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Xiao Linshuang pouted, "Following Big Sister means there’s meat to eat!"

Just as Lao Fan was about to retort, he suddenly blinked without speaking, considering whether he should also lose his dignity this once.

Lin Yuan was amused by the bickering between the master and disciple. She smiled and then gave Princess Anle a gentle curtsy, saying, "Madam, hello, I am the owner of Fuman Building. Shopkeeper Liu just told me you wanted to see me; I never expected that you and the former owner were old friends."

So, it was Shopkeeper Liu who had gone to report the news. No wonder the girl had come back. Lao Fan stroked his beard and said nothing.

"Please, take a seat, Miss," said Princess Anle, taking a liking to her as Lin Yuan was polite and sincere in her speech.

"Honestly, I’ve known your former boss for many years. Coming to Zhuma Town this time, I intended to find your Young Master. I never expected to also meet the old gentleman; it truly is a delightful surprise."

So she was here for Xia Zheng. Lin Yuan’s thoughts shifted as she quietly observed Princess Anle once more.

She was indeed in her thirties, and she didn’t resemble Su Qiuyu at all.

She probably wasn’t the reinforcement Su Qiuyu had called for.

But then, what did she want with Xia Zheng?

Was she here to propose a marriage for her daughter?

In just a few moments, Lin Yuan had run through several thoughts. Although somewhat wary of this madam, Lin Yuan honestly felt quite fond of her. Moreover, when she looked at Lin Yuan, there was a sense of happiness reminiscent of when Lady Liu looked at her.

"May I ask for your given name, Miss?" Princess Anle asked with a gentle smile.

Since the lady had spoken, it would be impolite for Lin Yuan not to respond. She glanced at Lao Fan, who had also given a slight nod. Lin Yuan smiled and said, "Madam, you’re too kind. My name is Lin Yuan."

"Lin Yuan, what a nice name," Princess Anle commented with a smile.

"Thank you for your compliment, Madam."

Lin Yuan was not one to beat around the bush. She had been preoccupied with the lady’s intention to find Xia Zheng, so she asked about it.

But before the lady could reply, familiar footsteps were heard outside.

Lin Yuan was startled. Speaking of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives; she hadn’t even asked, and he was back. Indeed, it was Xia Zheng returning.

Lin Yuan nodded politely to Princess Anle and then got up and quickly opened the door of the elegant room. Since this lady was looking for him, and she knew Lao Fan, they probably knew each other.

Xia Zheng was rushing toward Lin Yuan’s room, flustered. He had run into some troublesome business today; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been delayed for so long, even forgetting lunch. He wondered if Yuanyuan and Xiao Mei were anxious.

As he was thinking, the door of the room next to him suddenly opened, and to his surprise, it was Lin Yuan.

"Aiyo, my darling, have you been waiting anxiously? I’ve come back late."

As soon as Xia Zheng saw Lin Yuan, he started with his slick talk, and his voice was particularly loud. Not only did it reach Lao Fan and Princess Anle inside the room, but even Su Qiuyu, who had been sound asleep, was woken by the noise.

Lin Yuan’s face was lined with exasperation as she sidestepped Xia Zheng’s attempt to take her hand upon meeting and glared at him, murmuring softly, "You’re not serious!"

Xia Zheng was charmed by her cute and bashful look and chuckled, about to tease her again, when he noticed a familiar face—too familiar—through the space beside Lin Yuan, who had just sidestepped. The person was staring at him with a smile that was not a smile and an anger that was not anger.

"Mother?"

Lin Yuan was shocked by this term and took a long time to stutter out, "Mother?"

Following Xia Zheng’s stunned gaze and incredible expression, Lin Yuan finally turned her head back with difficulty to look towards the lady sitting by the table, smiling faintly at them—Princess Anle.