Chapter 4 - The Innocent Little Lotus of the Demon Sect
Chapter 4 The Innocent Little Lotus of the Demon Sect
Anran thought for a moment and realized that the current plot was right after she got separated from her childhood friend and was rescued by the male protagonist. She was now staying at Jianhai Manor, having just woken up from unconsciousness.
It’s not too late, she thought, now I just need to wait for my childhood friend to come and get me. I don’t know where he’s recovering from his injuries, and if I wander around, I might run into trouble. Better play it safe.
With that decision made, Anran spoke up.
“Is anyone there? Someone outside?” She called towards the door.
Immediately, a voice responded, “Yes, Miss, how may I assist you?”
Relieved that someone was nearby, Anran continued, “I want to freshen up, and I’m hungry. Get me something to eat.”
“Yes, right away,” came the quick response.
Before long, several maids entered the room, one carrying water, another with clothes, and another holding accessories.
Anran rose from the bed and allowed them to help her wash up, secretly enjoying the luxury of being attended to.
Ah, people in ancient times really knew how to enjoy life. Having servants is truly a perk, she thought, as she basked in the treatment.
While being served, Anran casually asked the maid who was doing her hair, “What’s the name of the gentleman who rescued me? And where is this place? How long have I been asleep?”
The maid thought for a moment and replied, “The young master who rescued you is our Young Master, the heir of Jianhai Manor. You’re in the guest courtyard of the manor, which is quite renowned in the martial world. As for how long, you’ve been unconscious for three days, Miss.”
Anran nodded, murmuring an acknowledgment.
At that moment, another servant entered, carrying a five-layered food box. Judging by the number of layers, it was clear the box contained several dishes.
Anran’s stomach growled in perfect synchronization with the sight of the food, and her face flushed red in embarrassment.
The maid chuckled and said, “Miss, you haven’t eaten in three days. It’s natural to be hungry. I’ll have everything ready for you to eat in just a moment.”
Anran forced a laugh, replying, “No rush, no rush. I’m not that hungry.”
But before she could finish speaking, her stomach growled again, making her blush even more.
Oh my god, this is too embarrassing, she thought, hoping for someone to rescue her from the awkward situation.
Just then, the maid who was attending to her said, “Miss, everything’s ready. You can eat now.”
Anran eagerly nodded.
“Yes, yes.”
Finally, she thought, I can eat!
Her traitorous stomach had made a spectacle of her in front of everyone. When she reached the table, she saw that the food had been arranged neatly—three kinds of porridge, five small side dishes, and two types of pastries. It wasn’t an extravagant feast, but it looked quite nice. Satisfied, she nodded and sat down, ready to dig in.
The maid reminded her.
“Miss, the doctor advised that since you’ve just woken up, you should eat in moderation.”
Anran nodded.
“Yes, I know.”
Moderation? I’m starving! How can I not eat until I’m full? she thought, as she eagerly took a sip of the porridge in front of her. Mmm, delicious! Is this seafood porridge? How is it this good without any visible seafood? Who cares! Let’s try these side dishes next!
As she praised the food in her mind, she continued to eat with gusto, quickly finishing two bowls of porridge. Feeling full, she finally put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth.
The maid who had been watching her eat came over to clear the table and then placed a bowl of dark, bitter-looking medicine in front of her.
Anran frowned and asked, “What’s this? Is it for me?”
The maid nodded.
“Yes, Miss, the doctor prepared this medicine for you.”
Anran shook her head vigorously.
“I’m fine now. I don’t need medicine. Please take it away.”
Just the thought of taking medicine made her uncomfortable.
If it weren’t for the medicine I took before, I wouldn’t have ended up here in the first place. Medicine is dangerous—I’d better avoid it whenever I can.
Seeing Anran’s strong reaction, the maid didn’t press the issue. After all, she was just a servant, and the young woman before her had been rescued by the young master himself. Her role was to follow orders, not to argue.
