The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 23.2

This feeling was somewhat strange, as if Bai Yin was treating her like a child.

Lin Wan couldn’t help but glance at Bai Yin, who looked completely natural, then at Butler Zhao, whose expression also showed no sign of anything unusual. She thought perhaps the recent ordeal had made Bai Yin trust her even more, hence the behavior. With that in mind, Lin Wan didn’t dwell on it further.

After taking her medicine, her mind cleared considerably, and she realized she had been unconscious for a day and a half. It was now the afternoon of the second day.

Her injured fingers had been treated and were wrapped in thick bandages. The aftermath of her fainting had unfolded just as she had anticipated: to clear suspicion, Li Pei had called Butler Zhao the previous night, instructing him to bring doctors and nurses to Pine Crane Manor.

With such a major incident, it was impossible to hide from the manor’s management, who immediately reported it to the police.

Bai Yin had gone with the police that morning to the construction site to identify the perpetrator. However, since it had happened at night and the assailant who had taken Bai Yin might have acted on impulse before fleeing or perhaps wasn’t even among the workers. Bai Yin hadn’t been able to pinpoint the culprit.

The case involved no casualties, Bai Yin provided no substantial leads, the surveillance system had malfunctioned the previous night, and the manor had been hosting a banquet with a constant flow of people coming and going. As a result, the police didn’t stay long, simply recording the details before leaving Pine Crane Manor.

Bai Yin wasn’t much of a talker, so Butler Zhao relayed all this while she quietly played with her new phone nearby.

As Lin Wan listened to Butler Zhao’s account, everything sounded perfectly normal, yet she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. A nagging sense of unease lingered, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t pinpoint anything amiss.

In any case, the trip to Pine Crane Manor had been a false alarm. Bai Yin was unharmed, and that was all that mattered.

“Your old phone is no longer usable.”

Butler Zhao had prepared another phone for Lin Wan, this one even better than the last and identical in model to Bai Yin’s—except Bai Yin’s was white, while Lin Wan’s was a soft pink.

“You’ve gone to so much trouble for me!” Lin Wan said politely, though the corners of her lips curled up in delight.

What made her even happier was that Bai Yin clearly trusted her more than ever. Her room had been moved to the one opposite Lin Wan’s—not only was it much larger, but her monthly benefits had also increased by nearly half. Butler Zhao had even given her a hefty bonus.

Staring at the amount deposited into her account, Lin Wan’s eyes widened in pleasant surprise. She had known Butler Zhao would reward her, but she hadn’t expected it to be this generous!

Butler Zhao, however, patted her shoulder calmly. “You’ve earned it. You’ve worked hard these past days, keep it up. Don’t let the young mistress down.”

Lin Wan nodded repeatedly. In this world, no one wanted Bai Yin to thrive more than she did.

This experience had also taught her a lesson: she no longer wanted to scheme ways to take Bai Yin out. Though Bai Yin was an adult now, she was still a precious treasure that couldn’t be left unattended. After all, such extraordinary beauty was bound to attract covetous eyes. It was just fine for Bai Yin to stay in the villa every day.

With her fingers injured, Lin Wan couldn’t do much in the short term, so Butler Zhao granted her half a month of paid leave.

But afraid her grandmother would worry if she went home, Lin Wan didn’t dare return. Instead, she spent her days resting in her room.

She wanted to go find Bai Yin, but Dr. Wang mentioned that it was Bai Yin’s routine health check-up week, and most of the time, Bai Yin’s room door was closed.

So, while Bai Yin was secluded, Lin Wan found herself bored and could only message her.

Bai Yin replied almost every time, quickly at that likely because the check-ups were just as dull for her.

With her hand injured, Lin Wan could only type with her uninjured ring finger, making her responses painfully slow. Knowing Bai Yin was usually surrounded by people, she felt too self-conscious to send voice messages. Bai Yin, however, didn’t mind at all, and the two ended up chatting back and forth quite animatedly.

