Lin Youning noticed someone watching her, so she slowly turned her head to look. She saw a tall figure standing behind the pergola, with silver narrow-sleeved Python Robe half-hidden behind the wisteria flowers. As the breeze passed, she could see the crimson white jade belt around his waist. Unlike Gu Yixuan's graceful demeanor, though it was just an ordinary silhouette, standing there exuded a kind of compelling aura.
In this residence, the only person who could possess such an aura, apart from the eighteen-year-old Dingyuan Marquis, Gu Yifeng, who else could it be?
By the time Lin Youning recognized him, Gu Yifeng was already striding over briskly, yet his entire presence was unaffected. As he came closer, she could see the gold-thread embroidered auspicious clouds at the opening of his robe, and the white Mutton Fat Jade pendant hanging on the white jade belt was striking together, emitting a pleasant sound.
The silver Python Robe was now close at hand, and Lin Youning could see more clearly. The Mutton Fat Jade pendant was carved with two little children, one holding a lotus and the other a box, representing the Harmony Immortals, symbolizing harmony and unity among family. Upon closer inspection, she could see a small piece of green jade behind the white Mutton Fat Jade, about the size of a thumb. Being so small, it wouldn't be noticed without careful observation, even though the jade bore carvings, too small to be seen clearly. Lin Youning instinctively leaned forward to see the patterns better.
As a result, a blur of white flashed before her, followed immediately by a sensation. Lin Youning realized she had embarrassed herself; she was so engrossed in looking at the objects that she didn't notice Gu Yifeng approaching, and her face ended up running smack into his robe.
"My lady…" Shanmoi's soft voice sounded.
Lin Youning instinctively backed away, but she was just five years old, her height barely reaching Gu Yifeng's knees, and in her hurried retreat, she lost balance and started to fall backward.
Shanmoi's soft voice turned into a startled cry, "My lady…"
Lin Youning hadn't expected such an embarrassing situation on the first day of her rebirth; before she hit the ground, she could already imagine the pain, so she simply closed her eyes waiting for the impact. But no pain came; instead, there was a tightness around her waist, and Lin Youning felt herself lifted into the air. She opened her eyes in panic and saw it was Gu Yifeng holding her. Ignoring the dizziness, Lin Youning began struggling desperately.
"Put me down, put me down." Gu Yifeng was actually holding her; in terms of hierarchy, he was both her cousin and her uncle.
How could he hold her?
Lin Youning forgot she was still a child now; the more she struggled, the tighter he held around her waist, and a low, thick voice came from above, "Is it the Jade Pendant you like?"
Lin Youning hadn't yet understood what happened when the thumb-sized piece of green jade appeared in front of her. Now close, she saw the pattern clearly—it was a section of bamboo. The bamboo jade pendant symbolized rising steadily, but upon closer inspection, she noticed peace symbols carved all around the jade pendant.
The peace symbols represented safety, complemented by bamboo, truly a good omen.
"This is what Grandfather gave me back then, and today big brother is giving it to little sister, hoping our little sister grows up safe and sound."
Lin Youning held the bamboo jade pendant in her hands, looking up at Gu Yifeng.
She wanted to say he misunderstood; she was just curious.
Gu Yifeng lowered his head, looking at her dumbfounded and clear face. His firm yet gentle thin lips slightly moved, his cold and calm voice low but thick, carrying a hint of caring that was subtly perceptible, "Is little sister going to see Aunt?"
Even though Lin Youning was being held in his arms, she still had to look up to him, only able to see his chin with a hint of youthful stubble, especially when he spoke—she could clearly see his Adam's apple moving.
With a bang, Lin Youning's face instantly turned as red as a boiled crab, her entire face flushed red.