In the novel The Legend of the Female Immortal Lin, when the villainous demon lord Li Yuan makes his entrance, Lin Qingxu a staunch supporter of the second male lead, was filled with anticipation.

At one point, Lin Qingxu was so captivated by Li Yuan’s breathtaking charm and immense power that her heart begins to flutter like that of a lovestruck girl. However, as time passes, her heart shatters.

Wherever there was chaos, Li Yuan was sure to be found, whether he’s snatching the heroine away or obstructing the hero. Thus, Li Yuan embarks on a reckless path from which there’s no return.

It’s as if he has a winning hand but insists on playing it straight into oblivion. The more Lin Qingxu reads, the more frustrated she becomes, genuinely questioning whether the second male lead written by the author was truly a villain or simply an idiot!

What drives Lin Qingxu to the brink of exasperation was that Li Yuan’s every action seems utterly irrational, as if he’s a lunatic with no sense of logic.

He claims to have fallen in love with the heroine, that he causes all this chaos for her sake?

She felt sorry, but Lin Qingxu still read to the end of the novel and witnessed Li Yuan’s downfall alongside the demon realm. At no point did she see any passionate love for the heroine in his actions.

He has kidnapped the heroine multiple times, but it’s nothing more than a mere act of desire—there were no chains or handcuffs, nor does he lock her away in a dark room after getting angry. Even the most thrilling physical contact was limited to merely restraining her limbs…

As for the chorus of readers interpreting Li Yuan’s actions as a sign of deep love for the heroine—arguing that he’s not just a scoundrel lost in desire—reading this, Lin Qingxu could only scoff.

Rather than believing Li Yuan truly loves the heroine, she finds it more plausible that he secretly wants to have an affair with the male lead, Chu Jue, especially since the two have been getting along quite well in various mystical realms…

Ahem, let’s get back on track.

What was Li Yuan like while still in the human world?

Lin Qingxu stared at the pitch-black ceiling as she grinds her teeth in frustration and cursing the shameless author!

“Sis, what are you talking about?” Lin Qingwan, still half-asleep, heard her sister’s crisp voice and thought it was her calling.

“It’s nothing, A’wan. Go back to sleep, we have to get up early tomorrow. Lin Qingxu said softly, suppressing her urge to complain.

Hearing Lin Qingwan mumble in response and her breathing slowly grow heavier, Lin Qingxu finally breathed a sigh of relief and began to quickly sift through the memories of the original owner regarding Su Yan.

There were only a few descriptions of Li Yuan’s previous identity—Su Yan—in the novel. The original owner’s memory of her mother, Fang Xiu, and Lin Qingwan was relatively clear, but her recollections of Su Yan and the Su family were clouded, like viewing them through a veil.

Lin Qingxu stood at the edge of this metaphorical veil for quite some time, her head growing dull from the effort. Deciding to give up, she stifled a silent yawn and closed her eyes, succumbing to fatigue.

Anyway, she’ll get to see the real person tomorrow, so she’ll just wait until then, Lin Qingxu thought, giving in to her feelings of despair.

The day before, she had been yanked awake by Lin Qingwan, and today, it was Fang Xiu who ruthlessly pulled the covers off, leaving her to wake up shivering.

Lin Qingxu curled up pitifully, trying to cling to the last bit of warmth on the bed. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Qingwan who was also curled up like a little shrimp, sleepily complaining about the cold. To her surprise, Lin Qingxu felt a twinge of satisfaction at this old grudge.

Lin Qingxu shook her head, dismissing such narrow-minded thoughts.

The ancient town was even livelier than she had imagined. A long street stretched east to west, lined with shops, taverns, and tea houses, while vendors filled the roadside. As the sun fully emerged, the streets buzzed with the sounds of bustling sales.

Having spent twenty years in the modern world, Lin Qingxu believed she could still hold her ground. However, with a lively little monkey beside her, she couldn’t help but lose her composure.

Lin Qingwan: “Elder sister, this candy figurine looks just like a horse!”

Lin Qingxu glanced over and replied, “Yes, it does look like a horse.”

Lin Qingwan: “Elder sister, my roasted sweet potato is so sweet! Would you like to have a bite? Come on, try it!”

Lin Qingxu reluctantly lowered her head and took a bite. “Oh, it’s definitely sweeter than mine!”

“Elder sister, let’s eat this! The filling is corn and tender chicken; it’s so fragrant!” Lin Qingwan said excitedly.

Without hesitation, Lin Qingxu replied. “Sounds good!”

“Elder sister, over there they’re performing the ‘breaking stones with the chest’ act…”

Before she could finish her sentence, Lin Qingxu had already grabbed her and started running in that direction. “Where? Let’s hurry and secure a good spot!”

……

After dawdling for a whole hour along half the street, Fang Xiu finally couldn’t take it anymore and unceremoniously confiscated both of their little purses.

