V2: Chapter 56: Crazy: Trading Self-Torture for Love

Gladys spoke with a sob in her voice, "Miss Liang Lin, could you please not make me take care of Carol anymore... I feel, I feel, well... anyway, I'm not very good at taking care of children."

Oh, so it was Carol who tormented her.

Liang Lin could certainly relate to that.

But...

"What nonsense are you spouting, Gladys?" Liang Lin laughed like a devil, a demonic tail swaying behind her. "This is your duty, you fool."

"I..." The poor vampire princess stammered, wanting to retort.

But Liang Lin interrupted her.

"You don't have to watch her if you don't want to."

"Huh?!" Gladys's mouth gaped open instantly, and she started grinning foolishly. "Thank you, Miss Liang Lin, I...!"

"Your blood clot is confiscated."

Gladys: "?!?!"

Instantly revived, she struck a strong pose, like a bodybuilder, and began patting her chest to assure everyone, "Miss Liang Lin, I think I can watch Carol for another ten days, no! A hundred days!"

"You said that?"

"Y-yes, ye-yes," Gladys's voice softened again, weakly saying, "It's not... impossible?"

"Pfft."

Teasing this child is so much fun.

After this incident, Liang Di clearly noticed that Liang Lin's attitude towards her had improved considerably, and the idea of ​​pursuing Liang Lin resurfaced in her mind.

As long as she was injured for Liang Lin's sake, she could make Liang Lin willingly take care of her and be gentle with her, right?

Well... there aren't that many accidents in this world, so she'll just create one.

First, she'll try injuring herself and see if that would attract Liang Lin's attention.

Liang Di was truly ruthless to herself.

That happened a week later.

While descending the stairs with Liang Lin, she deliberately walked ahead of Liang Lin, keeping a distance to ensure that Liang Lin couldn't catch her if she fell.

One step.

Two steps.

On the third step.

Suddenly, her right foot missed its mark, and she instantly lost her balance. She gasped, her hands instinctively reaching forward, trying to grab something to steady herself. However, her fingers only touched the cold air, unable to grasp any support.

Liang Di felt her body arc through the air before crashing heavily to the ground below. Her long dress billowed in the air like clouds scattered by the wind, then fell heavily, tightly enveloping her body.

Pain instantly spread throughout her body, and she couldn't help but groan. Her forehead struck the hard ground, a wave of dizziness washing over her, making it almost impossible for her to open her eyes. A sharp pain shot through her hands and knees, as if countless needles were pricking her.

She was as ruthless to herself as ever.

A trickle of blood flowed from her forehead.

The people around were stunned by this sudden turn of events, and for a moment no one stepped forward. Only a few maids screamed in panic and rushed to their mistress. Liang Lin was also stunned; she hadn't expected that the person who had been walking perfectly fine in front of her could suddenly fall down the stairs.

"Hey! Liang Di, are you alright?" Liang Lin leaped down the stairs and rushed to Liang Di's side.

She held Liang Di, who was lying on the ground, in her arms, and frowned as she looked at the blood on her forehead. "You fell pretty hard. How did you manage to fall like this while walking?"

Liang Di knew exactly how to manipulate Liang Lin's emotions.

"It's probably because I was sick a few days ago and haven't recovered yet."

She brought up that incident again.

Sure enough, upon hearing it was because of that incident, Liang Lin's attitude softened instantly, and her grip on Liang Di's arm became much gentler.

"Let's go, I'll carry you back to your room."

Liang Di had twisted her leg; a large, red, swollen lump had formed on her ankle, looking rather alarming. After the doctor arrived and examined it, he said she needed to rest for a while.

"Don't let her foot touch the ground during this time, or it will cause further injury," the doctor instructed Liang Lin as he packed his medical kit.

"So, she'll have to use a wheelchair again?" Liang Lin asked.

Now she finally understood why Liang Di still had her old wheelchair in her room.

Goodness, it was for emergencies!

"I'm so sorry, Sister Liang Lin, I've caused you trouble again..." Liang Di now knew exactly what a "white lotus" and a "green tea" were.

Liang Di's current delicate and affected demeanor was like dewdrops glistening on green leaves in the morning—fresh and radiant. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, her fair skin flushed with a faint blush, like a shy peach blossom gently blooming in the early spring sunshine. Her eyebrows were like crescent moons, her eyes like autumn waves, sparkling with a bright and captivating light, seemingly concealing endless tenderness and cunning.

Her figure was graceful, elegant yet undeniably alluring. Her gait was light and airy, each glance captivating, irresistibly alluring. Her fingers were slender and long, like meticulously carved jade, every movement so natural and elegant.

When she appeared pitiful, her expression was even more captivating. A faint mist rose in her eyes, as if tears might well fall at any moment. Her lips were slightly downturned, revealing an innocence and fragility that compelled one to offer comfort and protection. Her voice, too, became soft and trembling, like a gentle breeze caressing the heart, evoking pity.

