C11 My Name Is Bai Yuxi

This morning, as Ling Xiao was about to begin his meditation, he was interrupted by a knock at the door, followed by his mother's voice, "Xiao, someone's here to see you."

Confused, Ling Xiao left his room and asked, "Mother, who's looking for me?" As a fitness enthusiast with few friends, he was at a loss as to who it could be.

Meng Xiyun looked on at her son, whose physique had grown impressively, and smiled with satisfaction. "There's a young lady outside asking for you," she said.

"A young lady?" Ling Xiao was briefly stunned, then a pretty face flashed in his mind. "Could it be her?" he pondered.

Side by side, Ling Xiao and Meng Xiyun made their way to the front door.

Standing there was a girl in simple attire, nervously gripping a small bundle. She was the same girl Ling Xiao had saved at the market days before. Her jet-black hair, which had previously flowed freely, was now tied back, accentuating her natural beauty and the subtle blush on her cheeks, adding to her lively and exquisite charm. Her features were flawless: delicate eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a fine nose, and red lips. Her slender waist and long legs gave her a poised and endearing appearance.

Seeing Ling Xiao, the girl immediately knelt and respectfully said, "Good day, Young Master."

Both Ling Xiao and Meng Xiyun were startled.

Ling Xiao hurried to help her up, then glanced at Meng Xiyun, seeking guidance.

Meng Xiyun moved to lift the girl, saying softly, "Please, stand up and talk."

Yet the girl stayed kneeling, reluctant to rise.

"Stand up, there's no need to kneel like this," Ling Xiao chided, his voice laced with irritation. He was utterly mystified by the girl's actions.

Hearing Ling Xiao's words, the girl complied, replying, "Yes, Young Master," and stood up slowly.

"Come inside, let's talk," Meng Xiyun suggested, eyeing the young woman with a radiant smile that left no doubt about her approval. She thought the girl would make a perfect match for her son, without feeling the slightest bit that her son would be settling.

Once back in the living room, Meng Xiyun and Ling Xiao took their seats, but the girl remained standing beside Ling Xiao, hesitant to sit.

"Please, sit down," Ling Xiao offered.

"I dare not," the girl demurred with a slight bow of her head.

Ling Xiao was momentarily speechless, realizing she was serious about becoming his servant.

"What's your name?" he asked.

"My name is Bai Yuxi," the girl answered.

"Yuxi, that's a beautiful name, quite befitting of you," Ling Xiao said with an easy laugh, before adding, "Miss Yuxi, when I acted the other day, it was only to put a stop to Lee Guangyin's misdeeds, not specifically to rescue you. Don't worry about it. Let's forget that day. You don't need to serve me, especially since the money isn't mine. If you really want to repay me, let's just be friends, alright?"

Before Ling Xiao could finish, Bai Yuxi knelt again, tears in her eyes. "I've made a solemn vow that whoever would lay my mother to rest, I would serve as their slave. If you won't have me, I have no choice but to repay your kindness with my life."

Ling Xiao was at his wit's end with her stubbornness. "Why insist on this vow? You don't have to be my slave. We can be friends—equals who can talk about anything," he said, nearly launching into a lecture on life before catching himself.

Bai Yuxi listened to Ling Xiao's words, yet remained silent, her continuous weeping speaking volumes.

Desperate, Ling Xiao sought his mother's help once more.

"Xiao'er, what in the world is going on?" Meng Xiyun asked, confused by their relationship.

Ling Xiao briefly explained the situation. He had casually helped Bai Yuxi, and now she was intent on fulfilling her vow to become his servant.

Internally, Ling Xiao wondered, "Could my luck be this good? That such a beauty would take a fancy to me and wish to be my servant?"

Meng Xiyun finally grasped the situation and addressed Bai Yuxi with a gentle nudge, "Young lady, do you truly intend to dedicate your life to serving my son Xiao?"

Without hesitation, Bai Yuxi nodded and affirmed, "Yes, Madam. I am willing to serve Ling Xiao for life, with no regrets."

Meng Xiyun gently took Bai Yuxi's hand and said with a tender smile, "Well then, I'll accept you on behalf of Xiao. From this moment forward, you're a part of the Ling family—not as a servant, but as my goddaughter. Would you like that?"

"Goddaughter?" Ling Xiao and Bai Yuxi echoed, both surprised by the offer.

The dining table was graced with a sumptuous array of dishes as the family gathered, now with the addition of a shy yet captivating young woman. The four of them chatted and laughed heartily as they dined.

It had been a long time since the Ling family had experienced such happiness.

Even Ling Zhan, who was known for his stern demeanor, showed a rare smile of satisfaction.

Raising his glass with a broad grin, Ling Xiao addressed his family, "Starting today, Yuxi is not only my mother's goddaughter and my father's goddaughter but also my godsister. Now, we truly are one family. Let's vow to love and support each other forever. Cheers to us!" He then enthusiastically downed his drink, clearly thrilled to have such a lovely sister.

Meng Xiyun, touched by her son's words, glanced at him and quickly wiped away a tear before taking a sip of her wine. She could hardly believe this was the same boy who had become so reclusive and secretive after his meridians were damaged, fixated on recovering his profound strength. But over the past half-month, she had witnessed him become more outgoing and cheerful, which brought her immense joy.

With a soft smile, Ling Zhan joined in the toast.

Bai Yuxi, her cheeks flushed with a delicate blush, took a sip of her wine and then gracefully offered to refill the glasses of the three family members, who all accepted with appreciation.

Holding Meng Xiyun's wine, Bai Yuxi knelt and said with reverence, "Mother, Yuxi would like to propose a toast to you."

"Of course," Meng Xiyun responded warmly. "I may not have much to offer, but this golden hairpin has been a beloved piece of mine for many years. It's not a priceless treasure, but I want you to have it. From now on, you are my dear daughter." Meng Xiyun had always yearned for a daughter, and after Ling Zhan's injury left him unable to have more children, she thought her dream would never come true. Now, with Bai Yuxi, her dream was realized, and she was filled with elation.