The Female Lead is Quite Unusual - Episode 4

Lin Wan never expected that a tiny hairpin would lead her straight to Bai Yin.

The hairpin was intricately crafted, delicate and charming, though perhaps a bit too youthful for an adult. It must have belonged to a little girl.

Lin Wan guessed it was probably a gift from one of the maids working at the villa for her daughter.

After some thought, she decided to take it to the butler, Mr. Zhao, to help find its owner and also to subtly gauge his attitude toward her, to figure out the current situation.

But the moment Lin Wan showed the hairpin to Mr. Zhao, the usually stern butler’s eyes widened dramatically, startling her.

“This is perfect! The young lady has been desperately looking for this hairpin. It’s a keepsake left to her by her late mother.”

As he spoke, Mr. Zhao seemed to really notice Lin Wan for the first time, studying her carefully.

“You seem to be around the same age as the young lady.” Mr. Zhao mused, then began asking Lin Wan about her background.

What was going on?

Mr. Zhao’s attitude was strange, and Lin Wan couldn’t quite grasp his intentions. Deciding to play it safe, she mimicked the timid demeanor of the original owner of this body, lowering her head and answering his questions honestly.

Once the questioning was over, Mr. Zhao dismissed her.

By evening, however, he sought her out again, getting straight to the point.

“The young lady keeps to herself these days and rarely speaks. The rest of us are older and sometimes struggle to understand the thoughts of young people like you. Perhaps you’d get along better.”

“I’ve spoken with the young lady, and she’s agreed to have someone dedicated to accompanying and caring for her. Since you’re close in age, how about you take on this role?”

“You’ll have a one-month trial period. If the young lady accepts you, you can continue.”

……

Lin Wan’s eyes widened. She hadn’t even processed it yet. It was like stumbling upon a pillow just as she was about to fall asleep. She never imagined she’d have such incredible luck!

This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Once the shock wore off, Lin Wan immediately agreed.

Since she was still recovering from a cold, Mr. Zhao gave her two more days to rest before moving her to the second floor, into a guest room at the far end of Bai Yin’s wing.

The room was bathed in sunlight. When Lin Wan moved in, the floor-to-ceiling windows cast golden evening light across the floor, and the view outside was expansive far better than the damp, chilly room she’d been in before.

Only then did the reality of the situation sink in. She collapsed onto the bed, rolling around happily.

That night, Lin Wan slept soundly, filled with confidence before drifting off. It was like a breakthrough in a long-studied research topic. Even if it still felt surreal, she was determined to seize this opportunity!

Lin Wan woke up early the next day. After all, it was her first official day as Bai Yin’s companion.

The job didn’t have strict requirements. Lin Wan understood perfectly: while it was framed as “companionship,” Bai Yin already had professionals handling every aspect of her care. Lin Wan’s real job was to provide emotional support to make Bai Yin happy.

The problem was, Lin Wan had no idea how to make Bai Yin happy.

This wasn’t a permanent position, just a one-month trial. If Bai Yin wasn’t satisfied, Mr. Zhao wouldn’t hesitate to replace her.

After some thought, Lin Wan decided to observe Bai Yin’s habits first and adapt accordingly.

Mr. Zhao had said not to disturb Bai Yin before 9 a.m. Since it was still early, Lin Wan went to the kitchen as usual to help Sister Zhang with breakfast.

Walking down the hallway, she noticed several new surveillance cameras. Assuming they were for Bai Yin’s safety, she didn’t dwell on it.

Sister Zhang was pleasantly surprised to see Lin Wan still helping out despite her new role and treated her even more warmly.

“Don’t be nervous,” Sister Zhang said as she packed breakfast. As the clock neared nine, she carried the tray with Lin Wan to Bai Yin’s door. “The young lady doesn’t talk much and prefers quiet. When she’s not doing anything, she just… well, aside from being a bit picky, she’s actually easy to get along with.”

Right at nine, Bai Yin opened the door from inside.

She wore a simple white cotton dress, seated in a wheelchair.

Her hair was stunning; jet-black and cascading over her shoulders. She had just washed her face, and tiny droplets still clung to her lashes. Her skin was pale, her brows like willow leaves with a delicate arch, and her lips naturally rosy. Even without makeup, her beauty was breathtaking.

Sister Zhang nudged Lin Wan’s arm.

Snapping out of it, Lin Wan introduced herself softly, “Miss, I’m Lin Wan, your new caretaker.”

Bai Yin gave a quiet “Mm,” glanced at her, then looked away, maneuvering her wheelchair aside.

True to Sister Zhang’s words, Bai Yin barely spoke.

Lin Wan had initially felt guilty facing her. The victim of her past actions but Bai Yin’s demeanor put her at ease.

Sister Zhang carried the food into the room.

Bai Yin’s room had a cold color scheme, dominated by a massive bookshelf and dark-toned furniture.

Lin Wan instinctively stepped behind Bai Yin, pushing the wheelchair to the dining table.

Bai Yin lifted her gaze again, studying Lin Wan. This time lingering on the gloves she wore before looking away.

