Finest Servant

Chapter 71 Who's Helping Whom to Redeem? (Part 2)

Qin Xian'er's face held a hint of thin anger as she glared at him, "Men are all the same. I just wanted to have a chat with you, yet you're behaving so frivolously."

"Miss Xian'er," Lin Wanrong responded bluntly, "There's no need for roundabout conversations in front of a clear-minded person. Your pretense may work on others, but not on me. Why don't you just say what you want from me?" Arguing with this young girl wasn't much fun; it was better to get straight to the point.

A flicker of surprise flashed in Qin Xian'er's eyes. She smiled and said, "Since Young Master Lin has said so, Xian'er won't beat around the bush anymore. In fact, I have some queries related to music that I'd like to consult with you."

Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, "You're asking the blind about the path. I can't understand musical scores or differentiate the five tones, let alone discuss musical theory. I'm utterly ignorant about it."

Qin Xian'er looked intrigued, "Given what you've just said, it's rather curious how you were able to pinpoint the flaws in my music?"

"It's quite simple," Lin San replied, "Listen more, observe more, think more."

Seeing Qin Xian'er's puzzled gaze, Lin San explained, "I won't elaborate on the first two points. As for the third, it's the most important. Miss Xian'er, your musical skills are indeed remarkable, but you've only been imitating others. There's no innovation in your technique or creativity in your scores, you're merely continuing the work of others. Even if a piece is famous, if it's heard too often, it loses its freshness. With your talent, why not try composing your own music? Your own compositions will allow you to better capture its spirit and flavor."

Qin Xian'er blushed slightly, "Composing my own music? I've thought about it, but with so many great composers before me, how dare I presume to compete?"

"That's not the right way to think about it. What's the purpose of composing your own music? Is it to please others and earn their praise? If that's your goal, forgive me for being blunt, Miss Qin, but you'll only ever be able to imitate others. Music is the voice of the heart, to put it plainly, it's about pleasing oneself. The primary goal is to make oneself happy. If you're inspired, write it down. If you feel like singing, sing. Why care about what others think?" Lin Wanrong's idealistic words rang true.

"Sing if you feel like singing. Yes, indeed, you've woken me up, Young Master Lin. I almost fell into the same old rut." Qin Xian'er said excitedly.

"Exactly, write when you're inspired. Even if no one else appreciates it, at least you will. For example, right now, you and I are alone in this room. Perhaps this situation will inspire you to write a piece about missing your lover, I guarantee it will be well-received." After a few exchanges with Qin Xian'er, Lin Wanrong couldn't help but tease her again.

A blush appeared on Qin Xian'er's face, "Young Master, you're making fun of Xian'er again. To be honest, for someone who understands music as well as you do, claiming to know nothing about it, I feel you're belittling me."

Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, "The songs from my hometown are completely different from those here. Their scores are simple and lyrics straightforward. You might not understand even if I explained. Take this one song for instance, the lyrics go like this: 'I love you, love you, just like a mouse loves rice. No matter where you go, I'm willing to accompany you, love you this way—What do you think? Can you stomach these words?"

Qin Xian'er blushed and murmured, "Where are these lyrics from? They are rather bold, how could anyone sing them out loud?"

If she was too shy to even speak about this, Lin San wondered how she would react if she saw a G-string lingerie. Seeing Qin Xian'er's flushed face, an evil thought crossed his mind: what would it be like if she wore a G-string and flirted in front of him? The mere thought made his nose bleed.

Seeing his dazed expression, Qin Xian'er quickly asked, "Young Master Lin, what's the matter?"

"G-string...ah, carrots, I feel like eating carrots." Lin Wanrong blushed, spouting nonsense to cover up his thoughts.

"Pfft." Qin Xian'er covered her mouth, trying to suppress her laughter, "You're such a strange person, sometimes smart, sometimes confused. I can't tell when you're being honest and when you're fooling around."

"And aren't you the same, Miss Qin?" Lin Wanrong laughed.

The room fell silent. Qin Xian'er was scrutinizing Lin Wanrong, a hint of amusement in her eyes.

‘Damn, I hope she's not falling for me. I don't have the money to redeem you. But if you're willing to pay, I might consider it,’ Lin Wanrong thought to himself.

After a while, Qin Xian'er finally broke the silence, "Are you really a servant of the Xiao family?"

Lin Wanrong shook his long blue sleeves, "As real as it gets."

Qin Xian'er sighed, "Such a talented person as you, why did you choose to be a servant? Young Master Lin, if you don't mind, I can help you redeem your freedom."

‘Damn it!’ Lin Wanrong's mind went blank. He had been thinking about helping her redeem her freedom, but in the blink of an eye, it was she who wanted to help him? ‘Is she planning to support me? Although I'm quite handsome, she can't treat me like a gigolo.’

Seeing the myriad of expressions on Lin San's face, Qin Xian'er, being the clever girl she was, quickly guessed his thoughts. She said crossly, "Young Master Lin, where is your mind wandering? I meant for you to come and assist me."

‘Assist her?’ Lin Wanrong understood what she meant. She wanted to pay his contract break fee so he could switch to her service. But the only suitable job for a man in a brothel was a pimp. Was she asking him to downgrade from a servant to a pimp? No man could accept that.

