C3 Back at the Residence

Nanny wanted to say more, but seeing Lo Qiuli's firm stance, she had no choice but to relent. She quickly sent someone to the Lo family to deliver a message, while she continued to reason with Lo Qiuli: "Miss, your father wants to bring you back to take good care of you. If you don't return, it might seem disrespectful to him, and we could both be in trouble if he gets upset."

Having lived through two lifetimes, Lo Qiuli understood the underlying message. She chuckled softly, a hint of disdain in her eyes, but her words were polite and respectful: "I understand your point, Nanny. However, I feel quite insignificant and without support at the Lo family. I just want to bring Limo with me, and I believe my father would agree."

Her reasoning was sound and reasonable. Nanny had no argument against it, so she accompanied Lo Qiuli around the courtyard, waiting for a response from the Lo family. Before long, the messenger returned, whispered a few words in Nanny's ear, and then stepped back.

Lo Qiuli watched Nanny's expression closely. When she saw the smile spreading across her face, she knew what it meant. A subtle gleam flickered in her eyes, and her smile grew more radiant. She had anticipated Lo Zhan's agreement, knowing they needed her help.

"Congratulations, Miss. Your father has agreed to your request. Since it's still early, you can pack a few personal items and return with me," Nanny said, offering a slight bow. Despite her dislike, she maintained perfect decorum.

Even Lo Qiuli couldn't find fault with her. Narrowing her eyes, she gained a new understanding of this seemingly disdainful Nanny.

"In that case, I appreciate your help, Nanny." They say the Lo family is full of hidden talents. In her previous life, Lo Qiuli hadn't noticed, but today she realized even the Nanny sent to fetch her was extraordinary. Keeping her expression unchanged, Lo Qiuli returned the bow, no longer making things difficult for Nanny.

"Limo, pack your things and come back home with me!" Back in her room, Lo Qiuli saw Limo washing her clothes. Watching Limo's silhouette, Qiuli's eyes suddenly grew moist. In her previous life, she had never truly appreciated Limo. Now, seeing her, Qiuli realized that Limo, who had been by her side since childhood, was the one most worth protecting.

In this life, whether it was Xiao Hongfei or the Lo family, they owed her from the past, and she intended to make them repay every bit! Thinking of her past life, a hint of determination flashed in Qiuli's eyes, but it vanished when Limo turned around.

"What? Miss, you want me to go back with you!" Limo's hands slipped, and the clothes fell into the basin, splashing water onto her face, glistening like tiny jewels. Qiuli couldn't help but laugh; in two lifetimes, this was the happiest she had ever been.

Qiuli gracefully moved to Limo's side, gently wiping the water droplets from her face with a cloth, nodding as her smile warmed. She held Limo's hand, softly rubbing the calluses. "Yes, you're coming with me. We've relied on each other for so many years. Now that I'm returning home, how could I leave you behind?"

"Miss." With just those words, Limo's eyes reddened. She had never imagined sharing both joy and hardship with her mistress. Being an orphan picked up from the mountains, serving by her side was already more than enough.

Now, her mistress wanted to take her home. How could Limo not remember this kindness?

"Limo, going back isn't about living in comfort. There's danger I can't fully explain to you. I just need to know, are you willing to face it with me?" Seeing Limo so moved, Qiuli felt a pang in her heart. She knew how perilous the Lo family could be, but could Limo endure it?

"If it's dangerous, Limo insists on going with you. As long as Limo is here, no one from the Lo family will harm you!" Upon hearing there might be danger, Limo didn't hesitate. Her life was given by Lo Qiuli, and she would do anything for her.

"Alright, gather your things, and we'll head back home!" Lo Qiuli was deeply moved by these words, and the ice in her heart began to melt. Holding Limo's hand, she felt warmth even at her fingertips.

Limo nodded, packed her belongings, and followed Lo Qiuli. A carriage was already waiting outside. Lo Qiuli sighed, turning to look at the place she had called home for fifteen years. There was a hint of reluctance, but with Limo's support, she stepped into the carriage without hesitation.

At the mansion's entrance, Lo Zhan was waiting. He wasn't particularly eager to be there, but considering what he was asking of the daughter he had long ignored, he felt the wait was justified.

"She's just a maid's daughter, an ugly girl at that. Why do we have to personally welcome her? She certainly thinks highly of herself!" Lo Qiushui, the mansion's legitimate daughter, was dressed in luxurious silks, her hair ornaments swaying in the early autumn breeze. From a distance, she appeared to be a stunning beauty, but her haughty expression left much to be desired.

"Say less. If not for your future, your father wouldn't be bringing her back! To ensure she willingly takes your place in marriage, you need to treat her well. Don't make a fool of yourself!" Qu Huasang glanced at Lo Zhan's profile, then gently tugged on Lo Qiushui's sleeve, advising her softly.

If the Fifth Prince weren't the least favored among the princes, they wouldn't have thought of this marriage substitution! As the mistress of the mansion, her daughter was destined for greatness and couldn't possibly marry someone as unpromising as the Fifth Prince. Her daughter was meant for the highest position, one that truly matched her worth!

"I understand." Clearly intimidated by Lo Zhan, Lo Qiushui's defiant demeanor faded considerably when she noticed her father's displeased expression. She stood meekly behind him, though the malice in her eyes remained. If not for her own future, she would never have allowed that unattractive girl to return to the estate!

As they spoke, the carriage carrying Lo Qiuli arrived at the estate's entrance. Shortly after, a woman stepped down. Her features were refined and elegant, and despite wearing a simple dress, she was quite charming.

Amidst the surprised gazes of everyone at the estate's entrance, the woman extended her hand to help another woman down from the carriage. Upon seeing the second woman, Lo Zhan's eyes clearly showed disdain.

An unattractive girl remains unattractive; how could she have changed her appearance after all these years?