Who redeems whom? (2)

Qin Xian'er's face showed a hint of slight displeasure, giving him a reproachful look, saying, "Men are not trustworthy. I just wanted to have a conversation with you, but you treated me so lightly."

"Miss Xian'er, wise men speak straightforwardly. Your feigned actions may work on others, but I have self-awareness. Could you please be direct about why you sought me out?" Lin Wanrong spoke candidly. Engaging in a verbal spar with this young lady was not interesting; it was better to get straight to the point.

A glint of surprise flashed in Qin Xian'er's eyes. She smiled and said, "Since Mr. Lin speaks so plainly, Xian'er won't hide anything. The truth is, I have some matters related to music that I would like to consult with Mr. Lin."

Lin Wanrong waved his hand, "Miss, you are asking a blind man about the way. I am ignorant of the pentatonic scale and have no musical talent. When it comes to music theory, I am completely clueless."

Curious, Qin Xian'er asked, "Hearing Mr. Lin say so, Xian'er is a bit puzzled. How did Mr. Lin find the flaws in Xian'er's tune?"

"Very simple," Lin Wanrong said. "Listen more, observe more, think more."

Seeing the puzzled look in Qin Xian'er's eyes, Lin Wanrong explained, "I don't need to dwell on the first two points. As for the third point, it is the most crucial. Miss Xian'er's musical skill is undoubtedly outstanding, but merely imitating predecessors without innovation leads to lack of creativity in the composition. While renowned tunes are indeed famous, repeated exposure may diminish their freshness. With your talent, Miss, why not try composing your own music? Composing and singing your own tunes will help you understand the charm within and add a unique flavor."

Qin Xian'er, with a rare shy expression, said, "I have thought about composing on my own, but facing the array of masters, how can I dare to presumptuously attempt it?"

"This statement is mistaken. What is the purpose of composing on your own? Is it to please others and gain their approval? If that's the goal, pardon my frankness, Miss Qin, you will forever be imitating others. The purpose of music is to express one's feelings, ultimately for self-enjoyment. The primary goal is to make oneself happy. With inspiration, you write; you want to sing, so you sing. Pay no mind to what others think." Lin Wanrong expounded these idealistic and slightly eccentric views persuasively.

"To sing when inspired. Excellent, excellent! Mr. Lin has enlightened the person in my dreams. I almost fell into a rut and followed the conventional path," Qin Xian'er exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes, with inspiration, just write. Even if others don't appreciate it, you still have yourself. For instance, right now, Miss is alone with me in this room. I wonder if there is any inspiration to compose a love song. I guarantee it will be well-received." After a few words with Qin Xian'er, Lin Wanrong couldn't resist teasing.

A blush appeared on Qin Xian'er's face as she said, "Mr. is making fun of Xian'er again. To be honest, Mr. Lin's understanding of music is profound, yet he modestly claims to be ignorant. You must be looking down on Xian'er."

Lin Wanrong smiled bitterly, "The folk songs in my hometown are completely different from those here. The melodies are simple, the lyrics straightforward—explaining it to you would be futile. Take one song, for example. The lyrics go like this: 'I love you, love you, just like a mouse loves rice. No matter where you go, I'm willing to accompany you.' What do you think of these lyrics? Can you accept them?"

Blushing, Qin Xian'er lightly scoffed, "Where are these lyrics from? They're a bit bold. How can I sing such words?"

"If you find it hard to say, what if you see someone wearing sexy lingerie? I wonder how you would react to that," Lin Wanrong thought mischievously, imagining the scene of Qin Xian'er blushing at the sight of provocative lingerie. Such thoughts brought a wicked smile to his face.

Seeing him in a daze, Qin Xian'er hurriedly asked, "Mr. Lin, what's wrong with you?"

"Lingerie, ah, carrots, I want to eat carrots," Lin Wanrong, showing a rare blush, babbled.

"Pfft." Qin Xian'er lightly covered her cherry lips, laughing out loud. "You are such a person—now clever, now confused. I don't know which part of what you say is true and which is false."

"Miss Qin is no different," Lin Wanrong chuckled.

The two fell silent for a while. Qin Xian'er carefully observed Lin Wanrong, her eyes revealing a hint of amusement.

Damn, I hope she doesn't really develop feelings for me. I don't have the money to redeem her. If she offers herself willingly, though, I might consider it. Lin Wanrong thought wickedly.

After a while, Qin Xian'er finally spoke, "Are you really a servant from the Xiao family?"

Lin Wanrong shook his green-sleeved robe and said, "Absolutely genuine."

Sighing, Qin Xian'er said, "With your knowledge and insight, why did you become a servant? Mr. Lin, if you don't mind, I can help you buy your freedom."