However, beneath this beautiful exterior lay a hypocritical nature. Her smile was sweet, but her eyes betrayed a calculating and scheming nature. Her words to Liang Lin were gentle, but they were feigned, merely a ploy to please Liang Lin and make her fall in love with her.

But how could Liang Lin, so oblivious, possibly see through her act?

"You're really something, incredibly stupid, you even tripped and fell going down the stairs," Liang Lin grumbled incessantly, her hand instinctively gripping the wheelchair handle, pushing Liang Di forward, preparing to take her to breakfast. "Now look at you, back in your wheelchair. Sigh, you always seemed so smart... oh well... anyway, it's my fault."

Liang Lin's voice grew softer and softer until it faded completely.

Yes, if it weren't for saving me…

Liang Lin still felt guilty. If she had broken free from the illusion on her own, Liang Di wouldn't have been injured because of her.

So, it was best to keep quiet.

Liang Lin silently pursed her lips.

Downstairs.

Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, illuminating the long oak dining table and adding warmth and brightness to the room.

The table was laden with various delicacies, emitting an enticing aroma. Fresh bread, carefully baked to a golden-brown, crisp crust and a soft, sweet interior, revealed its delicate texture with a gentle tear. Next to it lay freshly squeezed milk, the milky white liquid shimmering in the sunlight and emitting a faint milky fragrance.

In addition, there was carefully crafted jam, vibrant in color and rich in flavor, spread on the bread with a perfect balance of sweet and sour, leaving a lingering aftertaste.  Fruit was also an essential part of the breakfast: rosy apples, golden oranges, and deep purple grapes… neatly arranged in a silver fruit platter, their enticing aromas filling the air.

As for meats, there were perfectly roasted sausages and bacon, their crusts crisp and their insides juicy and tender—one bite and you'd feel pure bliss. Fried eggs were another important part of the breakfast, the golden yolks perfectly blended with the smooth whites, creating a delicate texture and an irresistible fragrance.

In addition, there was warm oatmeal porridge, its thick consistency carrying a hint of sweetness, bringing warmth and satisfaction. And a cup of rich coffee stood quietly by, adding a touch of invigorating energy to the meal.

Liang Lin swallowed hard; she was starving, and then Liang Di had pulled that stunt. Now, just seeing all this food made her stomach rumble loudly.

"Hurry up and eat. I remember you were going to the tailor shop later, right? It's okay, I'll push you there, don't worry."

Liang Lin pushed Liang Di to the table, handed her the knife and fork, and then couldn't control herself anymore. She started "going on a rampage," turning into a pig and devouring the food on the table in a whirlwind, as if she wanted to swallow the table and plates whole.

Liang Di looked at Liang Lin pitifully, not eating a single bite.

She thought about how Liang Lin used to feed her directly when she was in bed, why wasn't she feeding her now? She still wanted Liang Lin to feed her, she still wanted to indirectly kiss Liang Lin...

"Liang Lin..." Liang Di couldn't help but speak up, interrupting Liang Lin's "rampage."

"I'm hungry."

Liang Lin was eating heartily when she heard this, she paused, looked up blankly at Liang Di, then at the food on the table, a puzzled expression on her face.

"If you're hungry, then eat."

"I... I'm injured..." Liang Di blinked, squeezing out a few tears.

Liang Lin: "?"

"You broke your leg, not your arm or mouth. What are you afraid of? Just pick up your knife and fork and eat."

Liang Lin sighed, shaking her head, looking sorry for her.

"I think you're a bit dazed from the fall. You forgot what you hurt, thinking it was your arm? It's okay, it's your leg. Just eat."

Ugh, damn it!

Liang Di gritted her teeth, she'd been careless.

If only she'd broken her arm too, then she could have enjoyed Liang Lin's loving feeding. Maybe, if she pretended the food was too hot, she could even have an indirect kiss with Liang Lin.

After Liang Di ate a few mouthfuls of food listlessly, saying she had no appetite, and was full, Liang Lin pushed Liang Di in a carriage and went to the commoners' district.

This was Liang Lin's first visit to Liang Di's humble tailor shop.

A wooden signboard hung above the shop entrance, its intricate carvings gleaming with the patina of time in the sunlight. Pushing open the creaking wooden door, a unique aroma of fabric and pine resin wafted out, momentarily disorienting her.

Although the shop's space was limited, its layout was remarkably efficient. The walls were adorned with colorful fabrics, from vibrant silks to simple linen. These fabrics shimmered in the sunlight, like vibrant rainbows. Neatly arranged spools of thread and needle cases lined the floor; every tool was meticulously placed, demonstrating the tailor's exquisite craftsmanship and meticulous approach.

In the center of the shop stood a large sewing table, covered with a clean white linen sheet. The tailor was bent over the table, her needle and thread moving swiftly across the fabric, producing a soft rustling sound.  His movements were practiced and elegant, like a silent dance.

Several comfortable chairs were placed inside for customers to rest and wait. On small tables beside the chairs were several booklets of handcrafted patterns for customers to choose from. A potted plant in the corner added a touch of life and vitality to this artisanal space.