Before Lin San could speak, Qin Xian'er continued, "I want you to become my teacher, Young Master Lin. What do you think?"

Become Qin Xian'er's teacher? Although he knew 'teacher' was the intended meaning of the word in this context, he was still stunned by the potential double entendre. 

[The word ‘teacher’ here has a double meaning of ‘husband’]

"Well, do you not want to?" Qin Xian'er, seeing Lin San still silent, asked anxiously.

Lin San swallowed nervously, unconsciously licking his lips as he said, "Miss Qin, I dare not become your teacher. I am a servant in the Xiao family, and both the young master and young miss treat me well. I have my freedom and live quite comfortably. Besides, I don't think I have anything to teach you."

Qin Xian'er sighed, "Your knowledge and insights are beyond ordinary people's reach. If that's the case, it seems my fortune is thin."

A faint disappointment appeared on Qin Xian'er's face. She gracefully moved to the window, gazing at the distant green mountains and said softly, "As you said, there are countless acquaintances in the world, but not one true friend. Who could understand the feeling? Here, although everything seems grand, many things aren't as simple as they appear."

Despite Qin Xian'er's unpredictable nature, at the end of the day, she was still a young woman in her prime, carrying many burdens in her heart. Looking at her graceful figure from behind, there was a hint of melancholy, which stirred an urge in people to hold her in their arms and comfort her.

Lin Wanrong walked over to her side, gazing out the window, and sighed, "Life is full of disappointments. If everything went as we wished, then life would lose its intrigue."

Qin Xian'er chuckled, "Young Master Lin, your words are always unique. Don't worry, I intentionally put on that act earlier, hoping to gain your sympathy. I didn't expect to provoke such a profound reflection."

This Qin Xian'er was indeed eloquent, one moment she was vague and melancholic, the next she was laughing cheerfully. Truly a chameleon.

"Let the strong be strong, the bright moon shines over the great river," Lin Wanrong fully embodied the spirit of Ah Q, laughing off the situation.

[阿Q (Ā Q) is a character from the famous Chinese novella "The True Story of Ah Q" (阿Q正传) written by Lu Xun, one of the most prominent and influential Chinese writers of the 20th century. The story was first published in 1921 in the Chinese magazine "New Youth."

Ah Q serves as a symbol of the Chinese people's sufferings and humiliations during the early 20th century. The character is known for his "spiritual victories," a coping mechanism where he convinces himself that he is superior to others even when facing defeat or humiliation. Ah Q represents the flaws and weaknesses of the Chinese national character at the time, including ignorance, arrogance, and a tendency to blame external forces for personal failures.

In modern Chinese culture, the term "Ah Q" has become an archetype and a derogatory term for people who exhibit similar characteristics, such as self-deception and a refusal to face reality.]

A clear whistle came from a distance, and several fireworks rose to the sky, exploding into a beautiful ‘white lotus.’

"Huh, which kid is setting off fireworks?" Lin Wanrong wondered.

Seeing the ‘white lotus,’ Qin Xian'er's expression changed. Hearing Lin San's words, she couldn't help but chuckle, giving him a glance.

"Young Master Lin, since you won't be my teacher, could you at least visit me often? Chatting with you is quite relaxing," Qin Xian'er proposed.

"No." Lin Wanrong flatly refused.

Qin Xian'er was stunned; no man had ever rejected her so directly before. She couldn't help but feel resentful, "Am I so unbearable in your eyes, Young Master?"

Lin San chuckled, "Do you know what kind of place this is? How could a small servant like me afford to come here every day? Even if I had the desire, I don't have the money."

Qin Xian'er pouted, "You seem to enjoy teasing me, Young Master. Humph, if you won't come, I'll send someone with my name card to the Xiao's mansion to invite you. Humph."

As they became acquainted, Qin Xian'er seemed to have changed, acting more like a petulant child. Ironically, Lin San found himself somewhat delighted by this. Beautiful women were always welcomed, he mused with a sigh.

Qin Xian'er seemed somewhat distracted. Lin San knew it was time to take his leave, so he bowed and said, "It's getting late, and I've troubled you enough for today. Please forgive me, miss."

Qin Xian'er laughed playfully, "Why have you suddenly become so formal, Young Master? I'm not used to it."

Lin Wanrong let out a hearty laugh, "We should always maintain decorum to avoid any accusations of impropriety."

Qin Xian'er chuckled at his frankness and escorted him out.

"You don't need to accompany me all the way, miss. Just to the entrance of Miaoyu Pavilion will be enough," Lin San said nonchalantly.

Qin Xian'er paused. She had spent more time being surprised tonight by this thick-skinned Lin San than all previous occasions combined. Strangely, despite his blunt manner, she didn't feel a desire to reject him. In fact, she found him quite different from the other young gentlemen.

"You wish! I'll only accompany you this far. Take care, Young Master Lin," Qin Xian'er huffed.

Lin Wanrong laughed heartily as he reached the entrance, then suddenly turned back, "Miss Qin, may I ask you something?"

Qin Xian'er nodded, "Please ask."

"Miss Qin, can you actually sing 'Eighteen Touches'?" Lin San asked with a roguish grin.

Qin Xian'er: "…"