Transmigrated as Jane’s Ghostly Godmother - Chapter 38

Chapter 38: Home, Family, and the Future — Uncle to Adopt Jane as His Daughter…

The carriage heading back to the villa traveled smoothly through the night. The rhythmic sound of wheels rolling over the gravel path, intertwined with the crisp clip-clop of hooves, formed the only background music in this private space. Inside the cabin, a small oil lamp emitted a warm glow, enveloping the uncle and niece in a soft, amber halo.

Mr. Lint?

Jane felt a brief flicker of confusion. She repeated the name in her mind several times before belatedly realizing it must be Lin Zhao’s alias for the outside world. Her uncle had addressed her by that name just moments ago.

With the identity settled, she pondered the question itself: How did I come to be acquainted with her?

As she searched her memory, the first thing that came to mind was a face suddenly appearing outside a window amidst a terrifying thunderclap. Even though her relationship with Lin Zhao had improved significantly, that initial moment of meeting was still far too frightening. She couldn’t help but blurt out:

“A sudden ghost…”

The moment the words left her mouth, Jane’s eyes widened. She resisted the urge to cover her lips and watched her uncle’s expression nervously. She was frantically thinking of how to talk her way out of such a nonsensical statement—but to her surprise, her uncle paused for a second and then revealed a knowing smile.

“Mr. Lint’s nature is quite unique; that is indeed an apt way to describe him.” He spoke with deep meaning, following her lead with a follow-up question: “Did he do anything to make you uncomfortable?” Although John Eyre already fundamentally believed Lint’s account, he did not forget to confirm the details with the person involved.

Is the level of acceptance among adults really this high? Jane didn’t have time to overthink the deeper meaning behind her uncle’s words; her attention was fully captured by the second half of his sentence.

“No, he… he treats me very well. It was also thanks to his help that Mrs. Reed sent me to Whalewood instead of some other school.” She nodded firmly as she spoke, trying to make her answer more credible.

Seeing his niece’s eyes shining with the eagerness to defend her friend, John Eyre’s last bit of lingering concern regarding “Lint” vanished into thin air.

“It seems Mr. Lint has indeed put in a great deal of effort,” he said. Then, remembering another person who had “effort” in this matter, his brow furrowed slightly. “Mmh, and then there’s the Harrison matter. You came here with their family, correct?”

Jane nodded instinctively. She looked down at the dress she was wearing, and her gaze couldn’t help but linger for a few seconds. Naturally, Uncle Eyre noticed. His mustache twitched, hiding his look of displeasure: “…I will send someone to settle those expenses clearly. Child, adult matters are complicated; you needn’t overthink it. Just know that from now on, I will provide you with more suitable clothing. You will never again have to be at the mercy of others.”

She looked up suddenly at his words, her eyes wide as she blinked several times. A subtle shock washed over her. Is this the level of similarity between relatives? Jane herself had been thinking that once she earned money in the future, she would definitely repay the kindness she had received from the Harrisons. She hadn’t expected her uncle to perceive these thoughts without her saying a word—or rather, that he shared the same inner convictions.

“Jane,” John Eyre steered the topic toward the future. His voice grew gentle, and the wrinkles around his eyes became more pronounced due to a hint of tension. “There is one more thing. Since we have found each other, would you like to stay here? If you are willing, the Grapevine Villa will be your home from now on.”

Jane blinked. Rather than the sentiment of the words themselves, she first thought of when they were dancing and Lin Zhao had smilingly mentioned “staying” and a reserved “surprise.” She realized now that the surprise referred exactly to her uncle’s arrangement.

“How about it? Is it a big surprise?” If Lin Zhao were here, she would probably ask with a beaming smile. And Jane would nod back with immense excitement.

In front of her, her uncle was still waiting expectantly for her answer. Jane quickly sat up straight from her wandering imagination. Without a doubt, she would be very happy to stay here and live with a true relative. But before she could agree without hesitation, several things flashed before her eyes.

She thought of how Lin Zhao always urged her to think for herself and make her own choices. She also thought of what she had seen at the Harrisons’: Eleanor was like a fine piece of merchandise, nearly having her fate decided for her; while Miss Constance was able to stand tall in the eyes of the world thanks to her own career. Rather than always being passively pushed to do something, she began to want to take a more active role in considering her own future.

She looked up and met her uncle’s expectant gaze, asking a question that took him completely by surprise.

“Uncle,” her voice was not loud, but exceptionally firm, “can I learn the skills to make a living here? Can I learn the skills to live independently without being reliant on anyone?”

The smile on John Eyre’s face froze for a moment, replaced by a deep astonishment. He carefully studied this niece before him—her frame was still somewhat slight, but her eyes were incredibly resilient. That astonishment soon melted into a heartfelt, satisfied smile mixed with admiration and pride.

