On the way back, Lin Chen thought a lot. Out of trust in Si Ang and to avoid implicating him, he finally decided to be honest with him.
Lin Chen: “Brother Ang, I’m sorry, there’s something I haven’t told you.”
“In the forest, I encountered Black Panther.”
Si Ang, who was resting with his eyes closed, opened them upon hearing this: “You mean, Wenzel was also there?”
“No,” Lin Chen said, “I only saw Black Panther, but I’m not sure if his owner was there.”
Generally, he would definitely be there, but Black Panther was another story. After all, that guy could climb into his bed in the middle of the night; it couldn’t have been his owner who brought him there.
“Hmm.” Si Ang seemed thoughtful. Could it really be such a coincidence?
He only saw Wenzel a few times a year, yet Lin Chen had encountered him repeatedly in such a short period.
Si Ang couldn’t understand it and could only instruct him: “Don’t tell anyone. Just pretend it never happened.”
Lin Chen was right not to say anything; it’s better to avoid trouble.
“Okay.” Lin Chen nodded. He only said it to let Si Ang know the situation.
Si Ang, understanding that Lin Chen had been working tirelessly with him all night and had encountered such a situation, told him to go home and rest for a few days. He assured him that the case would be closed soon and he shouldn’t feel pressured.
Lin Chen wanted to say that he wasn’t that fragile, but the feeling of being cared for… was quite nice, so he smiled and said nothing.
He was indeed exhausted. He went home and fell asleep immediately. He slept for a whole day without even going to the feeding station to refill the food.
When he went back, he saw several hedgehogs and raccoons wandering around the empty food box.
They weren’t alarmed by his arrival, and acted as if they were already regulars.
“I’m so sorry, I overslept.” Lin Chen felt extremely guilty and sped up the feeding.
He thought that a bachelor’s life was never very regular and it would be safer to get an automatic feeder in the future.
Lin Chen had also brought some sausages, and he personally handed them out one by one to the raccoons.
“Don’t fight, line up and get some, there’s enough for everyone.”
Before he knew it, a large group of animals had gathered around his feet, some clearly drawn by the news.
Lin Chen was happy but also worried. He needed to make money. He had to hurry, otherwise his bank account balance wouldn’t be enough for even a few days of splurges.
The animals all over the mountain seemed to have confirmed that this feeding spot was safe, and they came in droves begging for food.
Lin Chen, being soft-hearted, went home and made two more trips to get food, barely managing to feed everyone. He didn’t leave, and neither did they. They remained there in a haphazard but orderly fashion.
The bolder ones even came up and tugged at Lin Chen’s trouser legs.
Lin Chen patted the empty box: “Okay, that’s really all of it. Go home now.”
“I’ll be back at this time tomorrow. See you all.”
The animals then gradually left, their fluffy, chubby backs looking quite heartwarming.
Lin Chen gazed silently into the dark woods, wondering if the mysterious black panther would return tonight.
Having slept too much during the day, Lin Chen wasn’t sleepy. He lay in bed until 2 AM and everything at home seemed normal.
Just as Lin Chen was worrying that the panther’s owner was involved in a murder case, he woke up to the news and saw the killer in the woods shooting had been found—certainly not Duke Wenzel.
Confirming this, Lin Chen felt a strange sense of relief.
Then why hadn’t the black panther come? Was it staying on the peninsula to continue slaughtering sheep?
Lin Chen chuckled at his own imagination. If they still hadn’t left after what had happened, their mental fortitude was truly extraordinary.
It seemed the black panther most likely wouldn’t return, at least not in the near future.
The pressure of raising a pet spurred Lin Chen on. He couldn’t rest any longer, he needed to earn money.
The same trick he used last time, but this time he didn’t dare provoke anyone’s companion beast. Companion beasts were too easily attached to their companions, and if they did, he’d feel awkward taking their money.
Lin Chen posted on a part-time job website: “Anyone’s precious flowers are sick? Here’s a plant doctor guaranteed to cure them.”
Lin Chen considered himself a new face online, and never very active but surprisingly, someone recognized him.
“Isn’t this the guy who walked his companion beast last time?”
“Bro, this career change is a bit too far-fetched.”
Lin Chen: “Yeah, any business referrals? My family’s almost starving.”
Netizens mocked: “What’s wrong? Don’t you make money walking your companion beasts?”
“You’ve got your eye on animals, now you’re eyeing plants? What are you even good at?” Many people teased him.
