The Return of the God Level Assassin

1188  YUNYUE VS FENGHUANG (XXIII)

MRS. Thompson straightened her back and addressed Shen Ji Yun with a much firmer tone. "Surely you understand how such an arrangement could be misinterpreted, even if your intentions are entirely honorable. As women, my daughter and I are far better suited to look after Mary during this journey. I trust you can agree this would be for the best."

Luo Yan resisted the urge to groan. Why was this NPC so committed to her role? For a moment, a wild thought crossed his mind—could she actually be a player? Maybe her individual task was to play the overprotective guardian to perfection. But he quickly dismissed the idea. How could she have known in advance that Mrs. Winslow would be attacked, leaving her in this makeshift role as his temporary guardian?

He lifted his head and met Shen Ji Yun's gaze, exchanging a brief but meaningful look. It was a silent message, asking the other to do something. If Shen Ji Yun didn't manage to secure the role of his temporary guardian for the remainder of their game time, all the effort and convincing performance he had put into his act would have been for nothing.

Shen Ji Yun seemed to understand and proceeded to 'perform' once again.

"Madam, while I am aware that my reputation may not be untarnished, are you truly suggesting that I would act improperly toward a child?" he said, his tone tinged with both indignation and affront. "I may be many things, but I am no criminal. If your objection stems from concerns over Mary's reputation, might I remind you that she is but a child of seven? Hardly an age where such notions of propriety bear weight. At this moment, with all that has transpired, her safety must take precedence. As her future guardian—and, God willing, her father—I am duty-bound to ensure it."

Luo Yan bit the inside of his cheek to stifle a laugh. It wasn't just the acting—Shen Ji Yun's attempt to speak like an actual 19th-century duke was both hilarious and oddly impressive. Then again, everyone on the team was doing their best to adapt their speech to match the era. Shen Ji Yun, however, had clearly taken it to an entirely different level.

Ah, now he couldn't help but imagine Shen Ji Yun cosplaying as a duke in real life, speaking in that same refined, old-fashioned manner. The thought alone made Luo Yan's mind wander to less-than-innocent territory.

He bit back a soft sigh, pushing aside the distracting images his mind had conjured. Since his boyfriend had played his role so flawlessly, it was now his turn to step up.

Luo Yan gently tugged at Mrs. Thompson's skirt, drawing the older woman's attention. He kept his gaze lowered, ensuring his hesitation and worry were evident. "M-Madam... Mother, Mother said that His Grace—" He paused, casting a fleeting glance at Shen Ji Yun. He made sure the hopeful gleam in his eyes was unmistakable before shifting his focus back to Mrs. Winslow's still form on the bed. "No, she said that Uncle Edmund s-should be the one to take care of me." Then, as if gathering his courage, he looked up at Mrs. Thompson with wide, pleading eyes and softly added, "Please?"

Mrs. Thompson's expression tightened, her lips pressing into a thin line as if she were wrestling with the weight of the decision. Her gaze flickered between Luo Yan's hopeful face and Shen Ji Yun's earnest demeanor, uncertainty clear in her eyes. Before she could respond, Miss Thompson stepped forward, her voice hesitant but firm. "Mother, perhaps it would be best to let His Grace take responsibility for the child, at least for the time being. It might be improper, but considering the circumstances, it could ensure Mary's safety." Despite her words, the slight furrow in her brow betrayed her own doubts about Shen Ji Yun's motives.

Before either woman could speak further, Dr. Grant cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Everyone," he said, his tone calm, "I must insist that we vacate the cabin. Mrs. Winslow's condition is still fragile, and the crowding here will do little to aid her recovery. She needs rest above all else." He glanced meaningfully around the room, making it clear that the discussion needed to move elsewhere.

With no other option, everyone began to file out of the cabin. Luo Yan lingered for a moment, casting a hesitant glance at Mrs. Winslow. He made sure his reluctance to leave was clear for all to see, his fingers gently brushing over his 'mother's' hand one final time before reluctantly turning to follow the others out.

As soon as they stepped out of the cabin, Mrs. Thompson turned to Shen Ji Yun, her expression serious. "Your Grace, may I have a word with you in private?"

Taking the cue, Miss Thompson quickly interjected, "I'll stay here with Mary."

Shen Ji Yun cast a brief glance at Luo Yan before turning to Mrs. Thompson and gesturing toward the far end of the corridor. "After you, Madam."

Mrs. Thompson walked ahead toward the far end of the corridor, with Shen Ji Yun following closely behind. They stopped at a spot far enough that their conversation wouldn't easily be overheard by Luo Yan or Miss Thompson. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

Luo Yan couldn't help but wonder what Mrs. Thompson wanted to discuss with Shen Ji Yun. Curious, he cast a discreet glance in their direction. Unable to lip-read from this distance, he focused instead on their body language and expressions, hoping to glean some hint of the conversation.

At first, both of them wore serious expressions, but Shen Ji Yun's brow furrowed as if in response to a pointed question from Mrs. Thompson. When he replied, her face shifted to one of genuine confusion. Shen Ji Yun spoke again, but whatever he said caused Mrs. Thompson to suddenly raise her voice. Luo Yan could even catch the word 'why' echoing down the corridor.

"Mary, if the duke ever starts flirting with other women, don't hesitate to return to us."

Miss Thompson's voice drew Luo Yan's attention, pulling him from his thoughts. When he glanced back, Shen Ji Yun and Mrs. Thompson were already making their way toward them, their conversation apparently over.

Sorry for the late update! ><

Tyramisu