Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Lu Nian hurriedly ran into the house, bringing with her the cold from outside. She coughed all the way, her entrance bringing a gust of cold air. Her coughs turned her cheeks rosy, causing Zhang Qiuping to fetch soup and medicine, with both caretakers assisting her, massaging her back to ease her breath, before jointly escorting her back to her room upstairs.

"Miss, you can't run around like this in this kind of weather anymore," said Zhang Qiuping, "It would break the master's heart to see you like this."

Lu Nian let herself be fussed over, thinking that the master probably wouldn't be heartbroken seeing her state, because by the time Lu Zhihong comes home next, she would have recovered already, possibly even fallen ill with something else.

"Dr. Zhao will be here shortly," Zhang Qiuping said, hanging up a phone call.

Lu Nian nodded, sitting gracefully and obediently in her plush, warm chair filled with cushions, holding a cup of hot tea. With her translucent eyes, she looked at Zhang Qiuping, "Auntie Zhang, do you know where Qin Si is staying in my house?" she asked, "How come I never see him around?"

Zhang Qiuping couldn't figure out why Lu Nian had recently taken such an interest in Qin Si.

However, knowing Lu Nian's volatile and unpredictable temperament, akin to a child’s changing moods, she assumed Lu Nian must have found some new amusement in him.

As long as Lu Nian was happy, she had no say in how she wanted to deal with Qin Si, so she replied, "He usually stays with your Uncle Xu, at the top floor."

She hesitated for a moment before substituting "attic" with "top floor".

Xu Ruohai was the Lu family's steward, having served the family for many years, handling various matters big and small within the estate, thus, for convenience, he also resided in the mansion.

Looking out the window, Lu Nian could see the small building where the Xu family lived, partially hidden in the dim yellow light of winter dusk, appearing even more faint and solitary, casting long, dark shadows into the winter evening.

The building wasn't large, having only two floors. The first floor was reserved as guest rooms for Lu family employees coming to the estate for work, while the second floor housed Xu Ruohai's room. Originally, the room next door was allocated for Qin Si.

Xu Ruohai had a son around the same age as Qin Si, who initially lived with his mother in their old home in the city. However, after a visit to the mansion, Xu Hui insisted on living in the villa, crying and making a fuss.

Xu Ruohai had no choice but to accommodate his son's whims, finding a solution by having Qin Si move out, surrendering the room to Xu Hui and hastily arranging a living space for him in the attic.

Lu Zhihong was rarely home and hardly concerned himself with such trivial matters, hence Qin Si lost his room, resigning to a life in the attic.

Zhang Qiuping had only visited the attic a long time ago to clean up some clutter. Her fuller figure made it a squeeze to enter the attic and retrieve a carpet, all the while coughing from the engulfing dust.

But then, for a little boy,

space

was sufficient in the attic, Zhang Qiuping reasoned. Xu Ruohai must have cleaned it at least once, making it decent enough for living.

Lu Nian pondered, nodding thoughtfully as she stared at the small building shrouded in the twilight. Sitting upright in her chair, she asked, "Auntie Zhang, do you know why my father adopted Qin Si back then?"

Lu Nian had always been resistant towards Qin Si, let alone personally inquiring about his background. Zhang Qiuping gave her a surprised glance, but since she had asked, she relayed everything she knew without omitting any details.

“The child was the one left over at the orphanage, returned a few times after being adopted. He stayed in the orphanage until he was eight, never having attended school and nobody seemed willing to take him in, seemingly on the verge of becoming a lost cause...”

In fact, why exactly Lu Zhihong chose to bring Qin Si back was something even Zhang Qiuping couldn't quite understand, given that both his age and personality evidently didn't make him a suitable candidate for adoption.

The Lu family enrolled him in the best school in Ancheng and provided for his basic needs. Zhang Qiuping thought they were already doing quite well by him.

