Lin Yan took two days off, and the next morning, he got up early to prepare for studying.
Pushing open the window, I saw my second sister, Lin Yun, already sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, holding a fine brush and sketching something on a piece of paper.
The morning light filtered through the locust tree branches and leaves, illuminating her beautiful features and focused expression.
Lin Yan approached and found that she was designing a new butterfly hairpin pattern. The lines were smooth and lively, as if the butterfly would flutter out of the paper at any moment.
"Second sister, your painting skills are getting better and better." Lin Yan couldn't help but praise.
Lin Yun looked up and saw it was him. She smiled slightly and said, "You're awake? Come and help me see if the pattern on these butterfly wings looks natural."
Lin Yan leaned closer to examine it and nodded, saying, "Excellent, but adding a touch of gold powder to the wing tips would make it even more luxurious."
Lin Yun's eyes lit up, and she lightly touched the brush, achieving an even better effect.
She patted her brother's arm: "You have such a discerning eye."
In the afternoon, Lin Yan saw her second sister discussing matters in the hall with the steward and several cooperating managers.
She sat upright in the main seat, her words concise and powerful, each instruction clear and precise, and everyone responded respectfully.
A cloth shop owner raised the issue of delayed delivery. After a moment's thought, Lin Yun said, "In that case, I'll go there tomorrow to see if we can source the goods from elsewhere. If that doesn't work, we'll deduct 30% of the payment according to the contract and then look for new partners."
The shopkeeper looked troubled and wanted to argue, but Lin Yun raised her hand to stop him: "In business, integrity comes first. If you keep giving in, how will customers come back?"
Although the tone was calm, it left no room for argument.
Lin Yan listened in stunned silence.
In my memory, my second sister was once a gentle and reserved young lady, but now she can stand on her own and exudes a decisive and efficient demeanor in every gesture.
He couldn't help but recall the image of his second sister embroidering by lamplight every night when the family was struggling, and his heart was filled with emotion.
In the evening, Lin Yan helped her older brother take inventory of the goods in the warehouse.
While carrying boxes, the eldest brother, Lin Feng, laughed and said, "Your second sister is quite something now; even I have to listen to her orders."
Although it was said in jest, his tone was full of pride.
Lin Yan nodded: "Second sister has sacrificed so much for this family."
His older brother patted him on the shoulder: "So you have to study hard and pass the imperial examinations in the future, so as not to let her down."
Lin Yan nodded solemnly.
On the morning of the third day, Lin Yan packed his belongings and prepared to return to the school.
The whole family gathered at the door to see him off. Lin's mother gave him a bag of newly made pastries, Lin's father told him to focus on his studies, and his second sister handed him a purse embroidered with green bamboo, inside which were several silver notes: "If you need anything at the academy, don't be stingy."
Lin Yan accepted the purse, feeling even warmer inside.
He bowed and said, "Father, Mother, Elder Brother, and Second Sister, rest assured, your son will live up to your expectations."
His older brother, Lin Feng, insisted on seeing him off to the college gate.
On the way, the two brothers walked side by side. Lin Feng suddenly said, "Yan-ge'er, although your second sister hasn't said it, I know she cares about you the most. Focus on your studies, we'll take care of things at home."
Lin Yan's throat tightened slightly, and he nodded emphatically: "Brother, I understand."
When they arrived at the academy gate, Lin Feng patted him on the shoulder and watched him enter before turning away.
Lin Yan glanced back at his elder brother's back, and then recalled the scene of his second sister discussing matters at home. A surge of unprecedented strength welled up in his heart.
He looked up at the sky; the sun was rising, casting a magnificent glow.
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