Seeing Lin Qingwan about to protest, Fang Xiu shot her a stern glare. “We’re going to Su Manor first, and we can buy things when we come back!”

Lin Qingwan stole a glance at the purse that their mother had tucked into her sleeve, shutting her mouth with a soft. “Oh.”

But Lin Qingxu felt a chill run down her back, standing upright and growing a bit stiff. She thought about the upcoming events and quickly swallowed the last bite of her bun, nearly choking in the process.

Fang Xiu patted her back and said calmly. “It’s just a bun Ah Xu, you don’t have to devour it so hungrily. Once you marry into the Su family, stepping out will mean passing by shops, and you’ll be able to eat whatever you want without your mother controlling you.”

Lin Qingxu twitched at the corner of her mouth, coughing even more violently.

The Su residence was located in the west of the city. Its heavy, dark lacquered doors swung wide open with two stone lions standing guard at the entrance, exuding an air of solemnity and tranquility. Hanging prominently above the entrance was a plaque, boldly inscribed with the characters “Su Fu.”

Before Lin Qingxu and the others could reach the front door, a young servant named Su Quan, no older than seventeen or eighteen, approached them with a polite demeanor.

“Madam Lin and the two young ladies have arrived!” Su Quan announced. He was observant and quick to gauge the situation. “Is there something in particular that Madam Lin needs? The master and the eldest young master left the residence early this morning, but the mistress is still at home. Would you like me to take you to see her?”

Fang Xiu had dealt with Su Quan before and did not hesitate to reply. “Is it convenient for the mistress at the moment? We do have matters to discuss.”

“Absolutely convenient! Madam Lin and the young ladies’ arrival will surely delight the mistress!” Su Quan said, his words as sweet as honey, and he warmly led the three women into the estate.

This wasn’t the first visit for the Lin family but the Su family known as prominent merchants, was far beyond the humble status of the Lin family.

Lin Qingxu silently followed behind Fang Xiu, listening to the light, polite conversation between Su Quan and Fang Xiu while the Su family’s architectural beauty unfolded before her eyes. The deeper they ventured inside, the heavier her anxiety grew.

In contrast, Lin Qingwan shed her usual playful demeanor, keeping her head down and walking decorously in step with Fang Xiu.

Noticing her sister observing her, she subtly turned her head and lifting her chin slightly, winked at Lin Qingxu.

Seeing her sister’s true nature still intact, Lin Qingxu felt a sudden sense of relief.

The Su residence was bustling with servants and maids coming and going. When Su Quan led the three women into the main hall, Madam Su had already been waiting for them.

“Sister Fang has arrived, and so have Ah Xu and Ah Wan!” Madam Su greeted them warmly.

Madam Su had an oval face with delicate features, and her well-maintained appearance made her look quite youthful. Although she was in her mid-thirties, she seemed to be at least ten years younger. Dressed in a light blue spring gown that accentuated her slender figure, she resembled a young matron, easily masking the fact that she had a son who had come of age.

Madam Su first nodded and smiled at Fang Xiu before gently taking Lin Qingxu’s hand in hers, her eyes revealing an undeniable affection. “It’s been a while since we last met, Ah Xu. You’ve truly become even more remarkable. It’s fortunate that our Ah’ Yan and you were betrothed early.”

Lin Qingxu was caught off guard as Madam Su held her hand, feeling a bit dazed.

She awkwardly lifted her gaze to meet Madam Su’s affectionate expression, unable to comprehend how things had developed in this way.

The Su family and the Lin family were worlds apart. Even with their betrothal, Madam Su shouldn’t be so eager to show affection to her future daughter-in-law, should she? One would expect a future mother-in-law to be more inclined to distance herself from her.

Lin Qingxu instinctively curled her fingers, wanting to withdraw her hand but hesitating.

“Ah Xu, how could you forget to greet?” Fang Xiu’s cheerful and easygoing voice broke the tension.

Lin Qingxu’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly pulled her hand back, bowing her head awkwardly as she addressed Madam Su. Her voice was barely louder than a whisper. “Madam Su.”

Now it was Madam Su’s turn to be taken aback.

“What’s going on with Ah Xu?” Madam Su asked, looking at Lin Qingxu in disbelief.

During their earlier gaze, Madam Su noticed that Lin Qingxu’s dark eyes were clear and bright unlike before when they had been pure yet dull. Seeing her slightly flustered reaction, Madam Su began to understand.

“Ah Xu’s mind is much sharper now.” Fang Xiu interjected, her smile unwavering. “She just recovered a few days ago and was worried it might be temporary, so we took a few days to rest. That’s why I brought her to see you.”

As Fang Xiu spoke, Lin Qingxu deliberately focused on Madam Su’s facial expressions, watching for any changes.