Sister Zhang set out the breakfast, then stood aside with Lin Wan.

Though Lin Wan had cooked for Bai Yin many times before, this was the first time she’d actually seen her eat.

Bai Yin’s table manners were impeccable; back straight, chewing quietly, not a single clink of utensils against the plate.

There was a rhythmic grace to her movements, but Lin Wan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Bai Yin ate like a machine refueling. No hint of preference or enjoyment.

This time, Lin Wan had prepared a mushroom soup—rich, fragrant, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Bai Yin drank half a bowl of plain porridge before finally picking up the spoon to taste the soup.

As usual, she took one sip and set it down.

“Too bland.”

After that brief critique, she dabbed her lips with a napkin.

“Won’t you eat a bit more, Miss?” Sister Zhang asked.

Bai Yin shook her head, and Sister Zhang quietly cleared the dishes before leaving.

Even knowing Bai Yin was picky, seeing it firsthand still surprised Lin Wan.

She lowered her eyes, mentally adjusting the salt measurements for next time, unaware that Bai Yin was watching her again.

As soon as Sister Zhang left, Mr. Zhao entered with the family doctor for Bai Yin’s checkup.

Lin Wan wanted to stay and listen, but Mr. Zhao stopped her. “Lin Wan, the young lady prefers privacy during examinations. Wait outside with me.”

Glancing at Bai Yin’s lowered head, Lin Wan had no choice but to comply.

Contrary to the original owner’s impression, Mr. Zhao wasn’t as stern as she’d thought. To pass the time, he struck up a conversation. Mostly him asking, Lin Wan answering.

When he learned that Lin Wan’s mother had passed early and she’d been raised by uncles, his expression shifted. He sighed, his smile fading. “I didn’t realize you and the young lady share similar hardships.”

“Ah, if only the madam had.”

He didn’t finish, but Lin Wan knew what he meant. Bai Yin’s parents were a classic case of a wealthy heiress and a social-climbing man. The heiress had cut ties with her family for love, only for the man to use her wealth to build his empire then neglect her for a mistress.

Now, the legitimate daughter was exiled to this villa while the mistress’s child enjoyed the family’s fortune.

Lin Wan stayed silent. Some things were better left unsaid.

Soon, the door opened again, and Mr. Zhao hurried to meet the doctor.

“Miss Bai’s health has improved, but she’s still very weak. She needs careful nurturing.”

As Mr. Zhao and the doctor walked off discussing Bai Yin’s condition, Lin Wan re-entered the room and closed the door.

Despite the bright sunlight outside, the curtains were drawn, and the lights were on.

Bai Yin sat in a corner, absorbed in a book.

Every movement was like a painting. Not wanting to disturb her, Lin Wan tiptoed behind her, struck by a sudden thought. Bai Yin, in the prime of her youth, seemed like a rose on the verge of withering.

Sighing inwardly, Lin Wan pulled up a chair, took out her notebook, and began refining the mushroom soup recipe, careful not to make noise.

She worked intently, finishing quickly.

Relieved, she closed the notebook. Only to realize Bai Yin was staring at it.

“It’s just some recipe notes,” Lin Wan explained with an embarrassed smile, quickly tucking it away. “The soup you said was too bland this morning. I made that.”

Noticing it was almost lunchtime, she added, “Miss, may I go help Sister Zhang with lunch?”

Bai Yin truly wasn’t one for words. She pressed her lips together, gave a quiet “Mm,” and went back to reading.

Lin Wan helped in the kitchen, wolfed down a quick meal downstairs, then changed clothes to avoid carrying kitchen smells back to Bai Yin’s room.

By the time she returned, Bai Yin had finished eating. Sister Zhang, carrying the leftovers, whispered excitedly, “Xiao Wan, the young lady said the soup was a bit fishy this time but she drank two more spoonfuls than usual!”

Lin Wan’s eyes widened. Though disappointed she hadn’t seen it herself, she was thrilled. She couldn’t resist stealing a few more glances at Bai Yin.

Bai Yin had returned to her book.

Seeing the cover, Lin Wan was puzzled. Wasn’t Bai Yin studying acting? Why was she reading economics?

Was she really that bored?

……

Perhaps Lin Wan’s stare was too obvious. Bai Yin looked up.

Flustered, Lin Wan smiled and looked away.

She pulled out her notebook again, jotting down more recipes until boredom set in. She usually napped in the afternoons, and soon, drowsiness crept in.

“Miss, I’m going to take a quick nap. Just call if you need anything,” she murmured, yawning.

Bai Yin nodded, and Lin Wan leaned against the wall, drifting off.

She’d always slept like this during exhausting lab sessions—quiet and still, never disturbing anyone.

But while she didn’t make a sound, something in her pocket slipped out and hit the floor with a soft thud.

Bai Yin looked up.

Silently, she wheeled closer, her gaze lingering on Lin Wan’s sleeping face before dropping to the floor.

There, splayed open on the notebook’s first page, was the title:

“The Spoiled Young Miss Feeding Guide.”

Bai Yin pressed her lips together, narrowing her eyes.