”

Lin Shaoyang pretended to be upset.

“No! I love what Second Brother gives me too!”

Lin Yuxin quickly reassured him.

[Since when did Second Brother get so competitive? How childish.]

Lin Shaoyang: …!

..

Time passed quickly, and soon, it was the day of the Prime Minister’s banquet.

After getting ready, Lin Yuxin set out with Zhao Hanya.

But as soon as she got into the carriage, she saw Lin Qianqian sitting inside.

It had been a few days since she last saw her and her fake innocence. She almost wasn’t used to it.

[Wait, am I actually starting to miss dealing with her? No, no, I’m a normal person.]

Lin Yuxin shook her head furiously in her mind.

“Is Sister unhappy to see me? Why do you look so upset?”

Since they were alone in the carriage, Lin Qianqian didn’t bother pretending anymore.

“Not really. I’m just not used to sitting with trash, so I’m still adjusting.”

Lin Yuxin calmly sat down.

Lin Qianqian took the main seat, but Lin Yuxin didn’t compete with her and simply sat on the left side.

“You… you’re insulting me!!”

Lin Qianqian pointed at Lin Yuxin angrily and shouted.

“Whoever reacts must be the one I was talking about.”

Lin Yuxin grinned, showing her teeth as she watched Lin Qianqian fume.

“You… Hmph! I won’t argue with you now. You’ll pay for this later!”

Lin Qianqian thought of something and forced herself to swallow her anger. Hmph! You’ll suffer for this later.

Before long, they arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence.

Lin Yuxin followed Zhao Hanya inside.

As they entered the garden, they saw that many noble ladies and young misses were already gathered, chatting together.

“Madam Bai, how have you been?”

Zhao Hanya led her daughters forward to greet Madam Bai.

Madam Bai glanced at Zhao Hanya, a flicker of disdain and jealousy flashing in her eyes.

But she still put on a warm smile and said, “Madam Lin, you’re here. I’m doing well, thank you. Please, have a seat.”

Zhao Hanya took her daughters and sat down at an open seat.

Madam Bai then looked at Lin Yuxin curiously and asked, “Madam Lin, who is this young lady?”

“Ah, this is somewhat of a family scandal,” Zhao Hanya replied gracefully while holding Lin Yuxin’s hand with a smile. “She is my biological daughter, Lin Yuxin. She was mistakenly switched at birth and only recently returned to us.”

“Really? I thought it was just a rumor!”

“She does look a bit like Madam Lin when she was younger! But her demeanor is different.”

“Since the real daughter has returned, what about the other one?”

The discussions around them grew louder, with all sorts of comments.

Lin Yuxin and Zhao Hanya remained composed as they sat there, while Zhao Hanya continued to chat politely with the other ladies.

Meanwhile, Lin Qianqian sat off to the side, listening to the discussions. Her teeth clenched so hard that her gums nearly bled.

Her hands twisted inside her sleeves as she bowed her head, barely able to hide the tears and hatred in her eyes.

I’ve called you ‘Mother’ for so many years, and you’re not even giving me a shred of dignity? Then don’t blame me for being ruthless.

[This Madam Bai… she’s Mother’s old rival. This banquet is nothing more than a trap!]

Zhao Hanya smiled as she conversed with the ladies, but there was little warmth in her eyes.

“Madam Lin, now that your real daughter is back, you shouldn’t neglect your adopted daughter either,” Madam Bai said with hidden meaning.

“Of course not. As long as Qianqian is obedient, I will treat her as my own,” Zhao Hanya responded calmly with a smile.

[Why does this feel like a hidden battle? Almost like swords drawn. But Madam Bai is quite formidable. She always competed with Mother when they were younger. After Mother got married, she quickly married into the Prime Minister’s family. Over the years, she made sure no concubines bore children, securing her status. But maybe this is karma—she only has one daughter and no sons. She treasures Bai Weiwei dearly.]

[Aside from her rivalry with Mother, she would never let Bai Weiwei marry Big Brother. Bai Weiwei is already involved with the Crown Prince. Their goal is the position of Crown Princess. Big Brother only has feelings for Bai Weiwei because of an incident when he was younger. He got lost, was bullied by beggars, and Bai Weiwei happened to help him. Ever since then, she became his ‘white moonlight.’]

[I wonder what Bai Weiwei looks like? I’ll finally get to see Big Brother’s ‘white moonlight’ today.]

Lin Yuxin sat beside Zhao Hanya, deep in thought. She subtly scanned the surroundings, wondering which girl was Bai Weiwei.

Zhao Hanya spoke nonchalantly, “Why hasn’t Bai Weiwei come out yet? She’s the main star of today’s event. She should show herself. Bai Weiwei is skilled in all the arts—why not let my daughter learn from her?”

Madam Bai’s smile stiffened for a moment before she replied, “Weiwei will be here soon. Let’s enjoy ourselves first.”

[Judging by Madam Bai’s reaction… is Bai Weiwei secretly meeting the Crown Prince? This banquet was supposedly for Bai Weiwei’s birthday, but in reality, it’s a way for the Bai family to pledge allegiance to the Crown Prince. There’s bound to be a good show today.]

Lin Yuxin’s eyes gleamed as she stood up and whispered to Zhao Hanya, “Mother, I’m going for a walk. It’s too stuffy here.”

“Alright, be careful.”

Zhao Hanya knew she couldn’t control her daughter and could only remind her to be cautious.

“Got it, Mother!”

Lin Yuxin quietly slipped out of the garden.