In Lin Wan’s past life, every phase had been tightly scheduled, and she had never engaged in such leisurely, meandering conversations with anyone. Trying it now, she found the experience surprisingly pleasant.

Lin Wan rambled about whatever came to mind, though she no longer felt as strongly about pulling Bai Yin into the outside world. She had come to realize that Bai Yin seemed perfectly content staying in the villa, living a carefree life. Still, Lin Wan didn’t want her to become nothing more than a beautiful but ignorant recluse.

As they chatted about everything under the sun, Lin Wan eventually brought up her grandmother’s plans to open a shop.

Her uncle had already scouted three potential locations and left the final decision to her.

The first was next to the old marketplace. Worried that the area might be affected by impending demolition, the owner had set a low price. It was also a familiar spot for her grandmother’s regular customers and conveniently close to home.

The other two locations were in bustling downtown areas, with much higher rents. In the past, Lin Wan might have struggled to afford them, but now, with a hefty prize bonus in hand, it wasn’t an issue.

Lin Wan leaned toward the latter two options, but since their rents were similar, she couldn’t decide.

She had only mentioned it to Bai Yin as a way to pass the time, never expecting Bai Yin to reply with.

“Rent the one next to the marketplace.”

Lin Wan blinked, assuming Bai Yin had considered the cost-effectiveness but overlooked the demolition risks. She gently explained.

“Logically, that location is the most suitable, but if demolition happens, construction could block the roads. During that time, there’d be no customers, no revenue; just wasted rent.”

“But the rumors about the marketplace demolition are still unconfirmed. Official documents haven’t been released yet. It might not even happen.”

Then, Bai Yin sent over a map of the area around the marketplace, marked with a red circle.

“Even if construction does happen, it would only block this road. The other route is a major thoroughfare, and with a museum set to open nearby soon, foot traffic will increase. It won’t affect customer flow.”

Bai Yin’s reasoning was sound. Lin Wan hadn’t considered that angle. News had already broken online about the museum opening next month.

Still, this wasn’t a trivial decision. Lin Wan hesitated, biting her lip as she typed and deleted her reply.

Bai Yin seemed to read her thoughts and sent another message.

“Besides, your grandmother is getting older. She shouldn’t have to endure too much change and is used to her old social circle. The other two shops might be suitable, but they’re half an hour farther away. Rebuilding a customer base would be stressful for her.”

Reading this, Lin Wan was completely convinced.

Indeed, Bai Yin hadn’t wasted her time reading those business-oriented books. Moreover, she wasn’t as closed-off and uninformed as Lin Wan had imagined. Though her personality was somewhat soft and overly trusting, Bai Yin was actually quite intelligent.

Lin Wan, nursing her injured fingers, slowly typed out a message praising Bai Yin and was about to send it when a “ding-dong” notification sounded. Bai Yin had sent her a transfer.

“This is three years’ rent for the storefront. If you’re still hesitant, consider it my investment. If it fails, the loss is on me.”

What a wealthy little princess!

Lin Wan sighed inwardly, unable to hold back a laugh. She deleted the praise she’d just typed, returned the transfer, and replied.

“My dear little Bai Yin is such a domineering CEO!”

“Why won’t you take the money?” Bai Yin seemed not to notice Lin Wan’s affectionate address and sent a question instead.

Imagining Bai Yin in the opposite room, brows furrowed in confusion, Lin Wan felt a strange sense of happiness bubble up inside her.

“I can’t take your money! I’ll rent the place you suggested with my own funds. Once I make it big, I’ll come back and pamper you, my little CEO!”

“[Hugging and spinning you in circles GIF]”

Bai Yin: “Come, then.”

A moment later, she added, “Make sure to rent it for several years.”

Lin Wan didn’t dwell on Bai Yin’s “come, then,” simply finding her utterly adorable.