Lin Chen: “Walking companion beasts make money, but I’ve developed feelings for them so I’m embarrassed to charge.”
“You’re so kind to believe that.”
Lin Chen: “I’m just that kind.”
After rambling on and on while refreshing his private messages, Lin Chen finally saw someone who believed him, asking, “You really can cure plants?”
Lin Chen: “Yes! Guaranteed to save them!”
The person on the other end knew this braggart was unreliable, but given it a shot, they sent Lin Chen a picture.
“Look, can it still be cured like this?”
Lin Chen looked at it; the leaves were almost all gone, and he couldn’t tell what kind of plant it was.
“This is a golden camellia. The owner bought it for 700,000 yuan, but unfortunately it fell ill after only a month.” The seller proactively explained, “The experts said it’s too late and it can’t be cured.”
Lin Chen said, “Since the experts said so, why don’t you let me try? No charge if it doesn’t survive.”
His words seemed quite sincere, and the seller gave him an address.
Lin Chen immediately drove off. He was incredibly lucky. His second time earning money, and his employer was another wealthy person.
Indeed, someone who could spend 700,000 yuan on a single flower must be rich.
“Mr. Lin?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
A young man who looked like a butler came out to greet Lin Chen. After confirming his identity, he led him through a side door: “Master is holding a flower viewing party. There are many ladies and wives in the garden. Remember not to offend them or look around, understand?”
“Okay.” Lin Chen thought to himself, so this is what it feels like to be a commoner in a class-based society.
He followed discreetly behind the butler. Despite his striking good looks—in an era where mixed-race individuals were common—his pure black hair and eyes were quite eye-catching.
However, the ladies and young women, seeing his ordinary attire, knew he was just a commoner.
After learning he was a worker, they lost even more interest and continued their cheerful conversation with their fellow nobles.
Lin Chen noticed the dying golden camellia. It was wilted but it should still be alright.
He dug up the entire plant and saw some of the roots had turned black. He trimmed them, leaving a few main roots, and then pruned the branches, preparing to replant it.
Just then, the butler was summoned. Apparently, the Earl wanted to see him. It turned out the owner of this house was an Earl, and judging from her name, she was a Madam.
However, feeling dizzy and unwell, why was she calling the butler? Shouldn’t he be calling a doctor?
Lin Chen was busy in a corner of the garden when suddenly, a beautiful skirt approached. A beautiful lady looked down at him with a smile.
“Gardener?”
Lin Chen looked up at the sound of her voice, and his heart skipped a beat. He swore he saw interest in her face. Could it be what he was thinking?
“No, I’m just a temporary worker,” he said, bowing his head low.
“Oh, then, my dear, would you like to be my temporary worker?” The beautiful lady bent down and, with her velvet-gloved fingers, lightly lifted Lin Chen’s chin. “Tsk tsk.”
What a handsome and delectable sweetheart! He looks so innocent and naive. Madam Polly, who loves hunting for men, would love this kind of tender little treat. He must taste delicious.
Lin Chen was speechless. It was exactly what he feared. He lowered his thick, long eyelashes and tried to be as respectful as possible, “Does Madam also have plants that need treatment?”
Madam Polly smiled sweetly, “Yes, without your treatment, I’ll die.”
Lin Chen: “…” He got goosebumps all over. He’d never been teased like this before.
“I’m sorry, Madam, I may not be able to meet your expectations. Please find someone else.”
“No, I want you.”
Besides liking fresh and delicious pastries, Madam Polly also liked those with backbone.
Lin Chen’s polite yet unyielding aloofness suited Madam Polly’s taste perfectly.
“Madam, I don’t lack money, nor am I someone you can easily coerce.” Lin Chen reluctantly took a step back, avoiding the scent of her perfume.
From the moment she lifted his chin, this lady had seriously offended him!
He didn’t want a conflict unless absolutely necessary.
Madam Polly chuckled and winked at Lin Chen, saying, “You’re not short of money, so why would you be working as a gardener here?”
He said this only to reject him.
She wanted this commoner young man to know that the favor of a noblewoman wasn’t so easily refused; there would be a price to pay.
Lin Chen froze, and could only say, “Tending to flowers and plants is just a personal hobby.” No, he was indeed short of money, but he had to be righteous: “Perhaps you know Mr. Si Ang; I’m his brother. Do you think I’d be short of money?”
