Chapter Ninety-Seven: It Could Never Be Again

I’m still too young to think about those things, Lin Sangqian said.

Her body was only ten years old.

Besides, all she wanted now was to make money.

In her previous life, she had already reached twenty-five without ever having been in love. Now that she was only ten, there was even less reason to hurry.

After resting for a while, Lin Sangqian prepared to leave.

She also wanted to go see the lovely older lady who had bought the sachet earlier.

And, while she was at it, she could promote Liao Shuxia’s embroidery once more.

The more Lin Sangqian thought about it, the happier she became.

She rose to her feet and took her leave. The people in the kitchen were still a little reluctant to let her go, and warmly urged her to come again next time.

After greeting them, Lin Sangqian left.

She had been here once before and roughly remembered the way. After asking a maid in the household for directions, she soon found Kang Ya’s courtyard.

The maid at Kang Ya’s side still remembered her. Seeing her return, she was a little surprised. Little girl, why have you come again?

I came to see the pretty older sister, Lin Sangqian said. Is she here?

She is. Wait here while I go in and inform her.

After saying that, the maid was about to turn away, but after hesitating for a moment she added, My lady is not in a very good mood. Be careful what you say later.

What happened to her? Lin Sangqian asked in confusion.

It’s hard to say. In any case, talk about cheerful things.

All right, I understand.

The maid went into the room, then soon came out again with a smile. My lady invites you inside.

Lin Sangqian walked in, and the moment she entered, the heavy scent of incense nearly made her dizzy.

Why is the incense so strong? she asked softly, covering her nose.

The maid replied in a low voice, My lady heard this kind of incense can improve one’s mood, so she asked us to burn more of it.

Lin Sangqian: …

Just how bad did her mood have to be for this?

She felt dizzy and dazed for quite a while before gradually adjusting. Walking farther in, she saw Kang Ya listlessly reclining on a beauty couch. Only when she noticed Lin Sangqian did she manage a faint smile.

Little girl, you’re here.

Lin Sangqian went to her side and sat down, then gave a playful smile. It’s been so long since we last met. Has the pretty older sister missed me?

Of course I have. Kang Ya tapped her on the nose. You’re so adorable. Who wouldn’t miss you?

Then why doesn’t the pretty older sister ever come looking for me? Lin Sangqian pouted on purpose.

Kang Ya couldn’t help pinching her cheek. You didn’t tell me where to find you the last time you came. How was I supposed to look for you?

That was true.

She had actually forgotten to tell Kang Ya where to find her last time.

Wasn’t that just foolish of her?

Lin Sangqian slapped her forehead in great annoyance.

Alas, Kang Ya sighed. And lately I haven’t had any desire to go out either.

Lin Sangqian had meant to cheer her up, but seeing this, she had no choice but to ask, Pretty older sister, what is troubling you lately?

Kang Ya was just about to speak when she saw two maids still standing nearby, and said, You all may go down.

Yes.

The two maids left and even closed the door behind them.

Only Kang Ya and Lin Sangqian remained in the room.

Kang Ya took Lin Sangqian’s hand and said, Little girl, the first time I saw you, I felt we were kindred spirits. And you’re very clever, so what I tell you in confidence won’t be shared with anyone else, will it?

Of course not, Lin Sangqian said. Don’t worry, I’m very tight-lipped.

Kang Ya said, Last time, the sachet your mother embroidered for me was beautiful. But that lovely sachet, he refused to accept it.

At this, Lin Sangqian instantly understood.

The two sachets Kang Ya had ordered last time both bore patterns symbolizing love.

Lin Sangqian had only been thinking about making money, so she had not given it much thought before. Now that she did, Kang Ya must have intended to give the sachet to the man she loved.

And from the looks of it now, she had clearly been rejected.

Pretty older sister, don’t be sad, Lin Sangqian comforted her. You’re so beautiful. That man must simply have poor eyesight to refuse your sachet. He’ll regret it sooner or later.

No, he… my relationship with him is not that simple, Kang Ya murmured.

Lin Sangqian wondered if the person Kang Ya admired was Yu Jingxiao or Guan Yanqing.

So what exactly was their relationship?

We should probably never have a chance, Kang Ya said with a bitter smile, tears glimmering faintly at the corners of her eyes.

Lin Sangqian thought for a moment, then said, Pretty older sister, I understand. Once you truly like someone, it’s very hard to let go.

Kang Ya nodded.

So now, you have two choices. You can never let him go and spend your whole life in pain. Or you can try slowly to forget him and begin your life anew.

Begin anew?

Yes, begin anew. It’s difficult, but if you don’t even try, then you can only live in pain for the rest of your life.

Kang Ya fell silent for a while, then laughed.

You’re not going to ask me who I like?

Lin Sangqian hurriedly waved her hand. That’s someone else’s private matter. How could I ask so casually?

You, and that’s exactly why I like you, Kang Ya said, still holding her hand. Sometimes I really wonder whether you’re truly a ten-year-old girl.

I… will be eleven soon, Lin Sangqian said solemnly.

Kang Ya was truly amused by her this time.

All right, enough about me. Has your mother made any other embroidery pieces lately? Kang Ya asked. Since love isn’t going well, surely I’m still allowed to spend money?

Lin Sangqian thought to herself that, as expected, from ancient times to the present, when women are in a bad mood, they like to shop.

Luckily, she had come prepared. She immediately took two handkerchiefs from her chest.

These were embroidered by my mother too. Please take a look, pretty older sister, Lin Sangqian promoted them earnestly. The embroidery on them is no worse than the sachet you bought last time.

Mm. Kang Ya was indeed pleased. I’ll give you ten taels of silver and buy them.

Wait, pretty older sister, you absolutely can’t give me that much again, Lin Sangqian said, rubbing her hands together. I’d feel guilty.

She liked money and wanted to get rich, but she couldn’t keep ripping off the same person over and over.

Did you forget what I said last time? Kang Ya said. As long as it’s something I like, any amount of money is worth it.

I know you’re rich and indulgent, but you’re in a bad mood today, aren’t you? These two handkerchiefs are my gift to you, Lin Sangqian said.

How could I possibly accept that?

If you really feel embarrassed, then remember to help promote my mother’s work, Lin Sangqian said with a smile. If you want to find me, just go to McCken Fried Chicken, or leave a message for me at Fuman Tavern.

McCken Fried Chicken? Kang Ya froze. You mean that newly opened shop selling chicken… fried chicken? It belongs to your family?

Yes. Lin Sangqian sounded quite proud. I made the fried chicken myself.

Really? I even had someone buy some before. It was very delicious, Kang Ya said.

At that moment, the light in her eyes dimmed again. He… liked it very much too.