Lan Yan’s other hand still held the apron. She blinked and said, "I was just worried you'd get your clothes dirty and wanted to tie this for you."
She tried to pull her hand back, but it was held too tightly. She looked at Jun Yelan in bewilderment.
Jun Yelan didn't avert his gaze. His eyes shifted to Lan Yan's lips, which held a strong allure. He felt an irresistible urge to lean closer, to lower his head and kiss her.
Lan Yan froze in place, her mind a complete blank.
"Miss, do you need my help?" Chun Tao, worried that Lan Yan was too tired to cook alone, came to assist and saw the scene unfolding.
She quickly retreated, calling out, "Miss, I’ll take my leave. And I didn’t mean to intrude.” If she had known Young Master Jun was here, she wouldn’t have come even if she were beaten to death.
Lan Yan’s cheeks flushed. She pushed Jun Yelan away and said, "It's too hot here. I'm going out for some water." Covering her burning cheeks, she clutched her skirt and ran out.
Seeing this, Jun Yelan behind her smiled.
After cooking, the two sat down.
Lan Yan sat next to Jun Yelan, poking at the rice in her bowl. She reached for a dish in front of her, her chopsticks accidentally bumping into Jun Yelan's. She quickly retracted them and continued eating.
God, when did she become so unnatural!
Jun Yelan watched this, a smile on his lips. He picked up a piece of meat and placed it in Lan Yan's bowl.
Lan Yan's pupils trembled slightly. She looked up and called out, "Th-Thank you." It was over. She couldn't even speak properly now.
She lowered her head, complaining inwardly, "Lan Yan, you're here to save the target. Why are you blushing and your heart racing? No, form is emptiness, emptiness is form."
The meal left her tasting nothing.
Jun Yelan, however, had a hearty appetite, eating more vegetables than usual.
Chun Tao, watching the two, looked on with satisfaction. They were getting along better and better.
After eating, Lan Yan couldn't stand being around Jun Yelan any longer. Her mind was too chaotic.
She went to the neighboring courtyard to play with Lan Ya and the others.
Lan Ya specifically asked, "Eldest Sister, why aren't you accompanying Young Master Jun today? Did you two quarrel again?"
Seeing her second sister's serious expression, Lan Yan replied, "...Do I spend that much time with him?"
"Of course." Lan Ya giggled. "Eldest Sister, you used to be so fierce. Since Young Master Jun came, you've become much more human. You get happy and troubled because of him, and you always talk about him."
Lan Yan murmured, "Am I that obvious?"
Lan Ya and Xiao Yi both nodded. Every time they went to see their Eldest Sister, she was with Young Master Jun, her face beaming with smiles.
They could all see it. These two were clearly smitten with each other.
Lan Yan herself hadn't noticed. Now that she was reminded, it was indeed true. But then again, if she hadn't given her genuine heart, how could Jun Yelan have given his?
She finally understood her reaction just now, and the distress in her heart disappeared. "You're right. That's why Eldest Sister is specially playing with you today. Are you happy?"
"Happy," the three little ones shouted.
Lan Yan then played with them.
In the evening, on her way back, she discussed this with the system. "System, I think I'm starting to like Jun Yelan."
System: "...Host, congratulations. You will definitely complete the mission exceptionally well."
Lan Yan smiled and said, "Certainly." This time, it wasn't just for the mission, but also for her own private desires. She skipped joyfully towards her room and slept soundly.
After she fell asleep, the System said, "I really didn't choose the wrong host. I will definitely be able to complete my hidden mission."
The next morning, hurried footsteps echoed from the doorway. Chun Tao’s forehead was beaded with sweat as she cried out, "Miss, something’s wrong! Something big has really happened this time."
She had just reached the courtyard entrance when she heard that the Great General had returned. If the General found out what the Miss had been doing lately, she would surely be subjected to family punishment.
Lan Yan was yawning and rubbing her eyes. "Chun Tao, what are you doing so early in the morning?" She had never seen Chun Tao this flustered before.
Chun Tao cried out, "Miss, get up quickly, or it will be too late." She stepped forward, adjusted the bed curtains, folded the quilt, and went to get clothes.
Thus, under Chun Tao's urging, Lan Yan dressed neatly and sat at the dressing table to comb her hair.
At that moment, a voice called from outside, "Where is your Eldest Miss? What time is it, and she's still not up! Tell her to come to the front hall immediately in a quarter of an hour. I want to see if she still respects me as her father!"
The man speaking had a robust appearance and a sturdy build. His eyes were filled with fury. He was General Lan. He snorted coldly and swept his sleeve as he left.
The others in the courtyard lowered their heads, not daring to speak, silently breaking out in a cold sweat for their young lady.
Lan Yan, naturally, heard the booming voice. She remembered the original host's father – upright and incorruptible, unable to tolerate even a speck of dust in his eyes.
Her father's sudden return must mean he knew about the original host's actions. Unfortunately, she was the one who would be punished. She needed to devise a plan to avoid this.
She looked at her hair and said, "This will do." She didn't want to be late again and worsen her father's displeasure. She then set off for the front hall.
Chun Tao at the door was extremely worried. Seeing Jun Yelan emerge from the adjacent courtyard, she told him what had happened.
Jun Yelan frowned. He hadn't met General Lan, but he had heard of him – a respected opponent. Suppressed by the Crown Prince, he had been busy dealing with internal strife and had not participated in wars against the human race.
The wars between the Serpent and Human races were all handled by the Crown Prince, who was deliberately escalating them.
He could seize this opportunity to discuss the war with General Lan. After all, both races were exhausted and no longer wished to fight.
Besides, he had a private agenda. He clenched his fist and also proceeded to the front hall.
In the front hall, Lan Yan knelt obediently on the ground, looking at the sullen General Lan before her. She had been forced to kneel as soon as she entered and was not allowed to get up.
She was truly suffering.
General Lan looked at Lan Yan coldly and roared, "Look at what you've been doing lately! Not only have you bullied your younger siblings and servants in the mansion, but you've also bought a Serpent slave and are constantly abusing them at home."
"I think you're itching for a beating! Guards, bring the family disciplinary whip!"
Soon, a servant brought a long whip and handed it to General Lan.
Lan Yan cried inwardly, "Father, I've changed now. If you don't believe me, call them all here and ask them one by one."
General Lan looked at Lan Yan's current appearance, a hint of hesitation flickering in his eyes. However, as soon as he thought of what he had heard, that hesitation vanished.
"No, you must be taught a lesson today." He was about to strike with the whip.
As Lan Yan prepared to dodge, a voice called from the doorway.
"Stop, General Lan." Jun Yelan walked in with neither subservience nor arrogance, exuding an aura of authority.
General Lan looked at the newcomer, his pupils widening in shock, and exclaimed, "You are..."