Chapter 16: The Intricate Situation of the Jin Family

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

"Yes," Butler Kong explained, "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."

He smiled, his aged face looking kind and amiable, not forgetting to earn some favor for Jin Yuchuan.

"The young master really cares about you. Experts like these are usually very hard to book. I heard the vice president of the Medical Alliance is coming too; even for him, it might not be easy to secure an appointment."

Ye Chunxi’s gaze flickered. A warmth welled up in her heart, though she felt a bit strange. She lowered her lashes, scooping up the pumpkin porridge in front of her. Perhaps it was the sudden addition of family, or perhaps it was Jin Yuchuan’s concern that left her feeling flattered. This sensation was something Ye Chunxi was not accustomed to. After all, she had never been a sentimental person.

After breakfast, Ye Chunxi wanted to go for a stroll outside. Butler Kong accompanied her, citing her unfamiliarity with Deer Garden as the reason. It was April; flowers were in full bloom, willow branches swayed gracefully, clear waters whispered, and mountains were layered in emerald, with the fragrance of spring permeating everything. A breeze drifted through the vibrant spring air, carrying the scent of nature.

Ye Chunxi crossed the footbridge over the artificial stream and paused at the entrance of the main courtyard. "Does Brother not live here?" she asked.

"That is correct. This Deer Garden was actually a birthday gift from the Old Master to the young master when he turned eighteen. It is usually left vacant, and the young master rarely comes here; only the servants stay behind to maintain it regularly." Butler Kong's tone grew somewhat nostalgic. A flicker of sorrow crossed his face, but it vanished as soon as he saw Ye Chunxi. "Now that you are here, Miss Ye, this Deer Garden can finally be considered to have a master."

Ye Chunxi turned around. "And the others?"

"What?" Butler Kong did not immediately grasp her meaning.

Ye Chunxi pursed her lips and spoke bluntly, "Is Brother not very close with his family?"

"This..." The internal conflicts of the Jin family were no secret to outsiders. But after all, these were family matters, and Butler Kong found it difficult to speak on them. Furthermore, since Ye Chunxi kept calling Jin Yuchuan "Brother," he wasn't sure if the young girl the master had brought back was intended to be his wife or if he had simply adopted a younger sister.

After a moment of thought, Butler Kong replied tactfully, "The young master’s uncles and aunts all have their own careers, so they rarely see each other. His parents passed away early, and he was raised by the Old Master; the two of them are quite close."

Ye Chunxi caught the nuance in his words. The Jin family was vast and wealthy; it was impossible for there to be no infighting. Moreover, Jin Yuchuan’s extraordinary talent would surely invite jealousy. She saw it clearly and felt a sense of melancholy.

"He doesn't seem to want to take me home, and he has no intention of going back himself."

Butler Kong sighed heavily, feeling distressed about the conflict between Jin Yuchuan and his family. However, he could not show it in front of Ye Chunxi, so he said, "The young master’s company headquarters is here. He has always prioritized work, so it is somewhat unavoidable." Realizing she might have said this because she felt insecure, he quickly comforted her, "Miss Ye, don't be sad. The young master will take you back eventually; it just requires the right timing."

It wasn't just the Jin family; there were many prominent clans in Yanjing, and the political landscape was complex, with many eyes watching every move. Jin Yuchuan detested that life of being constantly scrutinized, and he certainly wouldn't want Ye Chunxi to endure it as well.

She lowered her eyes, a dark glint flickering in her clear, deer-like eyes, lost in thought.

Behind them, Ling Qiao, who had just returned from a workout, saw her from a distance and shouted, "Little Sister Jin!"

Ye Chunxi stiffened upon hearing the title. A sense of strangeness welled up, causing her to frown. Before she could turn around, Ling Qiao was already at her side. Beads of sweat rolled down his hair, dampening his forehead, and his clothes were soaked through.

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

"You could say that." Ling Qiao wiped the sweat from his head and stood with his hands on his hips, looking at her. "What are you doing here? Trying to sneak onto your brother's computer?"

The word "computer" reminded Ye Chunxi of the instructions Jin Yuchuan had given her before he left yesterday. It seemed he had specifically mentioned the use of electronic devices.

Seeing her silence, Ling Qiao assumed she felt guilty for being caught and laughed generously. "If you want to play, just play. Why be afraid to say it? Although I don't know much about those things, I know your brother; his stuff is definitely the best." He rubbed his hands together. "How about it? Want to go in and play a round?"

Ye Chunxi paused for a split second, then turned to look at Butler Kong, seeking his opinion.

The latter frowned. "The young master does not live here, and other than daily cleaning, his courtyard is generally off-limits."

Ling Qiao retorted, "Such a strong possessive streak; no wonder he hid his little sister in this deep mountain forest."

The comment 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 was like someone with a psychological obsession for cleanliness, refusing to let people touch his things.

Moreover, he had just finished exercising; his body was covered in sweat, and his clothes were sticking to his skin, which made him feel quite uncomfortable. He hadn't had breakfast yet, so there was no rush to play games.

"Little Sister Jin, I'm going back to take a shower and grab something to eat. I'll find you later to play." He took a few steps away, then suddenly remembered he hadn't said what they were going to play. "Do you know how to play 'Heroic Conquest'?"

Ye Chunxi had an impression of this 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 scattered map and work together to achieve victory. It was very popular among similar games, and the "Co-creation Night" on the 15th was hosted by "Heroic Conquest."

When Ye Chunxi recalled it, she roughly checked the rules and felt a sense of familiarity. She assumed she must have played it before and replied slowly, "I think so."

Ling Qiao didn't press her. "No worries, I'll carry you. I'm heading back now, see you later." He walked away with large strides, turning back to wave at her.

Ye Chunxi stood there, feeling slightly awkward.

Once he had run off into the distance, Butler Kong asked, "Miss Ye, if you want to play the game, do you need me to help you get an account?"

"Get one?" Ye Chunxi asked, puzzled.

"Young people like to have nice skins when they play games. I can help you get an account with all the skins unlocked. It won't have any friends, but it will look quite high-end when you play."

Ye Chunxi found she had no argument against this logic. Besides, she didn't remember her old account and would have to register a new one. A new account would require going through the beginner tutorial, which was far too troublesome, so she agreed.

Butler Kong immediately made a call to Nan Sheng.

...

At the Jihuan Group.

Jin Yuchuan, who had specifically instructed Nan Sheng to report any matters regarding Ye Chunxi to him, felt his temple twitch when he heard the news. His original intention for letting Ye Chunxi touch electronic devices was to test her knowledge of information technology, not to let Ling Qiao trick her into playing games!