Lian Yan made her way over to attend to Jian Wei's father, Jian Bo. She approached his bedside with a gentle demeanor, carefully helping him sit up in bed. His frail frame bore the marks of numerous scars, each one telling a story of battles fought and hardships endured. His body seemed to have weathered storms that had left him with little strength, his muscles weakened from the ordeals he had faced.
Today, there was a slight change in his diet. Instead of the usual porridge, they had prepared something a bit more substantial to help him regain some of his lost strength. Lian Yan scooped a small portion of the finely shredded meat mixed with rice and eggs, hoping it would provide the nourishment he needed.
"They were able to shred some more bits of meat for you to eat today," she began, her tone carrying a sense of care and concern. "You need just a bit to be able to gain back more of your strength. Eating only egg and rice won't be enough for your body every day."
As she spoke, she continued to feed him, her words flowing freely. She discussed the importance of a balanced diet and the various nutrients his body required to heal and grow stronger. Many would have been surprised by her chattiness, perhaps even her own father, if he had ever taken the time to notice.
"You talk a lot for someone who was a noblewoman," Xu Tao remarked as he appeared by the open window, Ye Bia standing beside him. Ye Bia was wearing a coat, an unusual choice for such a hot day, and there was a hint of a blush on her cheeks, which Lian Yan chose not to comment on.
"Do I?" Lian Yan responded, her tone reflective. "I haven't really spoken this much to anyone other than Ye Bia. It wasn't really an option where I last lived."
She turned her attention back to Jian Bo, offering him another spoonful of the mixture. The elderly man ate slowly, listening to the conversations around him with a quiet demeanor.
"Well, I think you enjoy talking, but most people don't give you a chance or don't know what to say to you," Xu Tao said, a smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Lian Yan before looking back at Ye Bia. "I find it good that you are able to talk to whoever freely without being shy or worried about anything. Unlike someone that I know."
Lian Yan continued to feed Jian Bo, ensuring he finished his meal. She didn't feel the need to explain anything further to Ye Bia, who seemed content to listen without prying. Once Jian Bo had finished eating, Lian Yan gently wiped his mouth and helped him wash up, with Xu Tao assisting as needed.
With the meal finished, the three of them engaged in a bit more conversation, their voices filling the room with a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Jian Bo listened to them, a smile gracing his features as he observed the easy banter between the trio. It was as if they were already the best of friends, their bond evident in the way they interacted with one another.
"So, are you two a thing now?" Lian Yan finally asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "It has been a few days, and if you tend to get to know one another and really like each other, then I don't see why the two of you would act the way you are."
Her words hung in the air, a playful yet nosy inquiry that made both Xu Tao and Ye Bia exchange glances, their expressions were nothing but embarrassment. Well, for Ye Bia it was more of embarrassment while Xu Tao he was rather more amused about it.
"Well, does this make you and Jian Wei a thing then?" Xu Tao asked, a playful smirk on his face. It seemed he had been anticipating this question for a while, especially since Jian Wei couldn't stop talking about Lian Yan during their last conversation. It almost seems like Xu Tao was going to lost his mind when that had happened. Never again did he want to talk to Jian Wei unless he was truly focused on something more important than a woman that he did not bother with. The only woman that he would bother with was Ye Bia.
Lian Yan hadn't expected such a direct question, and before she could even formulate a response, Ye Bia intervened. She swiftly smacked Xu Tao on the back of the head, her expression one of disapproval. She clearly didn't appreciate Xu Tao's attempt to pair her mistress with someone she barely knew. Very much protective of her miss, perhaps even acting like a sister in a way.
"Don't ask or put my miss with some stranger," Ye Bia said, her tone sharp with protectiveness. "You said that the two of them barely knew each other and they just made a deal out of the situation. Right now, there has been no news about what or how things plan to go." She soon cross her arms over her chest with a little sigh.
It seemed that Xu Tao had filled Ye Bia in on most of the details, and she was not about to let him stir up any unnecessary rumors or assumptions. Her loyalty to Lian Yan was unwavering, and she was determined to shield her from any unwanted attention or speculation. Or so she thought so.
As Lian Yan was about to speak once more, a snoring sound caught their attention from behind them. It appeared that Jian Bo, who had been listening to their conversation, had drifted off to sleep. A wave of warmth passed between the three of them as they exchanged smiles, carefully adjusting Jian Bo's position to ensure he could rest comfortably for the remainder of the day.
Xu Tao and Lian Yan knew the story of Jian Bo, he was a bandit but a good one who took from the rich to give to the poor. Ye Bia was the only one so far who did not know who the elderly man was. Poor thing, she was going to have to learn all of it from Lian Yan or Xu Tao sooner or later.
The trio then found themselves outside, taking a leisurely walk behind the pavilion. This secluded spot offered them privacy, away from prying eyes and any unwanted attention. Along with having to avoid any clients from wanting to misunderstand them there. The three of them were not selling themselves. Lian Yan and Jian Wei walked side by side, while Ye Bia found herself in the middle, sandwiched between her two companions.
"Miss," Ye Bia began, her curiosity getting the better of her, "how long is this deal supposed to go on? There was a ransom note left behind with the dagger, but it doesn't state where to even leave the ransom money. Your father has been going on with the search for days now. He isn't a man who would just stop, but he would use any means to make sure that he keeps himself close to the royal family."
Ye Bia was unsure if they were operating under any time constraints, and her lack of knowledge about the full plan left her feeling somewhat anxious. She was eager to understand the details and how everything was supposed to unfold.
Lian Yan took a moment to respond, her mind racing as she tried to piece together the information. "There... was no exact plan," she admitted, her tone hesitant. "We kind of just made and signed off on it, but I forgot to include how long it should be. Along with I think a few other things, but I added more to the deal so we will be here longer. Jian Wei was supposed to tell me more, but he has been gone, and I have been mostly trying to do stuff here."