“Hmm?” Feng Tianlan raised an eyebrow then glanced back to the man beside the elegant young lady. “Is she in love with Si Mobai?”
As she said that, Feng Tianlan and Si Mobai crossed gazes. When their eyes met, Si Mobai’s lips hooked into a risqué yet gentle smile.
Luo Yunzhu continued, “That is Lin Suyin. Of all the families here, the Lins are the richest. Her talents? Average, I think. She only returned to the city recently, so it’s hard to gauge her real prowess.
“The Lins have always been humble and modest, valuing privacy over everything. Even though they are the wealthiest family in South Winds Nation, they have kept a low profile over the years. They have a monopoly on the medicinal herbs business, and they also stash their money in various assets. Nobody knows how much they actually own because they have always used aliases while bidding at auctions. What people do know is that they control the economic lifeline of the entire nation.
“Most importantly, she has been in love with the Wargod since she was young. Since she was young! Since she was young, you know!” Luo Yunzhu emphasized that part three times. She wanted to make the message as clear as possible to Feng Tianlan.
Feng Tianlan let out a soft grunt. She looked at her rival. Lin Suyin had been glancing at Si Mobai with such fondness until she noticed Feng Tianlan’s gaze. Feng Tianlan smiled and nodded politely in acknowledgment.
Although Lin Suyin’s impeccable manners and elegance didn’t make her generally detestable, Feng Tianlan nevertheless couldn’t bring herself to like her. Even so, as the saying goes, one should never slap a smiling face. No matter what, she had to maintain basic decorum, so she returned a courteous smile.
Luo Yunzhu couldn’t believe her eyes. Had Feng Tianlan actually smiled at her? She asked incredulously, “Are you dumb? Why did you smile at her? She is your rival, you know!”
“Should I go kill her then?” Feng Tianlan laughed.
“It’s not that serious. Lin Suyin is not like Tu Xiupei. Her mannerisms were already being praised long before we knew her name. As her love rival, you must detest one another so much that you both see red.”
Feng Tianlan smiled faintly, amused by how Yuzhu’s mind was filled with such funny ideas.
“The team who manages to find the rare herb will be exempt from next year’s autumn exam. They will be directly admitted into the Flying Frost Pavilion.” The crowd cheered wildly at the news.
The teachers went to their assigned groups, which marked the start of their babysitting-bodyguarding roles for the entire expedition.
Luo Yuanjie ushered over Feng Tianlan’s lover and her rival from the stage. The three of them approached her as he introduced, “This is Lin Suyin, the transfer student. She will join your group on this expedition. The Wargod, Si Mobai, will be ensuring your safety.”
Lin Suyin smiled politely. “Miss Feng, it is a pleasure to meet you. Your reputation precedes you, and I am awed by how decisive and fast-working you are!”
Feng Tianlan frowned a little then gave her a distanced smile. “You flatter me, Miss Lin. Unfortunately, our abilities only allow us to protect ourselves, and we wouldn’t want to lead you into a dangerous situation.”
In other words, she was refusing her as a party member.
“Your Highness, please take good care of them.” Luo Yuanjie looked at Luo Yunzhu worryingly. Out of all the students in his charge, his daughter was the one that kept him on tenterhooks.
Si Mobai spoke flatly with his eyes fixed on Feng Tianlan, “My abilities are weak, and I cannot guarantee everyone’s safety.” He was here for Feng Tianlan, and he would only be responsible for his Lan’er.
“Father…” Luo Yunzhu grunted in disapproval at her father’s decision to let a stranger into their group. Furthermore, he had allowed in Feng Tianlan’s rival, making the whole expedition dull all of a sudden.
“Why?” Luo Yuanjie raised an eyebrow.
For the sake of her best friend, Luo Yunzhu peered at Lin Suyin and suggested, “We have enough people in our group. There’s no need for more.”
“This…” Luo Yuanjie glanced at Si Mobai and Lin Suyin. Lin Suyin was the one who had volunteered to join Feng Tianlan’s group. Furthermore, her abilities were above average. Having her as an addition would have provided additional safety for his daughter.
Lin Suyin did not press the issue. Instead, she fell silent. She would wait for Si Mobai to respond before making her final decision.