Take It Step by Step
Lily Evans fell silent after hearing Leonard Li's words.
The awkward situation at Huainan Manor was all due to Emperor Jin Xuan's suspicion. Just as Leonard Li said, once Emperor Jin Xuan passed away, the two manors could interact openly.
Lily thought to herself that Bella Bell was still young, with a few years left before she could marry.
Who knows how things will be in a few years? Even if they were forcibly separated now, it wouldn't mean much. It's better to let things take their natural course—one step at a time.
Thinking this over, Lily looked at Leonard Li and said seriously, "Young Lord, you're several years older than Bella Bell and much more mature. You must protect her and never do anything to hurt her. If you truly care for her, then wait a few years. If you're truly destined to be together, Heaven will grant it."
Leonard Li immediately patted his chest and promised, "Don't worry, Lily! I may seem carefree, but I'm definitely not that kind of playboy. I would never do anything beastly! I'll take good care of Bella Bell and never harm her, not even a little. If I fail, you can chop me up with a knife and I won't complain!"
Lily laughed, "Alright, I'll remember that! If you dare bully my apprentice Bella Bell, just watch how this master chops you in half—one half braised, the other half cold salad. Now hurry and find Bella Bell, that girl must be worried sick by now."
Leonard Li answered, put on his mask, and dashed out to look for Bella Bell.
Lily stayed in the room, sipping tea and worrying a bit about Bella Bell and Leonard Li.
But then she thought, who knows who the emperor will be in a few years? Why worry so much and add to her troubles? She shifted her focus and started working on her lesson plans.
Bella Bell walked toward the dining hall and from a distance saw Quentin Lin sitting with a group of children. Like the others, he had a large, flat tray filled with the standard student meal: white rice, one meat dish, two vegetable dishes, a bowl of soup, and an egg.
Quentin was small and had a tiny stomach, so his portion was less than the older children's.
Quentin sat happily among the other students. With his irresistibly cute looks and sweet personality, he quickly became the class favorite. The older kids adored him, saying he looked just like a little golden boy descended from the heavens.
Meanwhile, on Lily Evans's side, because she was pregnant, the royal manor had assigned a chef to prepare her meals separately.
During mealtime, Bella Bell returned to serve, her cheeks still flushed. She was so embarrassed in front of Lily Evans that she could barely lift her head.
Lily teased her a little, which only made Bella Bell blush harder. But inside, Bella Bell felt relieved: her mentor wasn’t angry at her for keeping secrets.
As Lily ate, she asked, "Where's Quentin?"
Bella Bell paused, suddenly remembering that Quentin hadn't come back. She said, "Master, I'll go find Quentin and see where he is."
"Alright, go ahead," Lily said, letting Bella Bell leave without worry. After all, her courtyard was well-guarded by the Xiao family's secret sentinels, so Bella Bell didn’t need to stick by her side at all times.
Bella Bell left the room to look for Quentin Lin. She asked a few students, and all of them said Quentin was in the dining hall.
Bella Bell walked toward the dining hall and from a distance saw Quentin Lin sitting with a group of children. Like the others, he had a large, flat tray filled with the standard student meal: white rice, one meat dish, two vegetable dishes, a bowl of soup, and an egg.
Quentin was small and had a tiny stomach, so his portion was less than the older children's.
Quentin sat happily among the other students. With his irresistibly cute looks and sweet personality, he quickly became the class favorite. The older kids adored him, saying he looked just like a little golden boy descended from the heavens.