“Jane, you needn’t worry about that,” he said solemnly. “I have decided to adopt you as my daughter. My business, my experience—as long as you have the will to learn, I will pass them on to you without reservation.”

“So, are you willing to stay here now?”

An adopted daughter? Jane hadn’t expected to hear such a promise. She was momentarily speechless, simply staring at her uncle in a daze. A stable home, a true relative, and a bright future within reach. This was almost everything Jane hadn’t dared to hope for in her dreams. And now, it was all within her grasp.

“I am very willing to stay here. I look forward immensely to living with you, a true relative…” Her answer flowed from her lips without needing thought. “But, I also hope to properly complete my studies for the coming year. I have already secured a stipend for my schooling.”

Her uncle’s features relaxed, and a light of admiration sparked in his eyes.

“Yes, Mr. Lint already told me about that. I am proud of you, Jane.” He nodded with relief, then shifted the conversation to arrange things clearly. “Since you have decided to finish this year of study, returning with the Harrisons is indeed the most secure arrangement for now. I will send you back two days early.”

“Before you return, I have a few days to get you some things you’ll need for the new school year. As for next year, study with peace of mind. By then, I will have everything arranged here and will personally go to England to bring you home.”

Jane thought of her friends and the uncertainty she had felt over the past week. Everything was moving in a brand-new direction tonight. Her gaze toward her uncle was filled with intense gratitude: “Thank you, Uncle.”

Then, she planned her path with clear logic: “I hope to come to Madeira to receive your tutelage after I enter the upper grades. But before that, I want to learn some upper-grade knowledge ahead of time at school to prepare for the future. For this, I might need your help to speak with Madam Victor.”

“Of course, that is no problem at all,” John Eyre readily agreed. He looked at Jane’s eyes, shining with excitement and aspiration, and couldn’t help but sigh from the bottom of his heart: “After speaking deeply with you tonight, I completely believe in Mr. Lint’s concern for you—perhaps it truly is pure. He likely saw your extraordinary qualities long ago, like seeing a piece of unpolished jade and being unable to bear seeing it covered in dust.”

As he spoke, he took an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Jane. “This is the letter he wrote to me. I think you should see it.”

Jane took the letter. The quality of the envelope was excellent, and the wax seal had been neatly opened. She pulled out the paper and unfolded it—the familiar, elegant, and strong handwriting came into view under the flickering light. The letter was not long, but the words were filled with a sincere weight that was beyond expression.

I sincerely implore you to do everything a relative can do with all your heart.

Give her thorough protection and unreserved love to make up for the deficiencies of her past years.

Please hire good teachers for her and grant her knowledge; even more, I hope you can become a mentor in her life, personally teaching her the ways of business and the wisdom and skills sufficient for her to establish herself in the world.

Miss Eyre is naturally intelligent and possesses an inner resilience, but unfortunately, her past experiences have prevented this unpolished jade from receiving the carving and guidance she deserves. I firmly believe that with your character and vision, you will surely guide her growth. To this end, I urge you to lead by example and become a role model she can trust and look up to.

Jane was so familiar with that handwriting. Over the past six months, Lin Zhao had written many notes of advice for her, not to mention those clearly outlined plans when major events occurred. She still remembered when she first started classes; Lin Zhao had accompanied her to listen and had practiced daily writing with her.

“Didn’t you say you already learned my language?” she had been very cautious back then, wondering if this was some way of monitoring her.

Lin Zhao had been frank: “The best way to learn a language is to immerse oneself in the environment. My ten-plus years of study might not even compare to six months of attending classes here with you.” And it was true; by now, Lin Zhao’s pronunciation and vocabulary were much more fluent than at the beginning.

Jane returned from her memories and noticed some common vocabulary errors they had corrected together within this letter; she couldn’t help but smile knowingly. That hidden smile soon turned into a faint layer of melancholy.

“Do everything a relative can do with all your heart.” Her gaze was fixed on this sentence, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Hadn’t what Lin Zhao done for her been with all her heart as well?

If the prerequisite for such devotion was kinship, then why had Lin Zhao gone to such lengths? They weren’t relatives; the differences were vast enough to see from their appearances and habits. And that story about the “Fairy Godmother” seemed increasingly hard to believe. It wasn’t that she doubted Lin Zhao’s feelings for her, but rather, she always felt that the emotions occasionally contained in the other’s gaze far exceeded the investment needed to fulfill a so-called mission.

She looked at her, yet Jane didn’t know where those eyes were really looking.

Go home.

Jane’s heart skipped a beat, thinking again of that fatal ending. Yes, everyone ultimately longs to go home. Even she, who did not consider Gateshead home and was technically a person without one, could understand that yearning. She searched for her relatives and longed to meet her uncle—wasn’t that also for a sense of belonging? A connection in this vast world where she could land on the ground and feel that her life was closely tied to something.