For a brief moment, Madam Su’s smile faltered and an emotion flickered in her eyes. Before Lin Qingxu could discern it, Madam Su’s face transformed into a more enthusiastic smile.

“This is truly wonderful news!” she exclaimed, turning her gaze back to Lin Qingxu. “When the master hears about this, he will be even more delighted.”

Lin Qingxu felt a tightness in the palm of her hand which she kept at her side as she lowered her head in silence.

A question loomed larger in her mind as she entered the Su residence and faced Madam Su, growing like a snowball.

Why exactly did Su Yan want to marry her?

Outside the Su residence, Lin Qingxu glanced at Madam Su who was warmly bidding them farewell at the door, and pressed her lips together.

“Whew, we’re finally out!” Once they turned the corner and were out of sight from the Su residence, Lin Qingwan let out a huge sigh of relief as if she had just been released from somewhere.

Lin Qingxu noticed the immediate spike in Fang Xiu’s temper and knew someone was about to be in trouble.

Sure enough, the next moment she heard Lin Qingwan’s voice, sounding like a pig being slaughtered.

“Ahhh—ow, ow, ow!” Lin Qingwan frantically rubbed her forehead which had nearly been flattened by a slap. “Mother, if you hit me so hard, what if I end up stupid?”

Fang Xiu flexed her palm, still feeling the lingering sting but completely unfazed, and replied. “If you end up stupid, then you won’t have to go to the immortal realm. After all, I’ve raised your sister while she’s been silly for so many years. If you become silly too, I’ll just raise you in the same way—it’ll be perfect!”

Lin Qingxu stumbled slightly and turned to see Lin Qingwan wearing a face that suggested she was constipated.

Once they were out of the Su residence, Fang Xiu returned their small purses with a generous smile. “Alright, you two can go do whatever you want but keep an eye on the time. I need to make a trip to the embroidery shop, and I’ll wait for you at the teahouse near the town gate before the hour of Shen. If you’re not there by then…”

Fang Xiu didn’t finish her sentence, but Lin Qingxu saw the cold smile at the corner of her mouth. She exchanged a glance with Lin Qingwan, and they both shivered.

It was best for them not to inquire about the consequences.

Although the two sisters were still quite young, Fang Xiu never worried about them going out alone, especially with Lin Qingwan who seemed like a cheat code in any situation.

If any trouble were to arise, Qingwan’s keen instincts would surely alert her well in advance, allowing her to adhere to the principle of fleeing at the first sign of danger!

This thought led Lin Qingxu to realize that perhaps, rather than having dual spiritual roots, Lin Qingwan’s exceptional sixth sense was what truly endowed her with the aura of a heroine.

“What are you looking at, Sister?” Lin Qingwan asked, her teeth clattering together, puzzled by Lin Qingxu’s astonished expression.

Lin Qingxu thought to herself that if she explained it, Qingwan wouldn’t understand anyway. She couldn’t help but give her a look of disbelief. “It’s nothing; I just think you’re really impressive!”

Lin Qingwan: “…” You think I can’t tell that you’re looking at me like I’m an idiot?

The street remained as lively as before, but Lin Qingxu felt a lack of the morning’s energy.

“Is there anywhere else you want to go, Sister?” Lin Qingwan asked, happily munching on half a sugar-coated hawthorn skewer. After finishing, she spat a few seeds into her palm and looked up at Lin Qingxu.

Although Fang Xiu had given them nearly a whole day to wander around, Qingwan had already checked off most of her wish list, so now she felt like time was plentiful.

Lin Qingxu squinted against the bright sunlight, glancing at a shop slightly to her right. “I want to stop by the Linglang Jade Shop.”

Lin Qingwan chuckled, nudging Lin Qingxu with her elbow while clutching the skewer of hawthorns. “Are you hoping to see the eldest son of the Su family?”

Earlier at the Su residence, Madam Su had specifically mentioned that Su Yan would be at the Linglang Jade Shop today. It was an obvious invitation, and Lin Qingwan picked up on it right away!

Lin Qingxu shot her sister a mock glare, unable to refute the teasing.

Lin Qingwan took another bite of her sugar-coated hawthorn, her spirits high as she swiveled her head and chewed. “Go ahead, Sister! I’ll wait outside and cheer you on!”

This was the first time Lin Qingxu would see the young master of the Su family after her recovery, and that made it all the more significant.

Seeing her sister’s smug expression, Lin Qingxu replied, somewhat unenthusiastically. “Thanks, I guess~”

Lin Qingwan accepted the gratitude with a sense of entitlement, waving her hand dismissively. “Go on, go on!”

As Lin Qingxu walked forward, she felt the intense gaze from behind her as if it could pierce her skull. Just before entering the shop, she turned back to see Lin Qingwan crouched by the roadside, biting into her sugar-coated hawthorn and enthusiastically waving at her.

With a moment of quiet contemplation in her heart, Lin Qingxu slowly stepped inside.

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