Max Level Return—I'll Protect That Fragile One

"Captain Huo, if there are any shortcomings in the hospitality, please pardon us."

The term "Lin Shu" is modestly put; in fact, the villas in this forest are all designed by the world’s most renowned villa architects, commissioned by the Ying Family, based on the mountain terrain. Each villa offers unique scenery and features.

For Huo Wen’an, the Ying Family arranged a Chinese-style villa built over a flowing waterfall, exquisitely designed, using square solid wood strips and transparent glass throughout the architecture.

Standing on the villa’s suspended balcony, one can gaze down to admire the breathtaking view of the stream flowing beneath their feet and plunging vertically into the small green pond below.

Due to the prevalence of insects and snakes in the forest, many mosquito-repellent herbs have been planted around the villa. These herbs emit a calming scent, making it suitable for those who are physically weak and need a quiet place to recuperate.

"You’ve been thoughtful, I really like this house. I must thank Mr. Ying."

Seeing Huo Wen’an somewhat satisfied with the accommodation, Ying Jinqiao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"The house is equipped with two maids and a housekeeper. If Captain Huo or any esteemed guests need anything, they can inform them. The birthday banquet officially starts tomorrow afternoon, and other distinguished guests will arrive. I’ll go busy myself now, and won’t disturb your rest."

"Go ahead."

After watching Ying Jinqiao leave with his entourage, Huo Wen’an and his guests stepped onto the suspended solid timber stairs and entered the forest villa.

Having traveled the whole way, Huo Wen’an felt a bit drained at this moment. He lazily reclined on a deck chair on the outdoor balcony, listening to the sound of the stream, and gradually felt drowsy.

As an architectural designer, it was the first time Xu Xingguang had seen a villa design in the real world that matched her taste so well. Seeing Huo Wen’an sleepy, she called Cheng Yue to go on a walk, and take the opportunity to admire the villa designs.

The mountain is vast, and on the way downhill, Xu Xingguang spotted dozens of villas, each with a unique name. The names lit up indicate guests are staying there.

When they walked in front of a villa named ’Zhaoyue,’ Xu Xingguang suddenly heard a familiar clear male voice: "Teacher Xu, when did you arrive?"

Xu Xingguang looked up at the second floor and saw the actor Fang Jinsu, who had won numerous performance awards.

"Mr. Fang."

"Teacher Xu, please wait a moment, I’ll come downstairs right away."

Fang Jinsu quickly ran down and invited Xu Xingguang and Cheng Yue into their villa.

As soon as she entered, Xu Xingguang saw a fat beauty with beautiful features sitting on the sofa. The fat beauty wore a black dress and a ruby necklace, and in front of her lay a young boy building a castle with toy blocks.

"This is my sister and my nephew." Hearing the noise, the fat beauty hurriedly stood up from the sofa.

Upon seeing Xu Xingguang, the fat beauty flashed a charming and captivating smile, "Miss Xu Xingguang, I’ve heard so much about you, and today I finally get to see you in person. I’m Jin Shu’s sister."

The fat beauty extended her plump right hand towards Xu Xingguang.

Fang Jinsu’s sister is named Ying Ruoruo, taking their mother’s surname; Xu Xingguang still remembered her name.

While shaking hands with Ying Ruoruo, Xu Xingguang couldn’t help but want to laugh.

Ying Ruoruo asked her, "Miss Xu, did you think of something funny?"

Fang Jinsu shrugged helplessly and told Ying Ruoruo, "I bet she thought of your name."

Hearing this, Ying Ruoruo was also a little embarrassed. "Ah, I used to be a sensual and delicate beauty before I got sick. Miss Xu, excuse my appearance."

"Jin Shu says the dishes you make are particularly delicious. I wonder what dishes Miss Xu plans for tomorrow?" Concerned about her son’s future, Ying Ruoruo naturally cared deeply.

Xu Xingguang said, "I’ve already found out the old madam’s favorite dishes, and will do my best to prepare them."

Ying Ruoruo didn’t want to pressure Xu Xingguang, so she said, "Then I’ll look forward to your good news. Little Bao!" Ying Ruoruo called her son over.

The boy got up and walked over to Xu Xingguang and the others. Xu Xingguang noticed he had rare heterochromia—his left eye was dark brown, and his right eye was blue-gray.

"This is Sister Xingguang. Whether you can study with the Ying Family depends on Sister Xingguang’s performance. Hurry up and pour tea for Sister Xingguang!"

Upon hearing that, the boy quickly ran to pour tea.

He was quite clever, pouring two cups, preparing one for both Xu Xingguang and Cheng Yue.

"Sister Xingguang, have some tea!" the young boy said.

Xu Xingguang drank his tea, seeing how he already had the handsome features of a young gentleman at his age. Unable to resist her attraction to faces, Xu Xingguang pinched the young boy’s cheek and said, "If the Ying Family doesn’t accept you, will you study medicine with me?"

The young boy thought seriously for a moment, then scowled and said, "No way, I only study with the greatest doctor."

"You brat, such audacity, then I wish you success."

It was getting late, and after chatting with Fang Jinsu’s family for a while, Xu Xingguang followed the original path back.

When halfway up the mountain, Xu Xingguang noticed that the villa on the right had its lights on.

She glanced casually at it, and just as she was about to look away, she saw the villa door pushed open from inside, and a woman in a pale gold deep V-neck dress stepped out with a phone in hand.

As she was about to close the door, a young man walked out from inside.

The young man had a camel-gray coat in hand, thoughtfully draping it over the woman’s shoulders.

It was already autumn, and with the Ying Family nestled deep in the forest, the night brought a chill indeed requiring a coat.

Sensing Xu Xingguang’s gaze, the man and woman looked up at her.

Their eyes met, both surprised.

"Xingguang." You Jiaoyang’s reaction was clearly one of mild shock.

The man and woman were You Jiaoyang and Yin Su.

You Jiaoyang strode through the villa’s courtyard, crossing the small bridge over the stream, and approached Xu Xingguang, frowning as he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Xu Xingguang replied, "I came with Huo Wen’an. What about you?"

You Jiaoyang instinctively turned back, seeing the woman absorbed in her phone call, then told Xu Xingguang, "I came with her."

Xu Xingguang stared at the woman named Yin Su, puzzled.

The woman is merely a doctor at Cangshan Town’s psychiatric hospital, so how does she qualify to attend the Old Madam Ying’s birthday celebration?

It seems Yin Su’s true identity is deeply hidden.

"What a coincidence," Xu Xingguang said, checking her watch, "Huo Wen’an is waiting for me to return for dinner—we’ll see each other tomorrow."

"Alright."

Watching Xu Xingguang and Cheng Yue’s figures ascend the mountain, You Jiaoyang slightly furrowed his brows, lost in thought.

Suddenly, the sound of high heels approached, and You Jiaoyang’s waist chain hidden under his shirt was hooked from behind by a finger. Yin Su coldly questioned him, "Dog, who permitted you to think about others?"

You Jiaoyang felt a bit helpless, he turned to face the possessive-looking Yin Su and explained, "She’s just my sister."

"So what? A dog doesn’t serve two masters, and if you dare disobey, I’ll thrash you!" Letting go of the chain on You Jiaoyang’s waist, Yin Su turned to leave.

You Jiaoyang hurriedly followed her.