Chapter 57: A Profitable Day

The men naturally walked faster than the women. Lin Chuyi and her group had only just arrived when Mo Yu and his entourage came rushing in with great momentum.

Because the men were not allowed to see the women's faces before the final stage, the young ladies had already donned veils when they left the inn.

Seeing that Mo Yu was leading the group, Lin Chuyi couldn’t help but feel surprised. Why did it seem like all those men behind him were so obedient to him?

Sensing Lin Chuyi’s gaze, Mo Yu looked up and curved his lips into a faint smile, a subtle greeting.

Ah, the scoundrel, how could he flirt so casually?

Lin Chuyi turned her head awkwardly, her cheeks faintly flushed.

Noticing her reaction, Mo Yu’s smile deepened, and a strange glint flashed briefly in his eyes.

Outside the Lin estate, a sea of people had already gathered, stretching beyond where the eye could see.

“A lucrative day indeed,” Lin Chuyi murmured to herself.

With both parties’ main participants assembled, Lin Zhixiang cleared his throat twice and stepped onto the pre-built high platform. "Quiet, please."

His appearance instantly brought order to the crowd, silencing the earlier clamor. After all, he was the magistrate. Though he lacked internal power to project his voice to everyone, his mere presence was a living standard.

“Today is the triennial Flower Festival. I shall not speak at length. May every talented youth participating in this event find their ideal match.”

As his words fell, firecrackers erupted, and cheers rang out continuously.

“Big sister, why aren’t you happy?” Lin Jiu Yue poked Lin Chuyi’s arm excitedly, looking at her with puzzlement.

Lin Chuyi glanced at her but said nothing.

She was frustrated. Her father had wished that every promising youth would find their beloved—what about the women then? Were they simply to be chosen without a say?

The more she thought about it, the more upset she became. In a sudden impulse, without knowing how, she found herself standing atop the platform, thousands of eyes fixed upon her.

Lin Zhixiang frowned and said, “Why are you still up there? What is a young lady doing showing herself off like this?”

Lin Chuyi had initially felt embarrassed, planning to say a few encouraging words before stepping down. But upon hearing her father’s remark, she suddenly felt defiant.

What’s wrong with young ladies?

“I hope everyone shows their true skills. If anyone performs poorly, causing the sisters behind me to look down on you, no matter how noble your family is, we will not accept you. Thank you.” With that, Lin Chuyi stepped aside but refused to leave the platform.

She knew only those nearby could hear her words, so it was almost pointless—but she was just too angry. Why was it that women couldn’t choose their own beloved?

She stood there silently stewing, unaware that all eyes were on her. Looking down, she noticed tears glistening in some of the women’s eyes.

What was going on?

Lin Zhixiang grit his teeth, glaring at Lin Chuyi. His eldest daughter was stubborn, but he couldn’t bear to embarrass her in front of so many. He knew she was sensible—often going out to earn some money to help the family—but this was no occasion for a young woman to speak like that.

Yet when he recalled the voice just now, he couldn’t help but glance toward Mo Yu, standing not far below the platform. Why was the young master siding with this girl? That was what puzzled him most of all.