Chapter 9

Qiuyue changed to a new set of clothes. If she was wearing a dress before, now she was wearing a set of workout outfits. She was wearing a sports bra and shorts. When their clothes were delivered, Li Mei taught her which clothes to wear in different occasions. She asked her specifically about the clothes to wear for exercising and Li Mei selected the sets for her.

She felt a little awkward having her body exposed because of her scars but as she took her sword from the drawer and began wielding it in the air, she became relaxed and comfortable.

She decided to allot time everyday to practice swordmanship. She will practice two hours everyday, 3-5 pm.

'Hm. I think I should start running too every morning.'

After adjusting herself to the new outfit, she began practicing her swordmanship. Her Father was a Master Swordman and he taught them the Way of the Sword. He also taught them the different sword skills that he learnt from traveling outside the country for 5 years.

After her practice, she rested before taking a quick shower. She then talked to Li Mei about her plan to run every morning. Li Mei advised her to do it everyday for one hour starting 5 am. Li Mei also advised her to do some light stretchings to avoid straining her body. After which, she selected a more conservative outfit and sports shoes for her since she will be running laps around the garden.

Qiuyue took this time to get to know her maid more too. She learnt that Li Mei was 22 years old and was from C city. She had been serving Mr. Song for 5 years. When this residence was built, she was transferred here along others. After which, she arrived and became her personal maid. Li Mei was actually the younger sister of Li Ling (Huan's maid). They came from a branch family of Li family. They were happy to know that they will be serving Mr. Song for they can leave their family. They only finished high school education. They did not feel bad about being servants. Their Master treated them well. He gave them rest days to do the things they wanted and he paid them quite well too.

Qiuyue felt happy and jealous at the same time but she did not let her notice the latter.

Dinner arrived. After eating, she took a shower and sleep.

The next day, Li Mei woke her up and helped her wear the workout outfit. She would also be accompanying her to the garden to assist her if she got tired or something.

Qiuyue was actually very grateful of Li Mei. She, for once, did not feel embarrassed about her scars for they were proof of her swordsmanship. When Li Mei saw the scars, she did not say anything. She did not bring it up to her at all.

After a few minutes of stretching and an hour of running, she rested before taking a shower and eating their breakfast. She would spend most of her time in the Study improving her writing, reading, vocabulary and comprehension. She would only leave the Study during mealtime and around 2-5pm to spend time with Huan and to practice her swordsmanship in the room.

This had been the routine that she had been following. She even created a schedule in her notebook with Li Mei's help so that she can manage her time and not miss anything.

On the 7th day of living in the residence and 6th day of not seeing Mr. Song, Qiuyue who was reading a book about Housing Management, called Li Mei again to ask for a German dictionary. Li Mei was shocked by her request but still complied and dared not ask. By now, Qiuyue was not nervous anymore when speaking on the phone.

When Li Mei informed the Head Butler of Qiuyue's request, he was also surprised. However, he was ordered by their Master to adhere to all of Miss Yue's requests. He gave Li Mei the dictionary then.

When Li Mei opened the door of the Study, she saw her seated in the chair behind her table reading.

"Miss Yue." She called.

Qiuyue raised her head up and nodded at her.

Li Mei approached her Miss and gently put the German Dictionary on the table. "Miss Yue, you know German?" She hesitantly asked.

Qiuyue put the book down and grabbed the German dictionary. "Hm. My Father taught me and my elder siblings how to read, write and speak in German." She stared out the window. "But that was only until three years ago."

Li Mei can see the sadness in her Miss' eyes. Li Mei knew that she was one of thousands refugees who was forced to live in H city because of the war in D city three years ago. "Miss, I know that you will be able to relearn German easily because you work hard in everything you do. I think your Father will be proud of you if he knew this!"

Qiuyue faced her and smiled. "I know. Thank you, Mei."

Mei nodded and left the room. She felt that if she continued seeing her Miss' sad expression, she would surely cry.

Qiuyue did not start reading a German book. She planned to finish reading the Housing Management book before reviewing her knowledge on the German language. In these six days that she started reading again, she only finished reading 3 books about Housing Management. She still had roughly 50 pages to read in the current one. She thought her progress was not bad at all. She learnt new knowledge and new words everyday. Her speed of reading increased. The number of words she wrote in her notebook decreased too.

She then resumed reading the book. She focused on Housing Management because it was a big problem left by the previous City Lord in H city. Since Mr. Song also had many real estate businesses, she thought she may be able to contribute something to him. She did not know what job she will be doing so she did not mull over it though.

Speaking of Mr. Song, she was actually very excited. Li Mei informed her that he will return tomorrow. She missed him! She was sure Huan missed him too! They were both working hard in studying to not disappoint their benefactor. Thinking about his smile, she cupped her face. She wanted to see that smile again that was full of warmth.

She then pinched her cheeks. She focused her mind and really resumed her reading.

—

The next day, she followed the same routine. Even though she was very excited, she did not forget the things she needed to do. Actually, she was more focused. Mr. Song was also her determination. They owed their lives to him.

3 pm came and she began practising her swordsmanship in her room. Because she was under the state of nothingness, her senses were shut off.

—

Around 4 pm, Mr. Song's car entered the residence. He returned! All the guards and maids were excited to welcome his return. However, when he got off the car, all noticed that his mood was not very good.

When they greeted him, he only nodded and headed towards a certain direction.

The Head Butler quickly asked Wen.

"This is not something new. His schedule was hectic in C City. He needed to endorse projects to other people to focus on building this City. He needed to help his Uncle in cleaning up the mess the previous City Lord left. What's more, women were constantly swarming like flies around him."

Head Butler Song nodded in understanding. They headed to Wen's office for the Head Butler to report the residence's situation this past week and the activities of the siblings.

Jin, instead of resting, headed to Qiuyue's room. He wanted to check how she was doing in these seven days. He did not ask the Head Butler for daily reports. Thinking about his hectic schedule, he was truly spent. And those women who flocked to him and tried seducing him, he felt truly annoyed. If not for their influences and status, he would have killed them already. He would always compare them to Qiuyue. He felt more relaxed around her. He did not need to put his guard up in case they do something as stupid as falling into his arms and drugging him. Hence, this was the first thing he decided to do when he returned. To see Qiuyue! He wanted to see her!