Help in a Dilemma, Kind Counselor

The sounds of the on-site discussion seemed to have been muted.

A ringing in his ears made it impossible for Lin Yu to hear what they were saying.

His thoughts drifted back to his university days...

Before Miao Haixin left for the south, she had come to see Lin Yu.

She brought him an envelope containing five thousand yuan.

It was signed: "Boss Bao."

At the time, Miao Haixin told Lin Yu that a small business owner from Pingchuan wanted to sponsor a promising university student.

Knowing that Lin Yu was working part-time to support himself,

the person decided to help him out with living expenses.

Five thousand yuan was an enormous sum for Lin Yu back then.

It was that money that allowed him to persevere and complete his studies.

Lin Yu had never forgotten this kindness.

Later, after graduating and securing a stable income,

he even went out of his way to ask around—was there a business owner in Pingchuan with the surname "Bao"?

He wanted to thank them in person for their help.

During those two years, he did find two bosses surnamed "Bao."

But after calling them, neither turned out to be the person he was looking for.

Failing to track them down, Lin Yu assumed the benefactor had either left Pingchuan or was no longer going by "Boss Bao."

In the end, the search came to nothing.

Now, hearing Miao Haixin mention the name "Boss Bao,"

Lin Yu instantly understood.

There was no benevolent boss who appeared out of thin air.

It was just his kind-hearted advisor, not wanting him to feel burdened by accepting the money.

The real Boss Bao...

was standing right in front of him!

"Lin Yu? Lin Yu? What are you thinking about?"

"So serious!"

"Hahaha, don’t tell me you think the teacher’s pen name is embarrassing?"

Miao Haixin waved her hand in front of Lin Yu’s face, snapping him out of his thoughts.

Lin Yu quickly collected himself and said,

"Not at all! The name Boss Bao... is great, really great."

Miao Haixin didn’t notice the deeper meaning behind Lin Yu’s gaze.

Still persistent, she asked,

"I’ve told you mine, so isn’t it your turn now?"

"What’s your pen name? I’m really, really curious."

Lin Yu’s mind raced, and he casually replied,

"My pen name is... Little Fish."

The room fell into brief silence.

It was Little Chi who finally broke the quiet with a murmur:

"Then I’ll be... Hua Wuque."

Lv Rou quickly added, "In that case, I’ll be Little Fairy."

Wu Chuntian hurriedly followed, "I’ll be... the Palace Master of the Flower Palace?"

Lin Yu sighed helplessly, "..."

The dinner table erupted in laughter once again.

Chi Qingshui, however, subtly glanced at Lv Rou.

As expected!

The most dangerous girl was still Lv Rou!

"Little Fairy"?

Wasn’t that "Little Fish’s" love interest?

Out of all the jokes, why did she have to pick that name?

She must have done it on purpose!

As for the others—

Apart from Lin Yu, who also sensed Lv Rou’s hint, no one else noticed.

Little Chi, meanwhile, was focused on her sister.

She poked Chi Qingshui’s arm and said,

"Sis, you haven’t said yours yet?"

All eyes turned to her.

Chi Qingshui stiffened with pride, muttering under her breath,

"How childish..."

"Fine, I’ll be... Yellow Person."

The room fell silent again.

Little Chi delivered the final blow:

"Sis, that’s so lame."

Chi Qingshui’s face flushed as she scolded her sister,

"I told you it was boring!"

"..."

After the playful banter,

Miao Haixin took responsibility for securing the venue and equipment.

As the gathering neared its end,

Lin Yu couldn’t help but say to her,

"Advisor, thank you for helping us with the venue and equipment. It’s... a huge help, really. We’re so grateful!"

"If there’s ever anything you need from me—from us—just let me know."

"Anything, as long as we can do it!"

Miao Haixin blinked, her gaze clear as she looked at Lin Yu.

She could sense there was something more behind his words,

but she wasn’t sure what.

Could it be...

Did Lin Yu realize she had covered for him earlier in the office?

Whether or not that was the case, Miao Haixin smiled and patted his arm approvingly.

"You’re one of my students, after all. Such responsibility!"

"So, about helping with an elderly person—can you do it?"

Without hesitation, Lin Yu replied,

"Of course, no problem."

At this point, even if Miao Haixin had asked him to fight an old man,

Lin Yu would have agreed first and asked questions later.

Only after answering did he think to ask,

"Advisor, which elderly person? Someone from your family?"

The girls all turned their attention to Miao Haixin.

Was she joking, or was she serious?

She had just said "anything," and now a request popped up so quickly?

It really seemed like a joke!

Miao Haixin gave Lin Yu an approving look.

This guy!

He didn’t even hesitate before answering—so decisive!

She added,

"Earlier, when you were discussing the script, didn’t you mention needing elderly teachers as extras?"

"How about I recommend someone? Hehe!"

"The role is just... an ordinary old lady. My grandma!"

Lin Yu was about to agree immediately,

but then it occurred to him—

if he answered too quickly, it might seem strange in front of the girls.

Miao Haixin had spent both this life and the last protecting Lin Yu’s pride.

He couldn’t let others misunderstand her intentions either.

So,

Lin Yu first glanced at the four girls.

Seeing them all nod, he finally replied,

"No problem!"

"If your grandmother is willing, she’d really be helping us out again."

"Would a speaking role be okay? I’m sure she’d do great."

Unexpectedly,

Miao Haixin shook her head with a smile.

"A speaking role might be a bit difficult..."

"Her... isn’t too good."

She tapped her own temple.

Lin Yu immediately understood.

Miao Haixin’s grandmother had to be at least sixty-five.

Dementia or memory loss was common among the elderly.

Thinking about it,

Lin Yu vaguely recalled something from his past life—

hadn’t Miao Haixin resigned and moved south because she had no ties left here?

The only family she had, an elderly relative, had passed away.

That relative must have been her grandmother.

So...

Was her grandmother’s health failing?

...

(First update today! Stable updates and extras will follow. Sorry about yesterday—something came up unexpectedly. Hope you all understand!)