Without thinking, he decisively showed off the watch on his wrist: “You don’t seem like an ignorant person so you should know what this represents.”
Hearing Lin Chen mention Si Ang’s name, Madam Polly’s smile faded. Then, she carefully examined the watch on Lin Chen’s wrist. As a woman who had spent half her life dealing with jewelry and luxury goods, she could tell it was genuine.
“Hmm, so you’re one of Mr. Si Ang’s people,” Madam Polly exclaimed dramatically. “I never imagined that one day I’d fall for the same man as Mr. Si Ang. It’s my honor.”
After all, he was the heir to the wealthiest family, not just an aristocrat, but someone far beyond aristocracy.
Besides the few families that have always been powerful, who wouldn’t curry favor with the Si family?
Lin Chen’s brow twitched. He clarified, “You’ve misunderstood. Mr. Si Ang and I don’t have that kind of relationship. He just treats me like a younger brother.”
“Oh, if you say so, then so be it.” Madam Polly blinked as if she understood.
Fine, if Si Ang truly considered this handsome young man a younger brother, he wouldn’t have needed to give him a watch symbolizing his status.
Si Ang gave the watch to the young man to brand him, and to tell everyone, “This is my person.”
Madam Polly herself did the same thing so how could she not understand?
Lin Chen said seriously, “No, if you insist on thinking this way to the point of damaging Mr. Si Ang’s reputation, I’m afraid it won’t be good for the three of us.”
Madam Polly waved her hand, “Of course, I understand. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
Lin Chen: “…”
But he didn’t understand why this misunderstanding had arisen.
Madam Polly, who had come with high spirits, left disappointed.
The golden camellias had been replanted.
Lin Chen informed the butler. He thought he could leave but the butler rushed over. His gaze was different, and even his speech became respectful. “Thank you for your help. How much do you think is appropriate for this payment?”
Lin Chen exclaimed, “Didn’t we agree to pay after it survived?”
The butler replied, “No, we’ll pay you now.”
How could they dare delay paying Mr. Si Ang’s ‘brother’?
Lin Chen quickly understood. It must have been the lady who had flirted with him who tipped him off. But he wasn’t about to pass up a bargain; if they offered it, he’d take it.
Furthermore, he noticed a pile of withered plants nearby seemingly ready to be disposed of. He asked, “Are these unwanted? Can I have them?”
The butler glanced at them, thought for a moment, and said, “Of course, you can take them if you don’t mind.”
Lin Chen certainly didn’t mind. The flowers this family bought were very valuable; if they survived, it was a bonus.
He couldn’t help but sigh again at how useful Si Ang’s name was.
He felt a little guilty, though. He went back and organized his thoughts, telling Si Ang what had happened that day, and explaining Madam Polly’s misunderstanding.
To avoid any bad rumors, Si Ang would surely punish him.
Lin Chen: “I’m really sorry, I’ve already given her a serious warning so I hope she won’t spread rumors.”
Si Ang: “It’s alright. Wearing my watch might cause misunderstandings but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. I don’t recommend you take it off.” Just like today, he easily helped Lin Chen escape a disaster.
Lin Chen: “Okay, Brother Ang, as long as you don’t mind.”
He went to tend to the flowers with a warm feeling, and planned to give Si Ang a potted plant when it’s grown well.
In the afternoon, the sky suddenly became overcast with thunder and lightning. Lin Chen sent a message to the housekeeper to remember to take care of the newly planted flowers.
Then he went to the kitchen, intending to make a fruit salad.
As Lin Chen turned around with the salad, he saw a black panther walk in through the door, its body damp from the rain, and its paws leaving marks on the gleaming floor.
Lin Chen held his breath. This was the first time he had seen this black panther in broad daylight. With the furniture as a reference point, he realized its size was even larger and more robust than he had imagined.
No wonder it had made him feel breathless.
The black panther’s glossy fur was like the finest silk. Despite its powerfully muscular physique, its demeanor was restrained and elegant. Even its gait was gentlemanly. It then turned to look at Lin Chen.
Its light golden eyes were even clearer and more beautiful in the natural light. In short, it was a very handsome and charming panther.
Lin Chen only paused for a few seconds before walking over naturally. “Back from the island?”
The black panther’s tail, which had been lowered, lifted slightly.
“Wait a moment. You’re wet from the rain. Let me get you a towel to dry you off.” Lin Chen put down the salad bowl and turned to get a towel.