Bai Yin’s string of messages made her seem like a seasoned, shrewd businesswoman, yet in reality, she was a delicate, sulky young lady who was hard to please. The contrast was bizarrely striking.

“Got it!”

Lin Wan replied, then called her uncle to confirm renting the first storefront and transferred the money to him.

After hanging up, Lin Wan suddenly felt an intense urge to see Bai Yin.

She jumped off the bed, pushed open the door, and stared longingly at the opposite room. After a few minutes, belatedly realizing how silly she must look, she was about to close the door and order some of the business books Bai Yin often read when the door across the hall suddenly opened. Dr. Wang and Butler Zhao stepped out.

Dr. Wang looked dazed, as if he’d suffered some major shock.

Butler Zhao’s expression didn’t seem too great either.

Had something gone wrong with Bai Yin’s health?

Lin Wan’s heart skipped a beat, her voice hoarse as she asked, “Dr. Wang, what’s wrong? Is Miss Bai?”

“Huh?” Dr. Wang snapped out of his daze and shook his head. “No, nothing.”

Lin Wan wasn’t convinced, but Butler Zhao chimed in, “Dr. Wang didn’t sleep well last night and is a bit out of sorts today. Miss Bai’s health is fine, don’t worry.”

“You should go in and keep her company now.”

Butler Zhao had always been meticulous about Bai Yin’s well-being. Since he said so, Bai Yin must truly be fine. Only then did Lin Wan relax.

Lin Wan had wanted to ask Dr. Wang about Bai Yin’s legs, but given his current state, it clearly wasn’t the right time.

She made a mental note to contact him later and approached Bai Yin’s door. “Miss Bai, I’m coming in!”

“Mm.” Bai Yin’s reply was as brief as ever.

When Lin Wan entered, Bai Yin was sitting in her wheelchair, scrolling through her phone. Her long black hair cascaded down, her back straight, lips pressed tightly together. Her profile as exquisite as a painting.

For some reason, Lin Wan sensed a faint tension in her demeanor.

Lin Wan had only acted on a sudden impulse. Teasing “Baby Yin Yin” through a phone screen was one thing, but now, face to face with Bai Yin, she inexplicably felt a bit flustered.

Afraid of angering the delicate young lady, Lin Wan naturally didn’t dare to be too bold.

After a moment’s thought, she asked softly, “Miss, how are you feeling now?”

“A little better,” Bai Yin replied quietly, still keeping her head lowered without looking up.

“That’s good,” Lin Wan said awkwardly, grasping for conversation. “You must be tired after all the fuss this morning. Is there anything you’d like to eat?”

Bai Yin finally lifted her head, her gaze lingering on Lin Wan’s red lips for a moment before she shook her head, her voice slightly hoarse. “No.”

“Then, I’ll just decide for you!”

Lin Wan thought for a moment, recalling that Bai Yin usually had little appetite after medical checkups, so she called Aunt Zhang and asked her to prepare only some plain congee and eggs.

After hanging up, Lin Wan noticed Bai Yin had raised her head and was staring at her unblinkingly.

Lin Wan blinked, sensing something odd in Bai Yin’s gaze almost accusatory.

Was she bored?

Lin Wan hesitated, then cautiously approached Bai Yin. “Miss, would you like me to take you out for a walk?”

“Your hand isn’t in good shape.”

Bai Yin pressed her lips together, her tone unreadable, though her jaw was noticeably tense. “Did you come here to ask me out for a walk? I can accompany you.”

“Not really.”

Lin Wan lowered her head sheepishly. “It’s just I haven’t seen you all morning, and I missed you. I was worried you wouldn’t eat properly.”

“I’m not a child.”

The corners of Bai Yin’s lips lifted almost imperceptibly, her chin tilting slightly higher, though her voice remained calm. “If you’re worried, you can have lunch with me.”

“Really?”

Lin Wan’s eyes immediately brightened. Aunt Zhang had complained several times that Bai Yin hadn’t been eating well these past few days.