Damn! Lin Wanrong's mind short-circuited. Just a moment ago, he was thinking about redeeming her, and now, in the blink of an eye, this young lady wants to help me buy my freedom? Could she be looking to keep me as a kept man? Damn, even though I'm handsome, you can't treat me like a duck.

After a brief moment of silence, Qin Xian'er finally spoke, "You think beautifully. I will buy your freedom. Mr. Lin, would you consider coming to work for me?"

Work for Qin Xian'er? Even though he knew '先生' meant teacher, the ambiguity of the term made Lin Wanrong blank for a while.

"What's wrong, sir? Don't want to?" Qin Xian'er, seeing Lin Wanrong remain silent for a long time, hurriedly asked.

Lin Wanrong swallowed his saliva and subconsciously licked his lips, saying, "Miss Qin, I dare not be your teacher. I work as a servant in the Xiao family. The young master and young miss treat me well, and I have freedom. Besides, what do I have that can teach you, Miss Qin?"

Sighing, Qin Xian'er said, "Mr. Lin, you have vast knowledge and insight beyond ordinary people. Considering this, I feel that I am fortunate."

Qin Xian'er's face showed a hint of disappointment. She took graceful steps and slowly walked to the window, looking at the distant green mountains. She sighed softly, "As Mr. Lin said, though one may have acquaintances everywhere, there is no true friend. Here, although I am in the limelight, many things are not as simple as they seem."

Although Qin X

ian'er was unpredictable, she was ultimately a young woman in her twenties, holding many thoughts in her heart. At this moment, observing her slender figure, there was a touch of melancholy, making people want to embrace her and show her some tenderness.

Lin Wanrong walked over to her, looking out the window. He sighed, "Life is full of twists and turns, ten out of ten times. If everything goes according to one's wishes, life would lose its charm."

Qin Xian'er chuckled, "Mr. Lin, your words are always unique. Rest assured, just now, I deliberately pretended to be like that, wanting Mr. Lin to pity me more. Never did I expect to provoke Mr. Lin's sighs."

This Qin Xian'er is indeed skilled in rhetoric—now ambiguous, now charming. Truly a versatile enchantress.

"He who's strong can do what he wills; the bright moon illuminates the mighty river," Lin Wanrong fully embraced the spirit of Ah Q, indifferent to her teasing.

In the dim distance, a clear whistle sounded, and a few fireworks ascended into the sky, exploding like a beautiful white lotus.

"Strange, whose child is playing with fireworks?" Lin Wanrong wondered.

Qin Xian'er's face changed upon seeing the white lotus. She couldn't help but chuckle at Lin Wanrong's words, rolling her eyes at him.

"Mr. Lin, since you are not willing to be my teacher, can you visit me more often in the future? We can chat, and it will make me feel relaxed," Qin Xian'er suggested.

"No," Lin Wanrong refused decisively.

Qin Xian'er was momentarily stunned. No man had ever refused her so directly before. Unable to bear it, she complained, "Does Mr. Lin find me so unbearable in his eyes?"

Lin Wanrong grinned, "This Miao Yu Pavilion, what kind of place is it? How can a lowly servant like me come every day? Even if I have the heart, I don't have the silver."

"Mr. is just fond of teasing Xian'er. Hmph, if you don't come, I will have someone take my token to the Xiao residence and invite you. Hmph," Qin Xian'er threatened.

After getting to know each other, Qin Xian'er seemed to have changed her disposition, acting like a young girl throwing a tantrum. Lin Wanrong, born a joker, found a hint of joy in this. Beautiful women are always popular; he sighed inwardly.

Seemingly a bit distracted, Qin Xian'er knew it was time to bid farewell. She clasped her hands, "It's getting late. I've troubled Miss today. Please forgive me."

Qin Xian'er smiled, "Mr. Lin, why have you suddenly become so polite? Xian'er is still not used to it."

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily, "Sometimes, a bit of courtesy is necessary to avoid others blaming me for rudeness to a beauty."

Seeing him speak so frankly, Qin Xian'er chuckled a few times before sending him off.

"No need to see me off, just to the entrance of Miao Yu Pavilion is fine," Lin Wanrong said casually.

Qin Xian'er was stunned for a moment. Meeting this thick-skinned Mr. Lin today, she felt more bewildered than all the times before combined. Yet, his direct and straightforward words, though different from the other young masters, strangely made her not inclined to refuse.

"Thinking too beautifully. I'll see you off here. Walk slowly, Mr. Lin," Qin Xian'er said with a snort.

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily as he walked to the door. Suddenly, he turned back and said, "Miss Qin, let me ask you something."

Qin Xian'er nodded, "Please."

"Miss Qin, do you know how to sing 'Eighteen Touches'?" Lin Wanrong asked with a mischievous smile.

Qin Xian'er: "..."