The walls were covered with a variety of clothing, from coarse linen to fine cotton. While not as ornate as aristocratic garments, these clothes were meticulously sewn, sturdy and durable. Each garment was neatly arranged on the wall, categorized by size and color for easy selection.

The shop was softly lit yet bright; sunlight streaming through the windows bathed the clothes in warmth and comfort. A faint scent of fabric and pine resin filled the air—the unique aroma of a clothing store, creating a sense of tranquility and relaxation.

Seeing someone enter, a tailor busily and enthusiastically jogged over to greet them. Liang Di had told them that after training, they would patiently answer customers' questions and recommend suitable clothing based on their needs. Their skills were adept; whether cutting or sewing, they achieved perfection.

When the person ran over and got closer, recognizing Liang Lin and Liang Di—their young mistresses—they were initially taken aback, but then their smiles brightened even more.

"Miss Liang Lin, Miss Liang Di, you've arrived! Come in, come in, let me make you some tea."

The remaining tailors, hearing that the Langwendi family's daughters had come, immediately put down their work and rushed over.

Liang Di, sitting in her wheelchair, raised her hand. "No need, we just came to take a look."

She looked around, frowning slightly. "I remember last time I came, there were many people here. Why is there no one here today?"

She remembered how crowded and lively it had been then.  Although the shop wasn't spacious, it had transformed into a bustling little market. Ordinary people poured in from all directions, their faces beaming with anticipation.

The walls were adorned with vibrant fabrics, shimmering alluringly under the lights. Various ready-made garments were laid out on the floor, from simple linen shirts to exquisite cotton skirts. These clothes, diverse in style and affordable, attracted a large number of ordinary people to shop.

Laughter and the sounds of bargaining filled the air. Some people carefully selected their favorite items, while others negotiated prices with the shop assistants. Women held fabrics, discussing with the staff how to tailor them into well-fitting dresses, while the men selected sturdy fabrics and studied patterns, intending to make new clothes for themselves or their families.

The air inside the shop seemed to be infected by this lively atmosphere, becoming warm and vibrant. The scent of spices mingled with the aroma of the fabric, creating a unique fragrance.

Although it was noisy, Liang Di was quite happy at the time.

Now, these clothes lay forlornly on the ground, unsold.

After hearing this, the tailors' faces showed a complex expression. They exchanged glances, and finally, two of them locked eyes.

"Miss Liang Di, don't you know?"

"Know what?" Liang Di felt strange, and at the same time, a bad premonition rose in her heart.

"At the end of the street, a new tailor shop opened yesterday, claiming to be a noble tailor shop among commoners. Not only are the prices similar to ours, but they also use fabrics only nobles use. A few days ago, our shop was packed, but since that tailor shop opened, they've been constantly running away from there." One of the tailors said, his face grim.

He had secretly gone to see that tailor shop, blending into the crowd, and when he saw the exterior, his jaw dropped.

This was no ordinary tailor shop; it was clearly a noble tailor shop!

At the entrance, two exquisitely carved stone pillars stood, inlaid with dazzling gemstones that shimmered in the sunlight. The lintel was adorned with intricate carvings, symbolizing noble glory and power. Pushing open the heavy wooden door, a faint fragrance wafted out—a blend of spices and silk displayed inside, a truly delightful aroma.

As he followed the flow of people inside, the scene at the entrance made him gasp in astonishment once more.

The interior was spacious and opulent. High ceilings were adorned with exquisite chandeliers, casting a soft yet bright glow. The walls were covered with soft silk wallpaper embroidered with delicate patterns, both beautiful and showcasing aristocratic taste. Thick carpets covered the floors, soft and comfortable to the touch, giving a warm and dignified feeling.

In the center of the shop are several display stands showcasing the latest aristocratic garments. Each piece is exquisitely beautiful, from the choice of fabrics to the finest craftsmanship. Luxurious brocade and delicate silk are skillfully incorporated into the designs, showcasing aristocratic nobility and luxury.

A corner of the shop features fitting rooms with curtains made of precious silk, embroidered with intricate patterns. Inside, mirrors and dressing tables are provided for customers to groom themselves while trying on clothes. The shop also has a rest area where customers can relax, enjoy tea, and savor a moment of tranquility and comfort while selecting their outfits.

Is this really a commoner's tailor shop? It looks like something ordinary people couldn't afford!

Moreover, the staff's service is exceptional.

Wearing impeccable uniforms and smiling faces, they greet every customer who enters the shop. They patiently answer questions and recommend suitable garments based on customer needs, ensuring that customers not only enjoy the pleasure of shopping but also feel the shop's prestige and hospitality.

"The owner of this tailor shop must be crazy! To offer such low prices to commoners!" the tailor shouted angrily.

After hearing this description, Liang Di remained silent for a while, deep in thought.

Finally, she uttered a soft, thoughtful sound:

"Liang Lin, let's go take a look. I think you know who did it without me having to tell you."