Chapter Thirty-Seven: Not This Miss Lin

"I don't know," Lai Ruyu replied, bewildered. "I've never seen it before. It probably doesn't belong to anyone from our village, does it?"

Although this carriage was neither particularly grand nor large, in Shuangji Village, anyone who owned such a carriage was considered wealthy.

"Come, let's go over and take a look," Lai Rufang said, taking her by the hand and leading her forward.

Their plan was to pretend they were merely passing by, hoping to steal a glance at the carriage. Unexpectedly, as the carriage drew alongside them, it came to a stop.

The coachman held the reins and asked, "Ladies, may I ask, do you know which household Miss Lin belongs to?"

Miss Lin?

Lai Ruyu and Lai Rufang exchanged surprised glances. In Shuangji Village, the only Lin family was Lai Ruyu’s husband's household.

These people in the carriage were looking for Miss Lin—could it be...

Lai Ruyu’s eyes widened in delight.

Could they be here for Lin Shuimei?

Had her daughter perhaps attracted the attention of some wealthy individual during her recent trip to town?

She had always known her girl would make something of herself!

If she became the mother-in-law to a rich man, she would have everything she ever wanted! The whole family could move to town, leave behind the drudgery of Shuangji Village, and she could visit her son at the academy whenever she pleased.

The more Lai Ruyu thought about it, the happier she became.

"Do you know?" the coachman asked patiently.

"Of course I do!" Lai Ruyu exclaimed, her spirits high. "If you're looking for Miss Lin, you’ve asked the right person! Come, I'll take you there!"

The coachman smiled and turned to the carriage, saying, "Master Qin, this lady knows Miss Lin."

At that moment, the carriage curtain lifted, and Qin Zhengde looked at Lai Ruyu, speaking politely, "Then may I trouble you to lead us? Once we arrive, I shall thank you properly."

Lai Ruyu was taken aback.

This man looked so old—surely older than her husband?

What was Lin Shuimei thinking?

Still, as long as he was wealthy, age didn’t matter. Older men were more considerate, after all!

"Follow me, then."

Lai Ruyu headed home, the coachman guiding the carriage at a slow pace behind her.

Lai Rufang clung warmly to her arm, whispering, "Sister, is this the wealthy acquaintance my niece Shuimei met? Oh, our girl is truly remarkable! If she becomes a rich lady, don’t forget me!"

"Don’t worry, you’re my own sister. How could I forget you?" Lai Ruyu said, her chin lifted with pride.

On the way, several villagers passed by. Seeing the carriage trailing behind her, they were envious.

"Sister-in-law Lin, you have guests!" someone called.

"Of course," Lai Ruyu replied, delighted. "They're here for my Shuimei!"

"Impressive!" someone else said, admiration in their voice.

A few idle villagers even followed them, hoping to witness some excitement.

Lai Ruyu’s sense of pride grew.

Qin Zhengde waited in the carriage, realizing this lady was from the Lin family.

Shuimei? So Miss Lin’s name was Shuimei?

Upon arriving home, Lai Ruyu eagerly called out, "Shuimei, we have guests! They're here for you!"

Feeling the envious gazes of those who had followed her, Lai Ruyu was filled with satisfaction.

Lin Shuimei was reluctantly washing dishes at home. Hearing someone was looking for her, she paused. "Who is it?"

She wiped her hands and left the kitchen for the courtyard.

Qin Zhengde had just alighted at the gate. Seeing Lin Shuimei come out, Lai Ruyu hurried to explain, "It’s this gentleman. He says he’s here for you!"

Lin Shuimei looked at Qin Zhengde, utterly confused.

Who was this man? She’d never seen him before.

Still... he had arrived by carriage and his clothes suggested he was wealthy.

Could he have seen her in town, fallen in love at first sight, and tracked her down?

She quickly tidied her hair, then walked over sweetly, "Sir, are you looking for me?"

Qin Zhengde was startled. "You are..."

"Aren’t you looking for Miss Lin? That’s her!" Lai Ruyu urged. "You’re here for her, aren’t you?"

"Madam, I believe there’s been a misunderstanding," Qin Zhengde said awkwardly. "The Miss Lin I seek is not this young lady—I have never met her before."

Lin Shuimei’s expression changed.

Lai Ruyu’s heart sank.

So, they weren’t here for her Shuimei!

She hadn’t attracted a wealthy suitor after all!

Her dream of becoming a rich man’s mother-in-law was shattered!

"Sister-in-law Lin, so they’re not your relatives?" someone said, gloating. "They’re not here for Lin Shuimei—they don’t even know her!"

At that, Lin Shuimei’s face turned crimson. She wished the earth would swallow her whole.

She had been presumptuous!

"Look again!" Lai Ruyu pleaded with Qin Zhengde. "Not her? If it’s not her, who else could it be? Which Miss Lin is there?"

The second son’s family did have a daughter, but she was only five years old. Aside from Lin Shuimei, who else...

A name flashed in her mind, and Lai Ruyu’s face changed.

Could it be Lin Sangqian?

How could it possibly be her?

She hadn’t even thought of Lin Sangqian—such a pitiful girl surely couldn’t know any wealthy people!

But now...

"It’s really not her," Qin Zhengde said helplessly. "The Miss Lin I’m looking for is only ten years old this year."

At these words, Lai Ruyu’s mind buzzed.

It really was that wretched Lin Sangqian!

Lin Shuimei realized it too. Her face went from red to pale, as white as paper.

How could Lin Sangqian know someone so wealthy?

Jealousy burned in Lin Shuimei’s heart, threatening to consume her.

Just then, one of the onlookers said, "You’re looking for a ten-year-old Miss Lin? That must be the girl from Old Third Lin’s house."

"You know her?" Qin Zhengde asked eagerly.

"Of course, we’re all from the same village. Come, I’ll take you to Old Third Lin’s house."

Qin Zhengde immediately followed, not bothering with the carriage, instructing the coachman to move it to the roadside.

The crowd followed, heading toward Lin Hongda’s house. Lai Ruyu and Lin Sangqian exchanged glances and, as if by mutual agreement, joined the group.

They still held a sliver of hope—perhaps this wealthy man wasn’t really looking for Lin Sangqian. Maybe he meant someone from another village and was simply confused.

When the crowd reached Lin Hongda’s doorstep, Lin Sangqian happened to return from Aunt Wu’s house.

Seeing her, Qin Zhengde walked up immediately, delighted, "Miss Lin, at last I’ve found you!"