When she met her uncle, under the intense emotional impact, she had the illusion of turning into a ghost and floating away. For Lin Zhao, was that light, floating feeling a daily occurrence?

She longs to go home, doesn’t she?

Jane clutched the paper, and now she couldn’t see the words on it clearly at all.

“Jane, what’s wrong?” Her uncle’s worried voice rang in her ear, followed immediately by a handkerchief offered to her. Only then did she realize she had started crying again without knowing it.

What was wrong with her? She didn’t know. More than anyone, she wanted to figure out why this gloom surged whenever she thought of Lin Zhao lately.

“It’s nothing, Uncle. I think I am just deeply moved by everything I learned tonight. I hope I can live up to the trust you and this gentleman have placed in me and become an outstanding person.” Her thoughts were many, and once the tears started, she couldn’t stop them.

Her uncle said nothing, simply patting her shoulder gently. The carriage came to a slow stop then. He looked out the window and said warmly, “We’re here.”

Jane wiped the handkerchief across her face and peeked outside. What met her eyes was a mansion with white walls and red tiles. Grapevine Villa boasted the best view overlooking the entire bay, surrounded by tiers of terraced vineyards. A respectful doorman was already standing outside the carriage.

“Welcome back to the villa, Mr. Eyre.” After bowing, he saw the young girl following the master out of the carriage. His eyes lit up with a spark of relief as he quickly added, “Welcome to the villa, Miss Eyre.”

Jane nodded somewhat awkwardly. She followed Uncle Eyre inside, unable to stop looking around. The landscape here was completely different from Ashford. Above the open doorway, a warm orange light glowed, casting a long path of light. As she stepped onto it, her nose caught the scent of incredibly sweet and charming grapes permeating the air.

She felt that weightless sensation of floating again. Fortunately, after entering the villa, Uncle Eyre instructed someone to take her to her room, saying it was late and she should rest well, and didn’t talk further.

“Miss Eyre, this way please.” A silver-haired elderly woman, meticulously groomed, stepped forward. She wore a kind smile refined by time, and her gaze fell gently upon Jane. She was the housekeeper of the villa, Mrs. Alves.

Jane followed her down a hallway covered in thick carpets, and even her footsteps became soft. “We have been looking forward to your arrival, Miss,” Mrs. Alves’ voice was like her person—warm and comforting. “The Master was giving instructions some days ago to prepare the room with the best sunlight in the manor for you.”

Jane felt a warmth in her heart and whispered a thank you. Mrs. Alves led the way, yet seemed able to sense the girl’s awkwardness behind her. She slowed her pace, turned slightly, and looked at Jane with a smiling, scrutinizing gaze, saying softly: “Forgive my intrusion… but the moment I saw you, I knew you must be Mr. Eyre’s relative.”

Jane looked up, somewhat surprised. “Is that so?”

“Yes.” The old housekeeper nodded firmly, a light of wisdom shining in her eyes. “The way you walk is similar; no matter the time, your back is held straight. And those eyes… they shine with the same determined and bright light.”

Jane was stunned. No one had ever described her that way. People would call her stubborn, or gloomy, or plain-looking. Only this elderly woman she had met for the first time looked through her humble exterior and saw the bit of unyielding inner self she was proud of—and relied on for survival—and viewed it as a shining quality linked to her family bloodline.

A huge warm current surged from the bottom of her heart, instantly dispelling all her unease and sense of strangeness. Her eyes grew moist, and she said softly and sincerely once more, “Thank you.”

Mrs. Alves smiled and led her to a door, pushing it open. “We’re here, Miss. Rest well; tomorrow will be a new day.”

It was a warm and clean room. The bed, smelling of soap and sunlight, was neatly made, and the window faced the bay bathed in moonlight. After a brief wash, Jane lay on the incredibly soft bed, hands clasped over her stomach, quietly staring at the unfamiliar ceiling carved with exquisite patterns. Her uncle’s acceptance, the housekeeper’s kindness, Lin Zhao’s letter, and the promise of being an “adopted daughter”… everything that happened tonight felt like a dream too beautiful to wake up from.

As she recalled the events of this period, she couldn’t help but worry about the ghost who wasn’t here. “I wonder how things are on Lin Zhao’s end?”

Amidst these murmurs, drowsiness gradually climbed over her eyelids, and everything before her began to blur. Before losing consciousness completely, Jane knew that she wouldn’t see Lin Zhao tonight. But perhaps because she was thinking so much about her, she had a long-awaited dream about the other person.

“Jane, tell me, what is home?” Those eyes looking at her were gray and even dimmer than the last time she saw them.

No matter what kind of ecstasy she had experienced before sleeping, the moment Jane saw Lin Zhao, her heart sank. She noticed the incredibly prominent bruise on the other’s face at a single glance.