Ma Lihua went to work early this morning. Her mother wasn't working today, and her grandmother probably won't be able to work in the future.

The family's expenses will depend on her and her mother, and they also have to run away. I don't know if the money they earn this month will be enough to cover their expenses.

Chen Zhiqing looked at Ma Lihua, his eyes filled with concern and doubt. "What are you thinking about?" His voice was gentle and deep, as if it could penetrate one's soul.

Ma Lihua paused, but remained calm upon hearing the young master's question.

She said softly, "Young Master, I wasn't thinking about anything. I just felt it was getting hot and the windows needed to be aired out." Her gaze was very calm as she looked directly into Chen Zhiqing's eyes.

However, before she could finish speaking, she was teased by a maid she didn't recognize.

The maid was pretty, but her face was full of anger. "Young master, can you handle the wind?" she asked Ma Lihua, her eyes filled with hostility.

Ma Lihua was somewhat taken aback by this sudden accusation.

She looked at the maid, a look of grievance welling up on her face.

"I just wanted to make the young master more comfortable; I didn't think of anything else."

"I...I just thought it was hot and the young master might feel uncomfortable," Ma Lihua tried to explain, but her voice sounded so weak.

The maidservant persisted, "What do you know? The young master is so weak; the wind will only worsen his condition. Are you doing this on purpose?" Her eyes grew increasingly fierce, as if she wanted to devour Ma Lihua alive.

Ma Lihua's eyes gradually reddened, and she lowered her head without saying a word.

A mere maidservant has no right to decide what matters to the young master.

But she's not someone to be trifled with; who would come if she didn't pay her?

Chen Zhiqing's eyes darkened slightly, and he felt quite uncomfortable. He coughed softly, signaling the maid to quiet down.

"Alright, you can go now."

Although his voice was weak, it possessed an undeniable authority.

The maid immediately shut her mouth upon hearing Chen Zhiqing's words, but her eyes were still full of dissatisfaction.

Ma Lihua kept her head down and remained silent.

Chen Zhiqing looked at Ma Lihua, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes. "I understand your kindness, but my body really shouldn't be exposed to the wind. Remember that next time."

His voice was soft, yet it stirred a sense of familiarity within Ma Lihua.

Ma Lihua looked up at the young master, her eyes filled with gratitude. "Young master, I understand. I will be more careful in the future." Her voice was choked with emotion, her heart filled with guilt.

I was genuinely worried that this might result in a pay cut.

The maidservant felt even more dissatisfied seeing the young master's attitude towards Ma Lihua.

She felt that Ma Lihua was deliberately trying to please the young master and gain his favor.

She secretly decided that she must find an opportunity to teach Ma Lihua a lesson.

Chen Zhiqing looked at the maid and a cold glint flashed across his face.

Within this secluded mansion, some of the maids harbored inappropriate thoughts.

"You may all leave now. Let me have some peace and quiet." Chen Zhiqing waved his hand, signaling them to leave.

Ma Lihua and the maid exchanged a glance, then silently withdrew.

Ma Lihua returned to her rest room, feeling very calm.

The maidservant, upon returning to her room, was also filled with anger.

She felt that Ma Lihua was a threat, and she couldn't let Ma Lihua gain the favor of the young master.

She decided to find an opportunity to complain to the madam and have her punish Ma Lihua.

Within this secluded mansion, a war without gunfire is about to begin.

Wang Youcai stood there, his brows furrowed, his mind in turmoil.

After thinking it over for a long time, he finally decided to go and see Linghua.

Linghua's image lingered in his mind; her unique temperament and mysterious appearance aroused his curiosity.

Wang Youcai recalled the last time he met Linghua. Her eyes revealed a profound wisdom, as if she could see through everything in the world.

Her demeanor was elegant, and her words exuded an otherworldly air, making Wang Youcai feel as if she were a hermit.

Meanwhile, Wang Youcai was also deeply worried about the situation at the Song residence.

All signs indicate that something bad is really going to happen to the Song family.

The unusual noises and the worried expressions on people's faces made Wang Youcai uneasy.

He didn't know what kind of crisis the Song family would face, but he felt that Linghua might be able to give him some answers.

Wang Youcai quickened his pace and headed towards Linghua's residence.

Throughout the journey, he was filled with anxiety, both hoping to gain inspiration from Linghua and fearing to hear bad news.

When he finally arrived at Linghua's door, he took a deep breath and gently knocked.

The door slowly opened, and Linghua appeared in front of him.

She still wore that calm and composed smile, as if everything was under her control.

Looking at Linghua, Wang Youcai felt a little less nervous.

"Brother Cai, you're here." Linghua's voice was gentle and pleasant.

Wang Youcai nodded and asked somewhat anxiously, "Linghua, do you think something really might happen to the Song family?"

Linghua pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Life is unpredictable, but everything has a cause and effect. The fate of the Song family is a result of sowing seeds, and it is bound to have an effect."

Wang Youcai listened to Linghua's words, seemingly understanding but not quite. He knew that there must be profound truths in Linghua's words, but he couldn't fully grasp them at the moment.

But he believed that Linghua knew something.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!