Chapter 42: The Self-Cultivation of a Canary (7)

Ling Qiong behaved herself for two days and didn’t provoke the witch again.

The witch thought Ling Qiong had been intimidated and felt quite satisfied with herself. In truth, Ling Qiong simply wasn't in the mood to bother with her. She was carrying a fortune now, and just thinking about it made her happy—why waste energy on the witch?

“Miss Ye, where did you get the clothes you’re wearing?” The witch called out to her as soon as Ling Qiong came downstairs.

Ling Qiong was dressed in a pale lavender dress, fluffy and adorable. She hadn’t brought any luggage when she arrived; all her clothes were prepared by herself. Such vibrant attire was impossible to find here.

She glanced at her own dress.

“I’m just wearing clothes—is that forbidden too?” She thought to herself, annoyed by the witch’s overbearing attitude.

“Where did your clothes come from?” The witch’s face was grim. “Did you go out?”

She’d known something was off that day; now, thinking back, her head throbbed faintly.

“Is breakfast ready?”

Both the witch and Ling Qiong looked up the stairs. Shen Hanlan stood there, his fingers resting on the banister, watching them coldly.

With Shen Hanlan’s sudden appearance, the witch dropped her questioning and went to prepare breakfast.

While eating, Ling Qiong kept glancing at the witch.

She needed to figure out a way to deal with the witch. Otherwise, having someone meddle in her wardrobe every day would be unbearably annoying.

【Darling, draw a card! Everything you want is here.】

Ling Qiong: “...”

With her fortune in hand, it was much easier to deceive and spend.

The early-stage cards were easier to draw than the late ones; after a hundred draws, she got a card—10:00.

The card showed the vine-entwined gate outside.

But what did the time mean?

She wasn’t sure. She didn’t dwell on it; she’d know when the time came.

After breakfast, Ling Qiong followed Shen Hanlan, giving the witch no chance to interrogate her.

At exactly ten o’clock, Ling Qiong heard movement outside.

She pressed herself to the window and looked down.

A car had parked outside the gate, and the witch was speaking with a man.

Whatever they discussed, the witch returned to the villa, packed her things, and prepared to leave.

“Miss Ye, hello, I’m Kelly. From today onward, I’ll be in charge here.” Kelly’s smile was gentle, a vast improvement over the sullen witch.

The witch stood by, her face still dour as she watched Ling Qiong.

“Be careful with that girl,” she whispered to Kelly before leaving. “Keep a close eye on her.”

“I understand.”

The witch cast one last glance at the girl leaning on the table, nibbling fruit from her plate, then turned and left.

The sound of an engine started outside, carrying the witch away.

Ling Qiong held a little fruit in her hand. “Are you on her side?”

Kelly smiled without answering. “If Miss Ye needs anything, just let me know. I’ll go upstairs to check on the young master now.”

Ling Qiong met his gaze for a few seconds.

Since he was obtained through a card draw, he should be beneficial to Shen Hanlan.

After all, money spent shouldn't be wasted.

Ling Qiong’s eyes flickered, and she asked sweetly, “Can I go out?”

“Of course. Miss Ye’s freedom isn’t restricted, unless the young master forbids you. Are you planning to go out now? Should I arrange a car for you?”

Ling Qiong didn’t hold back, smiling brightly. “Yes. You’re much better than that witch.”

Kelly: “??” Witch?

…

After arranging Ling Qiong’s outing, Kelly went upstairs and knocked on Shen Hanlan’s door.

Shen Hanlan sat on the floor, twisting a Rubik’s cube. The only sound in the room was the clicking of the cube.

Kelly entered, bowing respectfully. “Young master.”

Shen Hanlan twisted rapidly, and within seconds, the cube was solved. He set it aside.

“What brings you here?”

Kelly replied, “I’m not entirely sure. I was suddenly told to replace Ah Mei.”

“Suddenly?”

Kelly had received the notice abruptly, with no prior warning.

When Mr. Shen died unexpectedly, he left behind the young Shen Hanlan and a woman who had married in later. That woman, taking advantage of Shen Hanlan’s youth and helplessness, quickly seized control of the Shen family, confining Shen Hanlan completely.

If not for Mr. Shen’s will, which specified that the inheritance could only go to Shen Hanlan, and if Shen Hanlan died, all assets would be donated, things might have been different.

The woman couldn’t let the assets be donated, so she had to find a way to take them from Shen Hanlan legitimately, but couldn’t let him die before she succeeded.

Kelly was one of Shen Hanlan’s people, always working at the woman’s side, trusted to a degree. Yet he rarely had direct contact with Shen Hanlan.

This sudden transfer didn’t make Kelly think he’d been exposed—he believed his undercover work was flawless.

Perhaps he’d simply gained full trust.

Yes!

That must be it!

Kelly glanced at Shen Hanlan, feeling a twinge of pity. “Have you been well lately, young master?”

“Do I look well?”

“Young master, please endure a bit longer. When the time is right, you’ll reclaim everything that belongs to you.”

Shen Hanlan said nothing, staring at the Rubik’s cube.

After a while, he asked, “Where’s Ye Qingtang?”

“Miss Ye went out.”

“Went out?” Shen Hanlan’s eyes narrowed, then he snorted coldly. “From now on, unless I permit it, she’s not to step outside the gate.”

“…Understood.” The reversal came swiftly.

…

Ling Qiong returned carrying her purchases; Kelly helped her bring them upstairs.

The corridor curtains were drawn back slightly, letting light in—a marked improvement from before.

“Miss Ye, the young master said that from now on, you need his permission to go out,” Kelly relayed Shen Hanlan’s message.

“Why?”

Kelly knew how Ye Qingtang had arrived. To put it bluntly, the young master had bought her. What reason could there be? She had no right to choose; whatever the young master said was final.

Kelly was diplomatic. “Perhaps you should ask him yourself?”

Ling Qiong puffed her cheeks, took the bag, and went back to her room.

Just spent money on him, and now he treats her like this!

Ling Qiong changed into another outfit and went to find Shen Hanlan.

His room was still dim; Ling Qiong entered and plopped down beside him.

“Why won’t you let me go out?”

Shen Hanlan glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.

At first, all her clothes were black—stylish, but lately, her outfits had grown brighter and lighter. Today, she was even wearing red.

Compared to dark tones, she truly suited vivid colors.

Shen Hanlan withdrew his gaze, his tone indifferent. “I told you: once you take the money, you lose your freedom.”

“…”

Was that ever said?

Ling Qiong wasn’t sure if she’d missed it or if Shen Hanlan was tricking her.

Shen Hanlan said, “About that money earlier…”

“What!” The girl instinctively scooted back, wary.

Shen Hanlan found it inexplicably amusing, though his face showed nothing.

“Ah Mei is gone now, and I don’t need your help. Shouldn’t you return the money?”

Ling Qiong rolled her eyes internally. “Wasn’t it me who drove the witch out for you? I earned it.”

If not for me, you wouldn’t have today!

Hmph!

Shen Hanlan: “…”

What does that have to do with you?