Anran, grateful that the maid didn’t force her to drink the medicine, shifted the conversation.
“By the way, I forgot to ask—what’s your name?”
The maid answered, “My name is Qiu Yue, Miss.”
“Qiu Yue, that’s a beautiful name. It suits you well,” Anran said cheerfully.
Qiu Yue blushed and replied shyly, “Thank you for the compliment, Miss. It was given to me by the master of the house.”
Seeing Qiu Yue’s face turn red, Anran thought, How innocent. Just one compliment and she’s already blushing. If I praised her a bit more, her face might turn as red as a tomato!
While she was entertaining these thoughts, someone entered the room. All the maids, including Qiu Yue, quickly bowed and greeted the newcomer, “Greetings to the Young Master.”
Hearing the greeting, Anran turned to see the person who had entered. It was none other than Qin Yuan, the heir to Jianhai Manor, dressed in pristine white robes, looking every bit the elegant and noble gentleman.
So handsome, Anran thought, but such a schemer. His ruthless and calculating ways are hidden behind that facade of decency. This must be what people mean when they say someone is ‘hypocritical and righteous.’
Qin Yuan looked at her and said politely, “I see the young lady is awake. Are you feeling unwell anywhere? Please, don’t hesitate to tell me.”
Looking at you makes me feel unwell, Anran thought to herself.
But she wasn’t foolish enough to offend someone while eating and staying at their place, so she smiled and replied, “I’m fine now, thank you for your concern, Young Master.”
Qin Yuan nodded.
“That’s good to hear. However, it’s best to let the doctor examine you once more. You’ve been unconscious for three days, after all.”
Seeing that he was insisting, Anran nodded.
“Thank you, Young Master, for your care. I’ll accept the doctor’s examination.”
Qin Yuan smiled warmly.
“There’s no need to be so polite. Since I rescued you, I must take responsibility for your well-being.”
Haha, responsibility? How ambiguous! The way he says it is enough to make anyone’s mind wander. His smile is so gentle, but remembering his deeds kills any temptation to be drawn in, Anran thought, though she kept her expression one of shy gratitude.
Feigning embarrassment, she said, “The Young Master is too kind. I’m already immensely grateful for your help, I wouldn’t dare trouble you any further.”
Qin Yuan laughed.
“You’re too modest, Miss. By the way, I’ve yet to properly introduce myself. I am Qin Yuan, the heir of Jianhai Manor. May I know your name?”
Feigning politeness, Anran replied, “So, you are the heir of Jianhai Manor! It’s an honor. My name is Anran, just a simple girl from a small village in Cangshan.”
Qin Yuan seemed puzzled by her answer. “Miss Anran, if you’re from Cangshan, how did you end up being kidnapped by that demon?”
Demon? You’re the real demon, aren’t you? You’ve killed so many people just to inherit the manor! Anran thought, but instead, she answered, “I… I was unfortunate enough to cross paths with him on the road. He thought I was beautiful and tried to take me as his wife.”
With that, she gave him a pitiful look, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
Seeing her on the verge of tears, Qin Yuan’s expression turned grim.
“Miss, don’t worry. I’ve already rescued you. When you’ve recovered, I’ll personally escort you back home.”
“Really? Thank you so much, Young Master! You’re such a good person,” Anran said, feeling relieved that she had successfully deceived him.
He’s not supposed to be easy to fool, but who cares? My childhood friend will be here in a couple of days, and then it’ll be goodbye to him!
“Please feel at ease here, Miss. If you need anything, just ask. I must attend to other matters now, so I’ll take my leave,” Qin Yuan said, bowing slightly.
“Of course, Young Master. Please go ahead,” Anran replied with a bright smile.
Qin Yuan turned and left. As he walked down the corridor, he spoke to the servant following him, “Investigate what Miss Anran just told us.”
The servant asked, “Do you think there’s something suspicious, Young Master?”
Qin Yuan glanced back at him, and the servant immediately bowed and hurried off to carry out the order.