Dr. Rowan Lin and his son Quentin Lin walked together, discussing how to defend Su Li if Alexander Hayes insisted on protecting Sophie White no matter what.
On the short walk from the academy back to the Prince of Qin's Manor, father and son came up with several strategies. They even agreed that if Alexander Hayes remained stubborn and insisted on shielding Sophie White, they would bring Su Li back to her maternal home—no way would they let the Lin family's daughter suffer any injustice.
"That's right, Dad, you're absolutely correct. Sophie White brought this on herself. If brother-in-law insists on protecting her and lets our sister suffer, we have to stand up for Su Li!" Quentin Lin nodded firmly.
Father and son rolled up their sleeves, ready to defend their married daughter, striding boldly forward. On the way, they asked the Prince of Qin's servants, who told them Su Li and Alexander Hayes were in the study.
Dr. Rowan Lin immediately dragged Quentin Lin toward the study, barging in with intimidating energy. But when they saw the scene inside, both were instantly dumbfounded.
"Dad, Quentin, what are you doing here?" Su Li, sitting in a chair, looked up in surprise at Dr. Rowan Lin and Quentin Lin.
Beside Su Li, Alexander Hayes sat on a small chair, holding one of Su Li's feet in his lap.
Dr. Rowan Lin and Quentin Lin exchanged glances: Wait a minute, wasn't Alexander Hayes supposed to come and confront Su Li? What was this situation?
"Sis, what's going on with you and brother-in-law?" Quentin Lin scratched his head, completely puzzled.
"Oh, Quentin, you mean this?" Su Li pointed to her foot and laughed. "I just mentioned that I'd walked a lot today and my feet hurt, and your brother-in-law insisted on massaging my feet—there's no stopping him, so I just let him do it."
Quentin Lin and Dr. Rowan Lin both looked at Alexander Hayes, who calmly held Su Li’s little foot in his palm, massaging it as he explained, “These acupoints on the sole are the best for relieving fatigue. Quentin, I’m doing it right, aren’t I?”
“Y-You’re doing it right…” Quentin Lin’s jaw nearly dropped to the floor.
“Quentin, could you bring a herbal foot soak over later? Let your sister soak her feet—she’s been running around all day and is exhausted. The soak will help her relax.” Alexander Hayes said seriously to Quentin Lin.
Quentin Lin was utterly stunned. “You two—Sis, about the Minister’s Estate… Does brother-in-law know about it?”
“He knows.” Su Li covered her mouth and laughed, nudging toward Alexander Hayes with her chin. “Look at what kind of people he’s taught. Otherwise, why would he suddenly think of massaging my feet today?”
Quentin Lin was still clueless about what had happened, but Dr. Rowan Lin, quick to react, pulled Quentin along. “Come on, Quentin, let’s go prepare the herbal foot soak for your sister!”
“Ow—Dad, slow down!” Quentin Lin hurried to keep up, his short legs barely matching his father’s long strides.
Father and son walked straight back to the Lin residence. As Quentin Lin prepared the herbs, he asked in confusion, “Dad, what’s up with brother-in-law today? He’s not mad at Sis?”
Dr. Rowan Lin tried to keep a stern face but couldn’t help smiling as he ruffled Quentin’s hair. “Don’t worry, Quentin. Your brother-in-law was just admitting his mistake.”
“Admitting his mistake?” Quentin Lin was even more confused.
“Didn’t you hear Su Li say? ‘Look at what kind of people he’s taught.’ She meant that Alexander Hayes taught Sophie White, who’s made a mess and harmed so many children. That’s why your brother-in-law is massaging your sister’s feet and preparing the herbal soak—it’s his way of making amends.” Dr. Rowan Lin stroked his chin thoughtfully.