Over the next two days, not only could Lin Xiawan hear Lin Tingyue's inner thoughts, but she also discovered that Lin Rusong and Bai Yaxin seemed to be able to hear them as well.
The three of them exchanged glances, and Bai Yaxin tentatively asked, "Xiawan, you too…"
Lin Xiawan nodded.
Bai Yaxin was at a loss, "Could this be some new kind of illness?"
But looking at Lin Tingyue, who was lively and energetic, she didn’t seem sick at all. Moreover, Lin Tingyue had been growing more and more well-behaved lately.
Could it be that this "illness" was making Lin Tingyue more obedient?
Bai Yaxin thought to herself that she could teach her daughter slowly; she didn’t want Lin Tingyue to become well-behaved because of some sickness.
She had to take Lin Tingyue to the hospital for a check-up.
Just as Bai Yaxin was about to step forward, Lin Rusong stopped her and said, "Doesn’t this look more like special abilities?"
Bai Yaxin had thought Lin Rusong had made some major discovery, but upon hearing this, she couldn’t help but roll her eyes—something she, usually composed and elegant in front of the children, rarely did. "Lin Rusong, what are you thinking? Do you want to send Tingyue to a research institute or something?"
Lin Rusong quickly apologized to Bai Yaxin, but she wouldn’t forgive him. Meanwhile, Lin Xiawan, who had been quietly observing, spoke up, "Mom, Dad, let’s observe for a few more days."
In truth, she had already tried everything—talking to Lin Tingyue, typing messages, writing letters—but nothing worked. Lin Tingyue couldn’t hear or see any of it.
Lin Xiawan realized that Lin Tingyue’s condition was beyond their intervention; all they could do was wait and observe.
Bai Yaxin and Lin Rusong agreed. At that moment, Lin Tingyue’s inner thoughts drifted into their ears:
[What? This cup actually costs three million???]
[What? This painting is five million???]
[What? Ten million? How can that be!]
[Oh my god, rich people really treat everything like gold, huh.]
It didn’t seem to have much impact—just a bit noisy (?)
Bai Yaxin nudged Lin Rusong’s arm and said, "Why don’t you give Tingyue some more pocket money? I feel like she might not have enough to spend."
Lin Rusong nodded. Bai Yaxin added, "If you’re giving to Tingyue, you should give to Xiawan too."
Lin Rusong nodded again. Lin Xiawan was about to refuse, but Bai Yaxin patted the back of her hand and said, "Your father and I have already neglected you for twenty years. You and Tingyue are both my children, and I will treat you equally."
Lin Xiawan’s eyes grew warm. "Okay, Mom."
As for Lin Tingyue, as long as she didn’t cause trouble, given her current state, they could probably coexist peacefully.
Before they knew it, it was time for Lin Xiawan and Cheng Xuan’s engagement banquet.
Although Lin Xiawan had only recently been acknowledged by the Lin family, Lin Rusong and Bai Yaxin had been so high-profile that everyone now knew the Lin family had two daughters.
The engagement banquet of a Lin daughter was naturally a grand affair, and Lin Xiawan’s was exceptionally splendid.
As for Lin Tingyue, who usually competed with Lin Xiawan over everything, she seemed completely uninterested in the socialites and business magnates.
She wore her usual white dress, with a hair hoop that made her look sweet and adorable, and she dove headfirst into the array of desserts.
Lin Tingyue's best friend Fan Qing was stunned. Lifting her skirt, she walked up to Lin Tingyue and nearly fainted at the sight of the desserts on her plate. Fan Qing asked, "Yueyue, what are you doing?"
"Eating delicious, sweet cake," Lin Tingyue turned to look at Fan Qing. Oh no, she didn't recognize her. She cautiously asked, "And you are?"
Fan Qing: "?"
[Though I don't know her, she's so beautiful! Pretty girl, let's stick together!]
Fan Qing had intended to scold Lin Tingyue for possibly losing her mind after the fall, but hearing this voice made her feel utterly refreshed: "I'm Fan Qing! Remember now?"
Fan Qing?
[That's my best friend with a great personality and stunning looks!]
Fan Qing frowned. She hadn't seen Lin Tingyue's lips move, yet she clearly heard her voice.
What was going on?
Could it be that she just heard Lin Tingyue's inner thoughts???
"Yueyue…" Fan Qing was about to take Lin Tingyue's hand to tell her about this when a commotion erupted behind them. Lin Xiawan and Cheng Xuan had arrived.
Lin Xiawan wore a red velvet cheongsam with a pearl necklace around her neck, accentuating her cool, elegant features. Now, her typically aloof expression carried a faint hint of joy as she gazed at Cheng Xuan, who stood beside her in a white suit.
[Lin Xiawan is truly beautiful, worthy of being the true heiress.]
[Em… and the person next to her… well, he's technically male, I guess.]
Everyone froze, wondering where the voice came from.
Those in the know all turned to look at Lin Tingyue.
Lin Tingyue: "?"
[Why are you looking at me? Watch the show!]
The show? Could there be some drama unfolding today?
The crowd eagerly turned their attention to the stage.
Just as they were about to exchange engagement rings, Lin Xiawan suddenly hesitated. Cheng Xuan asked, "What's wrong, Xiawan?"
Cheng Xuan's gaze remained tender and affectionate, but as Lin Xiawan continued to hesitate, he couldn't help feeling anxious.