Zhang Qiuping carefully observed Lu Nian's expression, "Actually, the initial plan was to bring him back mainly to keep you company, especially since the young master before..." As these words slipped from her mouth, she suddenly stopped talking, her face turning pale as she looked at Lu Nian.

Lu Nian was lying on the bed, lost in thought with a vacant expression, not noticing what she had said, "But..." she hesitated for a moment before turning her head, "It seems he doesn't like me very much."

Clearly, she was still thinking about Qin Si.

Zhang Qiuping finally relaxed, speaking rapidly, "The kid is like that with everyone, never smiles. Despite the fact that we, the Lu family, have been taking care of him for two or three years, his attitude remains the same."

She pursed her lips, "Miss, if you find it boring, you can call Qingqing over to keep you company. Besides, you will be returning to school soon once you recover, you won't be lacking friends."

It seems he's someone who can't be tamed.

Implicitly suggesting that there was no need to concern herself with Qin Si anymore.

Lu Nian remained silent, her eyelashes cast down as she pondered.

Ignoring him is not an option.

As for being the mistress of the Lu family, she really didn't mind either way. The ultimate fate of Lu Zhihong could only be described as reaping what he sowed. Currently, she had no power to intervene in Lu Zhihong's decisions.

However, considering her current frail condition, panting with every step, lacking education and entirely helpless, what would happen to her once Lu Zhihong falls and Qin Si takes over the Lu family? Would she be driven out to meet her doom?

Moreover, considering Qin Si, even if he ends up with immense power and wealth, his life wouldn't be happy. With a life span cut short at 29, throughout his brief existence, he remained heartless and devoid of love, friendship, and familial bonds.

The original female protagonist was a gentle and pretty Jie Yu Hua, at least she had the halo of a main character. Even so, she couldn't get close to Qin Si's heart. There used to be discussions among readers about how she could possibly win over Qin Si. After eight pages of discussion, they reached a hopeless conclusion.

— This person is probably inherently emotionally insulated, perhaps a sociopath.

— Why are you all so obsessed with winning over Qin Si? The book doesn't even describe his appearance. Given his ruthless methods and complete lack of gentleness, he must be psychologically twisted, both ugly and fierce. Are Lu Yang's sunshine or Zhao Tingyuan's handsomeness not enough that you all are still fixated on him?

Lu Nian vaguely remembers glancing at the comment section a few times, where heated arguments were taking place.

Now, she can confidently say that Qin Si is indeed very handsome at the moment. Judging by his facial features and contours, he won't be lacking in looks when he grows up. She hasn't seen the male lead yet, but she feels that he certainly won't be inferior.

As for his personality...

It is undeniably heavily influenced by his experiences during his youth at the Lu family, which served as his initial stepping stone and also...

The beginning of his journey for...

Revenge.

While he hasn't fully grown up yet, Lu Nian thinks, she wants to do her best to improve his situation, to bring some warmth into his life, hoping to slightly divert him from his path of vengeance and guide him back onto a more righteous path.

However, concerning Qin Si, after pondering, she resolved to act according to her conscience without deliberately overdoing anything.

After all, the adult Qin Si was ruthless and unpredictable, extremely suspicious due to his youthful experiences, and inherently mature and sensitive from a young age. Throughout the entire book, those who had ulterior motives and deliberately flattered him met tragic ends. Lu Nian did not want to become the first to be sacrificed.

She just wanted to live a normal life, and lead an ordinary existence, without being affected by Qin Si’s vengeance towards the Lu family. It would be enough to just be dismissed unceremoniously.

Starting now, she would study hard, cooperate with the treatment to recover her health, and hopefully learn a skill to sustain herself once Qin Si banished her.

Lu Nian stared blankly at the ceiling, a small girl wrapped in a large quilt, her lips slightly parting in a face filled with perplexed contemplation, looking exceptionally adorable.

This was the scene Doctor Zhao witnessed upon his arrival, a smile on his face, he quietly opened the medicine box and softly said, "Come, young lady, extend your hand, it's time to change the medicine."

