V1: Chapter 14: The Young Lady Has Her Own Plans.

Liang Lin had no regrets.

If she had to choose between dying standing or living on her knees, she would definitely choose the former. She was a person with self-respect. Although she would occasionally resort to underhanded tactics and unscrupulous means to achieve certain goals, no one could take away her dignity.

Behind her, the teacher ran over anxiously, wanting to help Gael, who was sitting on the ground, to his feet. But Gael raised his hand and stopped him.

“Since Miss Liang Lin knocked me down, it’s only right that she help me up herself.” Gael maintained his nonchalant demeanor as he extended his hand to Liang Lin.

“Help me up.”

Liang Lin sheathed her sword, bent down, picked up her clothes from the ground, and pulled a pair of snow-white gloves from her pocket.

After putting them on, she grasped Garr’s hand. Her disdain was palpable.

“Miss Liang Lin is truly a rising star. What you just said was quite insightful.” Gael brushed the dirt off his legs, trying to maintain his composure.

Losing to a pampered noblewoman was certainly embarrassing for him. However, on the surface, he had to feign understanding and praise Liang Lin.

“May I invite Miss Liang Lin to lunch?”

A single man inviting a single woman to lunch—everyone around understood the implication.

Lunch?

Oh, class was almost over.

Liang Lin thought of Liang Di, who had difficulty moving around.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, my sister Liang Di is in a wheelchair and has difficulty moving around. I have to go and take care of her and have lunch with her."

Gael was taken aback, then asked, "Are you and Liang–... your sister close?"

What kind of question was this?

What answer did he want?

He wanted to know if her relationship with Liang Di was good or bad. What would happen if they were close? What would happen if they weren't?

What would the final result be?

Gael was Doris's son, and Doris seemed to be on the same side as Auston. In Auston's eyes when he looked at Liang Di, one could see a strong sense of wariness. So, it seemed that saying "they weren't close" would allow Gael to include her on his side.

But...

This question still needed an ambiguous answer.

"I am her older sister, and I have an obligation to take care of her."

Yes, don't answer the question directly; give an irrelevant answer, a seemingly casual reply, as if answering the question was sufficient.

Just as Gael was about to ask something, the school bell rang just in time.

"Your Highness Gael, excuse me."

Liang Lin tossed her coat over her shoulder and hurried away.

Gael watched Liang Lin's departing figure thoughtfully.

"Tomorrow, the day after, I'll come."

He clutched a small purple crystal bottle in his pocket.

Only by figuring out how good Liang Lin's relationship with Liang Di was could he determine if this woman was of any use. And only by cultivating a good relationship with Liang Lin could he proceed with his next plan.

The vortex of conspiracy was slowly turning.

Noon.

At the dining table.

Auston actually began to show concern for Liang Lin.

"Daughter, did you have a good day at school?"

Liang Lin recalled the prince's disheveled state after she defeated him, and felt a surge of satisfaction.

"Yes, I'm happy."

"Take good care of your sister at school. You don't have classes this afternoon, right? Get some rest. Tomorrow's the weekend, I'll give you some silver coins, you can take Liang Di out shopping. The day after tomorrow too, you can go buy some trinkets you like together."

"...Okay."

It's strange, there's a feeling he's trying hard to get on Liang Di's good side.

Liang Lin frowned.

Liang Di's deep blue eyes looked towards Auston.

"The Nolan family will be here soon, delivering the fabric."

Auston's face lit up with surprise, "You've already negotiated with them? You snatched this batch of fabric from the Mist family?"

Liang Di didn't bother to explain further, just nodded.

"Then I..."

"No need, I've already sent someone to pick them up. No need to send them to the Langwendi family, just deliver them in batches straight to various tailors' shops." Liangdi elegantly took out a handkerchief and wiped the soup stains from the corner of her mouth.

Auston's face stiffened.

He could feel his power slipping away, yet he couldn't openly forbid Liang Di from managing the family business, because… Liang Di was brought back by the previous patriarch, his father, who specifically requested that she be given opportunities to develop.

Just because she was "cursed"?

His abilities weren't inferior to hers, were they?

Why… had the old man never given him a second glance?

Auston gritted his teeth, veins bulging on his forehead.

This ghastly appearance startled Liang Lin, who had just looked up.

"I'm full."

"Me too, Liang Lin. Can you take me back to my room?"

"Hmm, ah? Okay."

Liang Lin pushed Liang Di away.

Auston calmed himself down, Miranda comforting him beside him.

“Look, Liang Lin and Liang Di’s relationship seems much better than it was a few days ago. That means Prince Gael’s plan can proceed more quickly. Auston, don’t be too anxious. Queen Doris will help us; she has ‘that’ thing.”

“Hmm…right, let them spend more time together lately. Liang Lin has changed a lot, but she’s still obedient and a simple girl who’s easy to use. Hehe, after raising her for so long, she’s finally coming in handy.”

Meanwhile,

“What’s this?”

Liang Lin looked at the small pink bottle in Liang Di’s hand.

Liang Di took a small white brush from the bookshelf, about the size of two fingers. Then, she unscrewed the bottle, put the brush inside, stirred it, and when she took it out again, the bristles of the white brush had turned pink.

"Give me your hand."

"What are you going to do?" Liang Lin asked warily, her hands behind her back, staring intently at the suspicious little brush in Liang Di's hand. "What's this? This color...it's not poisonous, is it?"

"Pfft~"

Liang Di pointed to the windowsill, where there was a stone bowl.

"This is the juice from crushed leaves; it can be used for dyeing. I had someone investigate; it's non-toxic and harmless, and won't affect your health."

Liang Di held up her hand.

"Look, I've put it on myself too."

Liang Lin leaned closer.

Sure enough, Liang Di's nails were light pink, and she could even smell a faint scent of leaves.

Hmm...it felt a bit strange, but she'd still do as she was told. It was all just to lower Liang Di's guard.

Liang Lin sat on the bed, and Liang Di held her warm little hand, applying the dye to her nails.

"The day after tomorrow afternoon, let's go to the tea party hosted by the young miss from Austin Family."

"Hmm? Why?"

"To get to know other nobles; it'll be helpful for both of us."

Actually, Liang Di's real purpose wasn't that; it was just a reason she made up on the spot.