Had Lin Xiawan figured it out?
Impossible, Cheng Xuan shook his head. He had kept everything tightly under wraps, even buying multiple phones to prevent Lin Xiawan from checking them.
But who would have thought that Lin Xiawan trusted him so completely she never once looked through his phone.
How could someone who trusted him so wholeheartedly possibly discover his secrets?
He was on the verge of becoming a son-in-law of a wealthy family, with success and prosperity just around the corner. Cheng Xuan stared intently at the ring in Lin Xiawan's hand.
After a prolonged standoff, the guests below grew impatient, especially Cheng Xuan's relatives.
The engagement banquet was hosted by the Lin family, and most attendees were there for the Lins. However, since it concerned both families, many from the Cheng side had come as well.
Cheng Xuan's father asked, "What's going on?"
Lin Tingyue was amused.
[What's going on? Your precious son is two-timing! Our Lin family wants no part of such filth.]
Two-timing?
The crowd stared at Cheng Xuan in shock, but the man at the center of the controversy looked utterly confused. Maintaining his smile, he said, "Xiawan, what's wrong? Our parents are watching. Let's continue with the ceremony."
[Oh my, if only Cheng Xuan's other lover would call him right now… Gosh, I can't imagine how spectacular that would be.]
Everyone expectantly stared at Cheng Xuan's… pocket.
Cheng Xuan: "?"
As if answering their prayers, Cheng Xuan's phone actually rang.
Everyone: "!"
Lin Xiawan said, "Ah Xuan, your phone is ringing. Aren't you going to answer it?"
Cheng Xuan instinctively felt something was wrong. This time he had brought Lin Xiawan's phone with him, and only Lin Xiawan and a few close people knew this number—all of whom were present today.
So who could be calling him?
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Cheng Xuan had no choice but to take the phone out from his jacket pocket.
The Lin family's banquet hall was so large that, to ensure everyone could hear the engaged couple, both Lin Xiawan and Cheng Xuan were wearing microphones.
When Cheng Xuan answered, everyone heard a charming voice come through the speaker.
And that charming voice sweetly called out "husband."
Lin Tingyue: [Wow.]
Everyone: Wow.
What kind of drama was this? They actually got to witness it firsthand.
Cheng Xuan frantically hung up the phone and explained to everyone, "Wrong number."
Lin Tingyue was about to faint from anger at this explanation.
[Ahhhh! Everyone, don't let this scumbag get away with it!]
In the blink of an eye, Lin Tingyue rushed onto the stage. She boldly pulled Lin Xiawan behind her and pointed her chin at Cheng Xuan. "Call back."
How could Cheng Xuan call back? He gritted his teeth and said, "Lin Tingyue, don't go too far. This is your sister's engagement banquet. Do you really want to ruin such an important moment for her? Everyone knows how sincere I am toward Xiawan."
[Oh really? "Everyone knows how sincere I am toward Xiawan"~ Sincere my foot! After fooling Lin Xiawan, you went and fooled someone else.]
Not wanting to waste any more words on this scumbag, Lin Tingyue seized the moment when Cheng Xuan was off guard, snatched the phone from his hand. Cheng Xuan had been so flustered he hadn't even closed the screen.
With a tap of her slender finger, she redialed the number.
Cheng Xuan tried to grab it back, but Fan Qing, who had come up behind him, blocked him. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Tingyue even snatched the microphone from Cheng Xuan.
Cheng Xuan was hopping mad, but Fan Qing stood firmly in front of him, unmoving.
Fan Qing and Lin Tingyue were united against their common enemy. Cheng Xuan thought about pushing Fan Qing off the stage and passing it off as a misunderstanding.
But just as he was about to make a move, the call connected.
Lin Tingyue put on a sweet voice and asked, "Sorry, I found this phone. Could you tell me who your husband is so I can return it to him?"
The woman on the other end sounded puzzled but replied, "Cheng Xuan."
[Oh dear, I'd better make sure. What if it's some other Cheng Xuan? I'm so thoughtful!]
Everyone: You're not being thoughtful—you're trying to nail him to the wall!
Lin Tingyue asked, "Which Cheng Xuan?"
"The one who graduated from A University and now works at Lin Corporation."
"Sorry, miss, but it seems like this Cheng Xuan of yours is cheating."
With that, Lin Tingyue hung up.
[Hahahahaha! Serves you right for two-timing! This young lady isn't leaving you a single boat to stand on!]
Watching Lin Tingyue fiddling with his phone, Cheng Xuan finally lost his temper. "Lin Tingyue, what are you trying to do? Don't think you can ruin my relationship with Xiawan by hiring someone to put on a show."
"Mmhmm." Lin Tingyue nodded dismissively, but inside, she was screaming.
[Ahhhh! I remembered wrong! It's not two-timing—it's so many boats! Are you an octopus???]
Lin Tingyue frowned, her pretty brows furrowing. In the end, she couldn't help but pull Lin Xiawan and Fan Qing a little farther away.
["I need to wash and disinfect my hands when I get back. I hope that filthy man won't affect my financial luck."]
Just as everyone heard Lin Tingyue's inner thoughts, Cheng Xuan's phone rang again.
Lin Tingyue answered it patiently, until finally a rough male voice came through…
["Ahhhhhhh so filthy so filthy so filthy!"]