Lu Nian was very cooperative, obediently and skillfully extending her right hand to him.

After the routine check-up, Zhao Ming administered her new medicine, gave some instructions, and prepared to pack up his medicine box to leave.

The little girl stopped him, her voice soft and thin, "Doctor brother, could you stay a bit longer?"

Zhao Ming was somewhat surprised. Being the fourth family doctor hired by the Lu family, his primary patient was this notoriously difficult young mistress. The previous three doctors had been driven away, unwilling to stay despite the high pay. Zhao Ming, having just met this reputedly problematic young mistress, found her to be pitifully adorable, and a bit of a bad temper seemed only normal.

Zhao Ming bent slightly, smiling as he said, "Of course, I am a doctor specially hired by your family. You can tell me whatever you need."

"Doctor brother, could you help treat someone for me?" Lu Nian said, pointing to her cheek, "He collided with a classmate the day before yesterday and accidentally got hurt on the road, injuring both his hands and legs. I saw him bleeding yesterday."

Zhao Ming was somewhat startled, but quickly responded, "Of course, I can."

Lu Nian got down from her chair, her eyes shining brightly, "I'll take you to him."

The sky had already darkened. When Xu Ruohai saw two figures in front of the house, he opened the door to see them and was startled, "Nian Nian?"

Beside the tall young man in white stood a petite figure, truly it was Lu Nian. As always, her face was pale, but her eyes sparkled brilliantly, and she seemed to be in good spirits.

Lu Nian seldom visited this place and had always been quite indifferent to Xu Ruohai and others. This time, she had surprisingly taken the initiative to come over. Xu Ruohai was pleasantly surprised and extra warmly affectionate. He hurriedly closed the door, leading the two inside and asked her in a gentle voice, "Nian Nian, is there something you are lacking, or something you desire?"

Xu Hui, who had sharp ears, heard the voice and quickly ran down from upstairs. He was two years older than Lu Nian and usually only saw her from a distance when she was entering or leaving the estate. Lu Nian never spoke to him.

The little girl had loose hair and wore a clean, delicate dress covered with a thick cashmere cloak. Her black hair contrasted with her pale skin, and her rosy little mouth made her resemble a glass doll, transparent and exquisite, only slightly less vibrant due to her illness.

He didn't dare to get too close, his excited face turning somewhat red, he asked in a low voice, "Nian Nian, are you here to see my father?"

Lu Nian shook her head, looked around, and softly asked Xu Ruohai, "Uncle Xu, where is Qin Si?"

Both Xu Ruohai and Xu Hui were stunned, thinking they had heard wrong.

Lu Nian repeated, "Is Qin Si here now? Auntie Zhang said he lives here."

Qin Si?

If Lu Nian was indifferent to them, then she was utterly disdainful of Qin Si, not even bothering to call him by his name. On the rare occasions she had to address him, it was with a cold and contemptuous "Hey".

Would she really come seeking Qin Si specifically on such a cold night at this late hour?

Xu Ruohai could only respond, "He's not here. That boy spends his time roaming outside all day. If you're looking for him, Nian Nian, I'll call him back right away."

Before Lu Nian could respond, the door opened, letting in a gust of cold air. A young boy stepped in from outside, his body emanating a deep chill, akin to that of unfrozen snow.

Noticing the crowd inside the house, he said nothing, pursed his lips, and headed straight for the upstairs.

"Qin Si." Afraid he might leave, Lu Nian hurried towards him. Qin Si remained silent, continuing his ascent, with Lu Nian, her short legs unable to match his pace, trailing behind.

Seeing Qin Si walking away unresponsive, in a moment of desperation, Lu Nian reached out without thinking and grasped his right hand.

She had given him her gloves earlier; now her small hands were bare, warm and tender from being inside the heated room, feeling like a soft feather landing on his hand.

Light, gentle, and pristine.

Xu Hui stood to the side, his eyes wide and mouth agape, watching the scene with indignation.

