CHAPTER 55: CHAPTER 55: BACKING UP MY BESTIE

Lin Wanwan quickly understood their concerns and smiled, saying: "My surname is Lin, so naturally I should stay with the Lin Family. There’s no reason to go live with my maternal family."

Lin Wanwan is not Lin Daiyu, she does not need to worry about her education or marriage prospects. For her, having Hou Tao as the Lin Family head is quite enough. Besides, she is not actually the real daughter of Lin Yousi and the Xiao Family, it’s just a convenient identity.

However, since they have visited, a polite call is not out of the question. It would also be an opportunity to learn about the aristocratic families of the Great Tang, gaining some knowledge—this is living history, after all!

The next day, Lin Wanwan prepared a set of glassware as a return gift for her so-called maternal family, asking Old Chen to take it back. Before this, she also clarified the main members of her maternal family with Old Chen.

These were the people Lin Wanwan would need to deal with when she visited, knowing oneself and the opponent, she could then act confidently and calmly.

In addition, she sent some fruits and a "thank you letter" to Xiao Chong. Xiao Chong was surprised to receive the letter, but quickly understood.

Although it was not he who leaked the news, it was definitely because his connections caused the leak. The Xiao Family is vast, and naturally, many are keeping an eye on him.

Putting away the letter, Xiao Chong gazed at the calligraphy and paintings hanging in the study for some time, then selected one, packed it carefully, and wrote a reply, instructing Shu Qi: "Deliver this apology gift to my Lin Family cousin."

Shu Qi was taken aback: "Sir, this is your favorite painting, this..."

Xiao Chong interrupted calmly: "You’re getting better at your tasks now."

Shu Qi quickly shut his mouth, bowed to apologize: "I’m talkative, please forgive me, sir."

"Go ahead, go personally."

"Yes!"

After Old Chen left, Lin Wanwan took out her Ancient Zither, teaching little Qingyu while playing for her own enjoyment.

Xiao Chong had transcribed the ancient piece "High Mountain and Flowing Water" for her, and whenever she had spare time, she would practice for fun. The piece was beautiful, but unfortunately, she could not emulate Xiao Chong’s skillful melody.

"Next time, I’ll get a camera and secretly film Xiao Chong while he plays, and then play along afterwards." Lin Wanwan mused silently; such beautiful music, to be able to listen often, is truly a pleasure.

Hmph! You spread rumors without my permission; I won’t feel guilty for secretly recording you.

The next day was the scheduled time with Chen Jinyu.

Lin Wanwan set off just before dawn, riding a light carriage. She instructed Hua Nong that as soon as the little crab and big girl woke up next door, they should be brought over to have breakfast with little Qingyu, and play together.

Little Qingyu had grown accustomed to Lin Wanwan’s outings. Although reluctant, she stood on the steps to see Lin Wanwan off.

"Mother, come back soon."

"Okay." Lin Wanwan waved to little Qingyu, lowered the veil of her bonnet, and left. Lin Wanwan thought she would leave quietly, but the little one was quite perceptive and woke up with her.

After the carriage traveled a few miles from the village, it passed through a dense bamboo forest. Lin Wanwan patted Kun Lun’s shoulder, signaling him to take the mountain path.

Kun Lun turned the horse without a word and proceeded until the path was too rugged for the carriage. Lin Wanwan lightly jumped off and gestured to Kun Lun to cover his tracks, then ventured into the forest on her own.

Kun Lun watched her with some concern but remained respectful of her wishes.

Returning to the modern era, Lin Wanwan checked her phone and found many messages from Chen Jinyu. She changed out of her ancient attire, removed the Space-Time Bracelet, and locked it inside a safe she’d specifically bought and installed in her cabinet. Then she donned a sports outfit and called a booking service to head to Eastern New City’s International Times Square.

Cartier’s new show was being held at International Times Square, where luxury brands congregate for the high-end scene.

By the time Lin Wanwan arrived, Chen Jinyu was already waiting outside: "Wanwan, over here!"

Lin Wanwan walked over to her, smiling while waving her phone: "I’m not late."

Chen Jinyu happily replied: "No, no, no!"

Then she gave Lin Wanwan a once-over, reached out to touch her face, chuckling: "What skincare products are you using lately? Your skin seems to glow."

Lin Wanwan shrugged: "Just the same old brands."

Actually, Lin Wanwan could feel that her physical condition was improving—not just her strength, but across the board; her bones, muscles, skin, all had gotten better. It might be the changes brought by the Space-Time Gate.

In the square’s restroom, changing into the evening dress provided by Chen Jinyu, Lin Wanwan quickly used her makeup kit in front of the mirror.

Because of Lin Wanwan’s great natural complexion, a little foundation was enough, no need for concealer or contour; her eyelashes were long and thick, needing only a curl and a swipe of mascara plus a coat of Daiso’s eyelash sealer, completing the look.

Chen Jinyu and the other models she had hired were also in there, freshening up their makeup.

The girls were chatting excitedly, amazed by the Times Square restroom, done up like a star-rated makeup room with dedicated areas for refreshing makeup and hygiene, entirely able to shoot a scene.

When Lin Wanwan turned around after doing her makeup, she was radiant.

A flash of admiration passed through Chen Jinyu’s eyes as she couldn’t help but praise: "Wanwan, you’re a natural charmer! Even I’m drawn to you!"

Lin Wanwan responded with a courteous smile: "You are too."

The other girls envied Lin Wanwan openly; they all knew that tonight, it would be Lin Wanwan, the lucky one, standing beside Xiao Junning, who would personally adorn her with a full set of jewelry.

If she was lucky enough, she might use Xiao Junning’s influence to break into the entertainment industry; even if that didn’t happen, she could become a small internet celebrity and increase her event fees quite a bit.

"Wanwan, do take care tonight—the dress you’re wearing is a genuine SV evening dress, provided by Cartier to match their jewelry. It’s said to cost hundreds of thousands each, please don’t damage it; we can’t afford it."

Lin Wanwan laughed: "Got it, relax."

There’s not much to say about luxury exhibitions; even if it’s Lin Wanwan’s first time attending such a high-end show, she wasn’t particularly excited. It’s not just that she was never interested in celebrity culture or that she viewed luxury goods as a waste—if she wanted, she could cash out a lot, but she didn’t feel the need to buy.

Lin Wanwan’s presence greatly pleased the organizers.

Finding a model on par with Xiao Junning was quite challenging. She couldn’t be a professional model, or she’d be the same height as Xiao Junning in heels, which wouldn’t look good; nor could she be a minor star since that would lead to media pandering and gossip.

They needed someone with stunning features but not well-known—a challenge indeed. Those with such allure inevitably tried to make it in entertainment circles, with fame and rewards at stake, all looking to get a piece of the pie.