Todd glanced surreptitiously at Zen’s hand, crumpling the documents, and then looked out the window, commenting, “It seems we’ve arrived.”
Zen had been staring outside too, but he wasn’t really seeing the landscape; he was envisioning her face.
Upon hearing Todd’s voice, Zen slowly redirected his attention to the changing world outside and collected his thoughts.
‘I want to know why you disappeared, Deborah. I want to know the life you led before meeting me and, going further, I wish to witness every moment of your life from now on. And…’
‘I hope you don’t vanish from my sight ever again.’
The past ten years had almost driven Zen mad. Had Deborah not appeared, he might have completely lost his sanity. She was the only warmth in his otherwise cold life.
So, naturally, Zen wanted to hold on to her, to keep her by his side. But to truly hold on to her…
‘The present is crucial.’
The car came to a gentle stop at its destination. The chauffeur hurriedly opened the rear door. Zen elegantly stepped out, his large body finally free from the discomfort of the car, but his mind was far from at peace.
Despite the darkness of early evening, the streets, which should have been bustling with people, were eerily deserted.
Zen lifted his gaze to the only illuminated building in the street. In that building, in this street, the owner was waiting for him.
“Thank you for visiting, Mr. Baker,” said the old butler, waiting at the entrance, bowing his head.
“Hah, one would think I’m some grand guest with the way you’re waiting for me so attentively,” Zen retorted sarcastically.
Unfazed by Zen’s snide remark, the butler gracefully led him to the master’s room.
Seated comfortably on a sofa and gazing intently at the fireplace was the mansion’s owner. Instead of greeting her, Zen said:
“Are you kidding me, Lady Forea? Or should I say, Lady Saint?”
At his gruff voice, she gently narrowed her eyes in a warm gesture.
“Hoho. It sounds strange to hear you call me Lady Saint. But what do you mean by a joke? What have I done?”
“Just appearing out of nowhere.”
“Hoho, dear, is that such a big deal to scold me for?”
Lady Saint, known to Deborah as Lady Forea, was of a similar age to Duke Burn. Like most wealthy people of her age, she exuded dignity and ease. However, Zen viewed her differently.
Her thin body, kind appearance, status-appropriate pleasant conversation – Zen saw all these as mere facades, hiding her true nature.
If anything, she was a venomous snake, always ready to strike.
“How is the girl I sent you? A good child, isn’t she? I’m sure she didn’t stutter even once despite your rudeness.”
“To employ her as a lady’s maid seems a bit of a waste, doesn’t it?”
“Hoho, right. She’s too valuable to be tied down to such a role.”
Lady Saint, with her pleasant smile, continued:
“Dear, you knew right away, didn’t you? I didn’t send her to do just any job. Of course, her aesthetic sense is superb, and she’s smart enough to quickly grasp and remember societal information, so she’ll excel in her duties as a lady’s maid.”
Zen, with furrowed brows, forced a twisted smile.
“Yes, indeed. She’s so excellent that I decided to hire her right away. I plan to offer her a position better than a lady’s maid.”
“Oh, really?”
Lady Saint blinked rapidly, surprise evident in her wide eyes. Zen frowned at her reaction.
“What’s with that response? After you practically threatened me to hire her.”
“Dear, how is that a threat? It’s just boasting and promotion.”
Lady Saint pondered after her comment. True to Zen’s words, she had wanted Deborah to work for the Baker family. However, Zen seldom accepted people recommended by Lady Saint.
‘So when I heard he was seeking a lady’s maid, I immediately sent her.’
But given Zen’s nature, Lady Saint had anticipated he wouldn’t choose a widow from the countryside, someone of common birth. He had higher standards.
‘But to think he’s already made a decision. Deborah really is exceptional.’
Throughout her life, Lady Saint had met many intelligent people – inventors of trains, textile machines, ship designers, doctors. However, truly wise people were rare, and Deborah was one of those few. Her nature was kind, pleasant, and proactive.
‘She’s socially adept in many ways.’
How could she not like Deborah?
‘Even if she hadn’t saved my life, I would have liked her.’
Lady Saint felt guilty for involving Deborah in such a messy affair.
‘But I need Deborah’s help. And it’s for the benefit of Countess Blythe as well.’
Countess Blythe, destined to marry Zen, was merely a country girl with little education and no connections, her beauty and the title of Countess Blythe being her only assets.
‘Of course, that doesn’t mean she’s inferior to Zen. She’s the only one who can currently match him in terms of title.’
Countess Blythe’s future, beautifully intertwined with hardships, awaited her. But Zen, present here, wasn’t the kind of man to sympathize with such a lady. He would likely get irritated, thinking he’s paid enough, and she should handle it.
Male lead is a clingy little husband
One-line summary: The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
Introduction:
One day, Lu Yuner’s soul transmigrates into a female-dominant world. She enters the Imperial Academy and takes up the position of a doctoral instructor, teaching classes and grading schoolwork.
One day, she encounters the young prince Su Qingwan secretly skipping class from the male academy.
As a result, Su Qingwan is punished.
From then on, Su Qingwan sees Lu Yuner as a “thorn in his side”.
But before long, this “thorn” becomes the person he cherishes most, and he goes to great lengths to win Lu Yuner’s affection.
Mini scene 1:
One day, the sun is high in the sky but Su Qingwan still hasn’t gotten up for class.
Servant Xiaoyuan: “Young prince, it’s time for class. You’ll be late otherwise.”
Su Qingwan says arrogantly: “I’m not going. I am the esteemed prince, my status is so noble, why should I suffer this hardship? Besides, isn’t learning all this just to please women? Hmph, they’re not worthy!”
Mini scene 2:
After Su Qingwan falls for someone, he completely changes. He no longer skips class and diligently learns how to be a good husband and father. But he discovers that Sister Yuner is always surrounded by admirers.
Drunk and overcome with jealousy one day, he clings to Lu Yuner, crying beautifully like a pear blossom in the rain.
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan likes Sister Yuner.”
Lu Yuner: “Young prince, you’re drunk.”
Su Qingwan: “Qingwan isn’t drunk. Qingwan likes Sister Yuner, likes you so much, likes you to bits…” Before he can finish, Lu Yuner’s eyes flash with emotion and she leans in closer.
[Reading Guide]
1. The female lead is gentle, gracious, humble and polite but not weak. The male lead is initially an arrogant, noble, love-deprived brat, later a cute, clingy, scheming little jealous one.
2. 1v1, a bit torturous in the beginning but definitely sweet later on.
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