Chapter 11: Adopted by Trouble

Lin Yuxi followed the old woman in silence, her mind racing. The bustling noise of the shopping district seemed to fade into the distance, replaced by a strange sense of detachment, as if the world around her had slowed to a crawl. Every instinct told her this was no ordinary encounter. The security surrounding the old woman wasn't the kind found at luxury boutiques—they moved with precision, scanning every corner with sharp eyes, their posture too rigid and alert to be mere bodyguards.

Lin Xuan clutched Yuxi's sleeve lightly, his usual mischievous spark replaced by quiet concentration. His sharp gaze darted around them, memorizing the faces and movements of the guards with practiced ease. At nine years old, he already possessed an eerie awareness that set him apart from other children.

Ahead of them, the old lady and her assistant walked closely, speaking in hushed tones.

"Madam Mei, you really shouldn't be doing this," the assistant whispered, glancing back at Yuxi nervously. "If the master or old master finds out, they'll be furious."

The old lady waved her off with a carefree grin. "Nonsense! I finally found someone good enough for one of my grandsons. Do you know how hard that is? If none of those brooding boys like her, I'll just adopt her as my own granddaughter."

The assistant blinked, utterly speechless, while Madam Mei seemed lost in her own thoughts, smiling fondly.

The moment she had entered the shopping district, Lin Yuxi had caught her eye immediately—the way Yuxi guided her little brother through the crowd, always turning back to check on him. Her doll-like face glowed with quiet grace, yet there was something unspoken beneath the surface—a keen intelligence, carefully concealed. Such a rare combination of beauty, warmth, and strength was almost unheard of these days.

Lin Yuxi continued walking, careful not to react to their conversation. Her instincts sharpened with each step.

A few minutes later, they reached the edge of the shopping district, where a sleek black car awaited them. The doors opened silently, and the group stepped inside.

The interior was luxurious, with soft leather seats and polished wood accents. The passenger seats faced each other, creating an intimate space perfect for conversations. The scent of fresh orchids filled the air—a delicate contrast to the simmering tension.

Lin Yuxi sat beside the old woman, while Lin Xuan and the assistant took the seats opposite them. Madam Mei reached out, taking Yuxi's hand gently, her fingers cool yet firm.

"My dear," the old woman said warmly, "thank you for helping me earlier. I might have fallen without your quick thinking."

"It was nothing," Lin Yuxi replied with a sweet smile, her tone light and calm. "I'm just glad you're alright."

Madam Mei chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling. "Such a modest child. It's rare to meet someone so kind and attentive these days." She leaned in slightly, her curiosity evident. "Tell me, what's your name?"

"Lin Yuxi."

"And how old are you, dear?"

"Seventeen."

The old woman nodded thoughtfully. "Seventeen… Such a lovely age. What do you do? Are you a student?"

"Yes. I attend Royal Crest University."

"Royal Crest?" Madam Mei's eyes lit up with interest. "Impressive! That's not an easy school to get into. And what about your family?"

Lin Yuxi hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering, her voice carefully measured. "It's just me and my little brother, Xuan. Our parents passed away when we were young."

Madam Mei's gaze softened, but her sharp eyes never wavered. "I see… And you take care of him all on your own?"

"Yes." Lin Yuxi remained polite but wary, careful not to reveal more than necessary.

"Such a responsible young lady," Madam Mei said, patting Yuxi's hand gently. Then she turned to Lin Xuan, her grin widening. "And you, little one? How old are you?"

Lin Xuan's lips twitched at the word little one. "Nine," he said, his tone proud.

"A smart boy, I can tell," Madam Mei said, her eyes crinkling with delight. "Do you like your sister spoiling you?"

Lin Xuan chuckled, relaxing slightly. "Sometimes."

Madam Mei laughed with him, her light melodic voice filling the car. "You're both such delightful children. How lucky I am to have met you today."

After a few moments of pleasant conversation, Lin Yuxi finally asked, "Madam, may I know your name?"

The old woman blinked, then clapped her hands together. "Oh dear, where are my manners? I forgot to introduce myself!" She smiled proudly. "My name is Mei Xiuying, and I have three adorable grandsons. You must meet them one day."

The assistant's eyes twitched at the blatant lie. Adorable? Those cold, sharp-eyed terrors? She mentally prayed for Lin Yuxi's wellness. If the poor girl ever crossed paths with those "adorable" grandsons, she'd need more than luck to survive.

Lin Yuxi tilted her head slightly, imagining small children no older than Xuan. "Your grandsons must be very lucky to have you."

Madam Mei chuckled again, her jade bracelet glinting in the soft light—a deep green, ancient-looking piece that seemed like a family heirloom, its surface polished smooth by time.

"You'll see just how lucky they are," Mei Xiuying said cryptically, her voice light yet loaded with unspoken meaning.

Despite herself, Yuxi couldn't help but feel a strange warmth toward this woman. For the first time since Yeye's death, she felt a flicker of something unfamiliar—almost like belonging. There was an odd comfort in Mei Xiuying's presence, despite her unclear intentions.

The car slowed as they reached the outskirts of the city. The urban sprawl gave way to lush greenery—a sea of flowering trees and fragrant plants. The air was rich with the scent of jasmine and pine, the city's chaos replaced by peaceful serenity.

At the heart of this green paradise lay an ancient mansion. Its curved rooftops and wooden beams glowed warmly in the fading light. Stone lanterns lined the path, casting a soft, golden glow on the carefully tended gardens. A small pond, dotted with blooming lotus flowers, reflected the sky in perfect clarity.

Lin Xuan pressed his face against the window, his breath fogging the glass. "It's beautiful," he whispered in awe.

Mei Xiuying beamed. "Welcome to my home."

The car came to a smooth stop, and the doors opened quietly. Lin Yuxi stepped out, her senses on high alert as she took in her surroundings. This place felt untouched by time, almost sacred.

Mei Xiuying reached for Yuxi's hand again, her grip warm and reassuring. "Come, child. Let me show you around."

Yuxi followed without a word, her eyes tracing the delicate carvings and symbols etched into the wooden beams. The air was rich with the scent of pine and jasmine, and a strange warmth settled in her chest.

For the first time in a long while, she didn't feel like an outsider standing on the edges of someone else's world.

Here, surrounded by ancient beauty and soft whispers of the past, she felt something unfamiliar—a fleeting sense of belonging.

Perhaps, just perhaps, she wasn't entirely alone after all.