Chapter 101: Revealing One's True Intentions

Soon, after a round of polite inquiries and warm greetings, Tian Ming finally freed himself from the persistent attentions of Chu’s father and mother and made his way to the room of the unfortunate Chu Yun. Accompanying him was Chu Yun’s maid, Xiao Ying—how Tian Ming knew her name was from the way Chu’s mother had addressed her.

“Maid, give me a massage...” At that moment, Tian Ming was lying on the bed, not even glancing back as he called out.

“Yes, young master!” Hearing this, Xiao Ying quickly put down her work and obediently responded, swiftly moving to Tian Ming’s side. Her cool, tender hands began to rub his back, skillfully pressing on various acupoints with precise control—every movement deliberate, without a trace of excess.

Her technique was exceedingly practiced, as though born of natural talent.

“Ah... this feels incredible!” Tian Ming, immersed in the sensation, was utterly delighted—an exquisite pleasure of contrasts, like fire and ice. He had never before enjoyed such a service, especially from a woman, which made it all the more precious.

Reflecting on this, Tian Ming couldn’t help but marvel at the importance of one’s origins. Though effort mattered greatly in the long run, some innate gifts were beyond the reach of a lifetime of toil. After all, if effort alone sufficed, the notion of genius would be meaningless.

“...Xiao Ying?” Sighing softly, Tian Ming reached back to grasp one of her small, jade-like hands, slightly flawed yet exquisite. At the same time, he opened his deep, penetrating eyes.

“Ah! Young master, did I hurt you?” Startled from her reverie, Xiao Ying exclaimed, then lowered her head in sorrow.

“No, no, your massage is excellent—I like it so much I can hardly express it!” Turning around, Tian Ming smiled kindly. Yet the maid’s reaction stirred in him a subtle, indefinable feeling. He wondered what ordeals she had suffered while serving Chu Yun.

“Master, I’m glad you like it!” Xiao Ying’s cheeks flushed as she shyly turned her delicate face aside, uncertain whether she felt happiness or something else.

“From now on, just call me ‘brother.’ No need to address me as ‘young master,’ understand?” Tian Ming said seriously, nodding once.

“But...” Xiao Ying hesitated, lowering her head again with a fearful expression.

“Enough with the buts! Let’s settle this happily, or I’ll get angry, you hear?” Gently lifting her obedient little face, Tian Ming feigned sternness.

In truth, this wish stemmed partly from self-interest. After all, he was not Chu Yun, and being addressed in such a formal way felt unnatural. It was better to change the way Xiao Ying addressed him, bringing them closer.

“...Brother!” Pinching the hem of her clothes, Xiao Ying called out bashfully, her previous reluctance melting away at Tian Ming’s mock anger. Though she harbored many reservations, she stifled them, for she lived by obeying Chu Yun’s every command.

“Alright, alright! From now on, you’re my sister in private. If anyone bullies you, just mention my name!” Tian Ming laughed heartily, patting her head.

“...Really?” Xiao Ying’s face showed disbelief, fearing it was a joke.

“Of course it’s true. Why would I lie, silly sister?” Tian Ming nodded with a smile that was difficult to describe.

“Lies!” Suddenly, a clear, sharp voice rang out in the room. Hearing it, Xiao Ying immediately scrambled off the bed, visibly terrified of the woman outside the door.

Her joy vanished instantly, and Tian Ming rose from the bed, taking Xiao Ying’s hand.

“Xiao Ying, don’t be afraid,” he whispered comfortingly.

Enveloped by a warm sensation, Xiao Ying’s trembling ceased, and moved by gratitude, she looked at Tian Ming with growing admiration. Her once stiff fingers regained life.

Clang! A graceful figure strode imperiously through the doorway—a woman of about twenty-three or twenty-four, with a round, oval face. She wore a vintage porcelain-blue embroidered dress that hugged her form perfectly. Her proud, radiant face was lifted high, exuding an air of haughty arrogance.

But upon seeing Xiao Ying holding Tian Ming’s hand, her proud expression immediately twisted into disdain.

“Wretch! A maid should behave like a maid, yet you dare openly seduce...” With that, the woman puffed up her cheeks in fury and raised a sharp slap aimed at Xiao Ying’s face beside Tian Ming.

“Miss, have mercy!” Seeing this, Xiao Ying dropped to her knees, begging desperately, her fear palpable.

Hmph! With a cold snort, Tian Ming grabbed the woman’s arm fiercely and pulled the trembling Xiao Ying into his embrace.

“Who are you? Do you dare strike my newly acknowledged sister before me? Do you want a beating?” Tian Ming glared at the woman, ignoring Xiao Ying for the moment.

“...Who am I? Heh, how could you forsake your sister just days after running away? And now you want to hit me? You’ve grown bold! Today I must teach this maid a lesson. If she hadn’t corrupted you, the Chu and Li families wouldn’t be at such an impasse...” The woman snarled hoarsely after struggling in vain.

Chu Yun’s sister?

Tian Ming was taken aback by her arrogance. Yet, considering her upbringing in this cultivation era, such a temper was not unexpected. Still, he tightened his grip on her arm without any intent to relent.

“...Young master, it’s all my fault. Please don’t be angry over something concerning me,” Xiao Ying’s hopeful eyes met Tian Ming’s as she spoke softly.

Lost in thought, Tian Ming was jolted back by her pitiful gaze, causing a slight pang in his heart. He squeezed the arm around Xiao Ying tighter. “Don’t worry, Xiao Ying. With me here, no one will dare bully you.”

“Young master, you...” The resolute words instantly melted Xiao Ying’s burning heart, leaving her gaze somewhat dreamy.

“You bastard, flaunting your intimacy with me in front of my eyes! Chu Yun, will you not let go?” The woman’s face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. Surprised by Chu Yun’s strength yet furious, she raised her other hand to strike again.

The pleasant atmosphere shattered abruptly, and Tian Ming looked at the so-called sister before him with deep displeasure.

“...I think you’re the bastard here. How dare you lecture her? Try to lay a finger on me, and I guarantee you’ll regret it!” With a cold snort, Tian Ming pushed the woman aside.

Though he had countless ways to discipline her, Tian Ming refrained, mindful that she was his nominal sister and feeling some guilt toward Chu Yun. He did not wish to go too far.