How dare that wild child touch Nian Nian with his dirty hands?

The boy reacted as if burned, and after a brief moment of shock, he quickly shook off her hand.

"Don't touch me," he said through gritted teeth, emphasizing each word.

Lu Nian, "..."

She recalled the injuries on Qin Si's hands, reassuring herself that yes, pulling him like that might have caused him pain.

But the boy's eyes held a ferocity, almost as if he was about to bite her.

Did it really hurt that much, she wondered sheepishly.

Unable to contain himself any longer, Xu Hui exclaimed, "How dare you speak to Nian Nian like that?"

Meeting Qin Si's chilling gaze, he faltered, his voice involuntarily lowering a few decibels.

"Uncle Xu, is Qin Si's room on the second floor?" Noticing he was already heading upstairs and unable to stop him, Lu Nian asked Xu Ruohai.

Xu Ruohai, being the adult in the situation, had gathered an understanding of the underlying dynamics from the swift interchange between the children. As Lu Nian asked her question, he felt a cold sweat forming on his back but managed to reply reluctantly, "It's not tidied up there, dirty and messy, nothing interesting to see. Do you really want to go, Nian Nian?"

"Do you want to come up with me?" Zhao Ming asked Lu Nian. As a doctor, he had noted several alarming signs on the young boy in the brief moments earlier.

Seeing how concerned she was for the young boy, he figured it would be reassuring to have him tend to Qin Si's wounds.

Lu Nian pondered for a moment before shaking her head.

It was evident that Qin Si harbored a dislike for her. She figured that accompanying Zhao Ming would likely backfire.

Afraid that Qin Si might ignore Zhao Ming as well, she detailed everything she knew about Qin Si's condition to him. Zhao Ming noted it all down and assured her it was no problem before picking up his medical kit and heading upstairs.

Only then did Xu Ruohai let out a long sigh of relief.

In the piercing cold of deep winter nights, Qin Si sits silently on the floor, before a low table, swiftly jotting down numbers under the flickering lamplight.

He completes his homework at a brisk pace, finding the material currently covered to be relatively simple. However, the poor lighting in the attic strains his eyes during the night. Despite this, he usually manages to finish most of his homework during daylight hours at school, although his recent finger injury has hampered his speed.

Half a cup of what was once hot water now only maintains a lukewarm temperature. He touches it with the back of his hand before silently returning to his original spot.

Fortunately, the school-provided uniforms are of a large, loose-fitting design. He thinks how, over the past few years, the Lu family has scarcely provided him with any new clothing. This winter school uniform, lined with a thin layer of cotton flannel, ensures he can survive the winter comfortably. Furthermore, it's only his current slender physique that allows him to inhabit this attic without hindrance.

His hand, gripping the pen, feels rather stiff, somewhat unwilling to move as instructed.

With pursed lips, he gazes at his own hand, suddenly reminiscing about the girl he just met downstairs.

A young lady raised amidst luxury and pampering, she likely has never experienced hardships like these.

So weak, so useless.

Fragile as glass, without her entourage to serve her, she might just shatter into pieces with a simple gust of wind.

Someday, she would find herself in his grasp.

Tonight, he was particularly irritable, harboring dark and fierce thoughts.

The young boy with deep, dark eyes sneered, curling his lip in mockery. This movement aggravated the wound on his face, causing a grimace of pain to cross his brow. As if on cue, a throbbing pain emanated from the bruises on his shin. Just as Qin Si intended to rise and rinse his wound with cold water, an abrupt knock on the door interrupted his motions.

"Is Qin Si there?" A foreign male voice inquired.

Outside the narrow attic door stood a young man adorned in a white coat, leaning down to offer him a gentle smile, "Someone asked me to come here to tend to your wounds."

Author's note: When the day comes that she falls into his hands, what is to be done? Well, of course, to spoil her relentlessly.

Though, for now, she remains a proud and fiery little wolf cub.