Even as she asked, Lin Wan quickly called Aunt Zhang again, requesting that she bring an extra meal when delivering Bai Yin’s lunch.

After the call, Lin Wan met Bai Yin’s gaze once more. For some reason, Bai Yin seemed particularly fond of watching her today.

Suddenly at a loss for words, Lin Wan remembered her plan to study some business knowledge. Meeting Bai Yin’s eyes, she asked tentatively, “Could I pick out some books from your shelf to read?”

“Go ahead.” Bai Yin pursed her lips and turned her head away.

She seemed upset?

Lin Wan felt increasingly puzzled, stealing several glances at Bai Yin, who remained facing the window without looking back.

Walking over to Bai Yin’s bookshelf, Lin Wan was about to select a few books when she noticed a large crack at the back of the shelf. Behind it, there seemed to be a staircase.

“What’s this?”

Lin Wan’s eyes widened.

“It’s a hidden door to the third floor.” Bai Yin’s voice came from behind her.

With a press of some unseen mechanism, the bookshelf suddenly swung open, revealing an unexpectedly spacious passageway behind it.

“Would you like to go up and take a look?”

Bai Yin’s voice lowered, carrying an almost coaxing tone.

Lin Wan turned to look at her. Bai Yin’s expression was unreadable, her gaze as clear as ever, yet upon closer inspection, her eyes were like a tranquil lake, impossible to fathom.

“No.”

Lin Wan thought for a moment, took a step back, turned around, and closed her eyes. “You close it up! I don’t know anything about it.”

It was said that the third floor held the keepsakes of Bai Yin’s mother.

Bai Yin’s mother, Li Ruyue, hadn’t treated her well, and Lin Wan didn’t want to go up there, to make Bai Yin relive those unhappy memories again.

She hoped Bai Yin would never have to recall those sorrowful moments and would be happy every day from now on.

A soft chuckle came from in front of her, followed by Bai Yin’s quiet sigh. “Wan Wan, you’re such a coward.”

“Being a coward suits me just fine!” Lin Wan retorted, a bit indignant but careful not to upset the delicate young lady, so she chose her words carefully. “That’s why I’m just like you, staying indoors, content to remain in the villa forever.”

“Maybe that’s for the best.” Bai Yin seemed oblivious to Lin Wan’s underlying meaning and laughed again. Then came a loud thud. Bai Yin had shut the passageway.

Lin Wan opened her eyes. The bookshelf now showed no trace of anything unusual.

She let out a sigh of relief.

Picking out a few books, Lin Wan sat down beside Bai Yin and began reading. Bai Yin, who usually loved to read, seemed too exhausted from her medical check-up today. Instead, she rested her elbow on the table, half-dozing, and chatted idly with Lin Wan.

“Have you discussed the shopfront with your family?”

“Yes!” Lin Wan answered enthusiastically. “My uncle agreed with me renting the first shopfront. I’ve leased it for three years.”

Bai Yin didn’t respond immediately. After a while, she spoke again, her tone hesitant. “If you do make money, do you really plan to support me?”

“Of course!” Lin Wan laughed. “I might not be able to support others, but someone with a bird’s appetite like you. I could handle ten of you!”

“I’m not as weak as you think.”

Bai Yin seemed a little displeased, shooting Lin Wan a glare and pursing her lips. “Also, supporting just me is enough. You can’t support ten!”

“Alright, alright!”

Lin Wan naturally had to humor the delicate young lady. “I’ll only support you, but you have to eat more.”

Bai Yin gave her a sidelong glance and said nothing more.

Before long, Sister Zhang brought up some porridge.

To her surprise, the young lady, who usually ate very little, actually finished a whole bowl of porridge and an egg this time!

What’s more, after quickly finishing her meal, Bai Yin lifted her proud chin and cast a faintly smug look at Lin Wan, who sat across from her, clumsily nursing her fingers and slowly sipping her porridge.

“Tsk!”

“Wan Wan eats so slowly!”