Chapter 16: The Jin Family’s Situation Is Complicated Ling Qiao: Want to play a game? I’ll carry you.

Ye Chunxi came over and sat down, turning her head with a puzzled look. "The International Convention and Exhibition Center?"

"Yes," Butler Kong explained with a kind, elderly smile, seizing the opportunity to cast Jin Yuchuan in a favorable light. "There is a seminar at the International Convention and Exhibition Center today. Many experts in neurology will be attending—it is a gathering of renowned doctors. The young master is truly concerned for you; it is usually quite difficult to secure appointments with so many experts. I hear the vice president of the Medical Alliance is also coming. Even for the young master, such a person is not easily invited."

Ye Chunxi’s gaze flickered, a warmth rising in her heart that felt somewhat strange. She lowered her lashes, spooning her pumpkin porridge. Perhaps it was the sudden presence of family, or perhaps it was Jin Yuchuan’s care that left her feeling flattered. This was a sensation she was not accustomed to, as she had never been a particularly sentimental person.

After breakfast, Ye Chunxi wanted to take a walk outside. Butler Kong accompanied her, citing her lack of familiarity with Deer Park. It was April; the flowers were in full bloom, the willow branches swayed gracefully, the clear water whispered secrets, and the hills were lush and verdant—the air was steeped in the fragrance of spring. As she crossed the pedestrian bridge over the man-made stream, she paused at the entrance of the main courtyard.

"Does my brother not live here?" she asked.

"That is correct. This Deer Park was actually a gift from the old master to the young master on his eighteenth birthday. It usually sits vacant, and the young master rarely comes here; only the servants remain to maintain it," Butler Kong said, his tone tinged with a touch of melancholy. His face clouded for a brief moment before clearing as he looked at her. "Now that you are here, Miss Ye, this place finally has a mistress."

Ye Chunxi turned around. "What about the others?"

"Pardon?" Butler Kong didn't immediately catch her meaning.

Ye Chunxi pursed her lips and asked directly, "Is my brother not close with his family?"

"Well..." Outsiders were generally aware of the internal conflicts within the Jin family, but as it was a private family matter, Butler Kong found it difficult to speak freely. Moreover, hearing Ye Chunxi call Jin Yuchuan "brother" so naturally, he wasn't sure if the young master intended for this girl to be his wife or simply a younger sister he had adopted. After a moment of thought, he replied tactfully, "The young master’s uncles have their own careers and rarely see him. His parents passed away early, and he was raised by the old master, so the two of them are quite close."

Ye Chunxi caught the subtext of his words. The Jin family was vast and powerful; internal competition was inevitable. Given Jin Yuchuan’s exceptional talent, he would certainly attract jealousy. She saw this clearly and felt a sense of gloom.

"It seems he had no intention of bringing me home, nor does he plan to return himself."

Butler Kong sighed heavily, feeling troubled by the rift between Jin Yuchuan and his family. However, unable to show this in front of Ye Chunxi, he said, "The headquarters of the young master’s company is here. He has always put work first; it is unavoidable." Realizing she might have spoken out of a sense of insecurity, he quickly consoled her, "Miss Ye, please do not be sad. The young master will take you back eventually; it is simply a matter of timing."

It wasn't just the Jin family; the high society of Yanjing was complex, and every move was watched. Jin Yuchuan loathed the feeling of being under constant surveillance and certainly did not want Ye Chunxi to endure the same.

She lowered her gaze, a dark flash crossing her deer-like eyes as she pondered.

From behind, Ling Qiao, who had just returned from a workout, spotted her and shouted, "Little Sister Jin!"

Ye Chunxi stiffened at the address; a sense of weirdness washed over her, causing her to frown. Before she could turn around, Ling Qiao reached her side. Sweat rolled down his hair, dampening his forehead and soaking his clothes.

Ye Chunxi was surprised. "You went for a morning run?"

"Something like that," Ling Qiao said, wiping the sweat from his head and looking at her with his hands on his hips. "What are you doing here? Trying to sneak onto your brother's computer?"

The word "computer" reminded Ye Chunxi of Jin Yuchuan’s instructions before he left yesterday. It seemed he had specifically mentioned playing with electronic devices. Seeing her silence, Ling Qiao assumed she felt guilty for being caught and gave a carefree laugh.

"If you want to play, just play. Why be afraid to say it? I don't know much about those things, but I know your brother—whatever he owns is definitely the best." He rubbed his hands together. "How about it? Want to go inside and play a round?"

Ye Chunxi paused for a second and looked at Butler Kong, seeking his opinion.

The butler frowned. "The young master does not live here, and apart from daily cleaning, his private quarters are generally off-limits."

"Such strong possessiveness," Ling Qiao quipped. "No wonder he keeps his little sister hidden away in this remote forest."

The remark left Butler Kong speechless. Ling Qiao waved his hand. "Forget it. We don't need a computer anyway; we'll find somewhere else to play." He understood Jin Yuchuan’s habits; he had a sort of mental fastidiousness and didn't allow people to touch his things.

Besides, he was covered in sweat after his workout, and his clothes were sticking to his skin—it was uncomfortable. He hadn't had breakfast yet, so there was no rush to play.

"Little Sister Jin, I’m going back to shower and get something to eat. I’ll come find you later." He took two steps away, then suddenly stopped and asked, "Do you know how to play *Hero's Hegemony*?"

Ye Chunxi had an impression of the game. It was a MOBA game under Jin Yuchuan’s company, a multiplayer online real-time strategy game set in an arena. Players were divided into two teams, controlling their chosen characters to compete on a map and strive for victory. It was very popular in its genre, and the "Co-creation Night" on the 15th had been hosted by *Hero's Hegemony*.

As she recalled the details, the rules felt familiar. She assumed she must have played it before and replied slowly, "I think so."

"No worries, I'll carry you," Ling Qiao said. "I'm heading back now. I'll find you in a bit."

He strode away, waving as he went. Ye Chunxi stood there, feeling slightly awkward. Once he was out of sight, Butler Kong asked, "Miss Ye, if you wish to play, would you like me to get you an account?"

"An account?" Ye Chunxi asked, puzzled.

"Young people like to have nice skins for their characters. I can get you an account with all the skins unlocked. You won't have any friends on it, but it will look quite prestigious."

Ye Chunxi found she had no argument against this logic. Moreover, she didn't remember her old account and would have to register a new one anyway. A new account would require a tutorial, which was a hassle, so she agreed. Butler Kong immediately called Nan Sheng.

...

At the Jihuan Group, Jin Yuchuan, who had explicitly told Nan Sheng to report anything regarding Ye Chunxi, frowned upon hearing the news. His original intention in letting Ye Chunxi touch electronic devices was to test her knowledge of information technology, not for her to be lured into playing video games by Ling Qiao!