The Noble Lady's Rebirth: She just wants to Rest in Peace!-Chapter 98 - 97: Frivolity

Chapter 98: Chapter 97: Frivolity
Over the years, Lin Youning has kept her distance from Gu Chaoxuan. Gu Chaoxuan, attending the academy, usually returns only during the New Year, but during those days, Lin Youning typically stays in her Tingxue Hall or avoids encounters with Gu Chaoxuan by visiting Shi’an Garden at different times.
As a result, they’ve only exchanged a few words over these ten years, mostly polite conversation during the New Year.
When the maid came in to say Gu Chaoxuan had arrived, Lin Youning was taken aback.
Recently, she had specifically asked Shanmoi to keep watch for any movement, wasn’t Gu Chaoxuan supposed to return tomorrow? Why did he arrive today?
Realizing now that hiding is impossible.
Despite their lack of contact over the years, there’s no need to worry that anything will happen.
As Lin Youning pondered, Gu Chaoxuan was already striding in.
His fair skin exudes a clean and comfortable look at first glance, and his figure radiates the aura of a noble family young master. His temperament is much like Aunt He’s, appearing gentle, always amiable even when smiling.
Though merely a fifteen-year-old boy, he already exudes grace.
Gu Chaoxuan greets Mrs. Gu Sr., then Lin Youning, before speaking, "The last time I saw you was during the New Year, I almost didn’t recognize you, Aunt."
Mrs. Gu Sr. chuckled, "Your aunt seldom leaves the courtyard, and you’re busy with your studies at the academy, so there’s little chance to meet. When you were little, it didn’t matter to play together regardless of age, but now that you’re older, if it got out that you strolled the gardens with your aunt, your schoolmates might laugh at you."
Mrs. Gu Sr. was gentle toward this only male heir of her son, inevitably jesting a bit.
Especially since, although Gu Chaoxuan looked gentle, there was a resemblance between his brows and those of Gu Yifeng, his father.
People become sentimental with age; seeing someone resembling their son always evokes memories of their younger days, naturally making the relationships with the younger generation more affectionate.
Lin Youning covered her mouth with a handkerchief, appearing amused by Mrs. Gu’s words.
Gu Chaoxuan blushed, "Grandmother is right, it’s my fault for being playful."
Such an obedient boy cannot help but be endearing.
Besides, Mrs. Gu didn’t really think it was inappropriate.
In the mansion, they’re just an aunt and nephew.
"Alright, alright, it’s rare for you to come home for the New Year and still listen to my old woman’s nagging. Since it’s been some time since you last saw each other, and your aunt happens to be going to the Buddhist Hall to offer incense for me, you might as well accompany her," Mrs. Gu Sr. instructed, not consulting Lin Youning’s opinion, directly ordering someone to dress Lin Youning more warmly.
Lin Youning considered refusing, but with her aunt suggesting, she couldn’t decline.
The two bid farewell to Mrs. Gu Sr. and started walking towards the Buddhist Hall. After passing through the Hanging Flower Gate and the winding corridor, Gu Chaoxuan’s steps slowed.
"Each season, your courtyard looks different and always makes people reluctant to move on," he said, halting.
Lin Youning was in no mood to stroll with him, "If that’s the case, you stay here and take a look. I’ll go to the Buddhist Hall to offer incense and return, and we can go back to Shi’an Garden together."
"I’ll accompany you, Aunt," Gu Chaoxuan hurriedly caught up, a hint of urgency on his face, "Aunt, I heard you’ve been out of the mansion this year? Have you met any friends at the banquets?"
Lin Youning continued towards the corner door without looking back, "I went a few times, but I’ve always been quiet, so I haven’t made any friends. However, I’ve exchanged letters a few times with Sister Ya from Minister Wu’s Mansion."
"Wu Mansion? Isn’t that Second Aunt’s cousin’s home?" Gu Chaoxuan thought for a moment, quickening his pace slightly, "Aunt, you should be cautious. Although Second Aunt doesn’t say much on the surface, you know what happened at the temple back then. You should be wary. Wu Mansion and Second Aunt are relatives, they would naturally lean towards her."
With Shanmoi following behind, Gu Chaoxuan kept close, fearing his words might be overheard.
Seeing his concern for her, Lin Youning resisted the urge to push him away, nodded, "Don’t worry about this, I know what I’m doing, thank you for your concern."
Gu Chaoxuan blushed, "When I was a child, I only saw you as a sister. Now I want to care for you but fear breaching etiquette."
After speaking, he glanced at Lin Youning, blushing further as he lowered his head.
Lin Youning frowned, even now, Gu Chaoxuan’s actions were inappropriate.
What does he mean by treating her as a sister when they were younger?
To say such frivolous words?
This kind of conduct is what those noble playboys use to flirt with girls from other families.
Watching Gu Chaoxuan, seemingly refined, who would’ve thought this was only his surface, beneath which lies such frivolity.
But for him to behave this way towards her, doesn’t he view her lightly?
Could there even be an intention to lure her?
If she were truly shameless, wouldn’t she secretly engage with him privately?
Lin Youning is not the Lin Youning of her past life.
She doesn’t want to walk the same path as before.
Even in her past life, she was the one who was schemed against.
Her face turned stern, "Well, fearing breaching etiquette, I always thought you knew it, but now I see I misjudged you."
Not even bothering with incense, Lin Youning turned and walked back.
Shanmoi, following, saw her sudden outburst and, unsure of what had happened, was momentarily confused.
Gu Chaoxuan was initially startled, his face then turned pale as he hurried to catch up, blocking Lin Youning’s path, "Aunt, if I misspoke, I apologize here and now, asking for your forgiveness just this once. Please don’t bring this up to Grandmother; being an illegitimate son already draws private criticism, please forgive me."
Now you realize?"
If you dared to say those words, were you not afraid then?
Lin Youning coldly replied, "Don’t think I’m saying this just because you’re an illegitimate son, I will have Aunt hear my reasons. If I’m overreacting, then I’m at fault as an aunt, but if it’s your mistake, it will certainly make you realize it. You’re the Marquis Mansion’s illegitimate eldest son, but still from the Marquis Mansion, representing its reputation, and you can’t lose it because of your usual conduct."
Lin Youning, without giving him a chance to explain, briskly walked away.
Standing there, Gu Chaoxuan was as pale as a sheet, like his soul had left him.
Shanmoi was initially confused, but after thinking through the words, she immediately grasped what had happened.
Furious, her face flushed. Had she realized it earlier, she would’ve slapped him.
The young master daring such impertinence toward the lady, she was blind to think he genuinely cared for her.