Chapter 33: The Beautiful Woman’s Bodyguard

“Uncle, does your family have any enemies? Or is there anyone who bears a grudge against Youya?”
Unable to get any useful information from Youya, Ling Tian turned to ask Lin Youya’s father.

“I’ve always lived with a clear conscience and haven’t done anything truly unforgivable, though perhaps I may have offended some people unintentionally. Still, I can’t imagine anyone being so ruthless as to target Youya. And as far as I know, she hasn’t directly offended anyone either.” Lin’s father was genuinely at a loss.

“Could it have something to do with Dad’s decision?” At that moment, Lin’s mother seemed to recall something.

“You mean the matter of Dad wanting to transfer his shares to Youya?” Lin’s father also seemed to remember something.

“Yes, if Dad gives his shares to Youya, she’ll become the largest shareholder in the group. Maybe someone’s jealous, but would they really go to such extremes?” Lin’s mother thought it possible, but found it hard to believe.

“Mom, Dad, what are you talking about? Grandpa wants to give me his shares? Why?”
Youya was clearly shocked by the news. Her parents had never mentioned it, nor had anyone else.

Ling Tian said nothing, but his instincts told him this might very well be related. Right now, he was deeply concerned with Youya’s troubles; whatever he could do to help, he would.

“Ah, earlier Xiaotian said your father and I have been worn out lately, and it’s true. Your grandfather’s health has been declining rapidly, and your father’s been busy managing the company, while I’ve been caring for your grandfather. In fact, we wanted to talk to you about it today and go see your grandfather together tomorrow, but then this happened. Your grandfather feels his days are numbered and has decided to transfer all his shares to you.”

Lin’s mother explained everything in detail. Youya became anxious and upset. “Grandpa’s health was fine before—how did it suddenly get worse? Why didn’t you tell me?”

Youya was very close to her grandfather; among all the grandchildren, he doted on her the most. Hearing that his illness had worsened so abruptly was hard to accept. She felt no joy at the thought of inheriting shares; she only wished her grandfather a long and healthy life.

Her father sighed deeply. “Your grandfather didn’t think his condition was serious at first, and he didn’t want you to worry, so he kept it from you. But now that his health has taken a sharp turn for the worse, he made up his mind to give you all his shares. Let’s go see him tomorrow together.”

“Yes,” Youya replied, her mood growing heavier at the thought of her grandfather, which made Ling Tian’s heart ache for her. This man truly had changed a great deal in this life. In the past, he would never have cared about a girl’s sorrows or joys.

Once he bore the burdens of the nation; now, in this life, he found himself entwined in romance. Hardened steel softened by love—where would he end up this time? He himself didn’t know, but he was resolved to follow his heart and not squander his youth.

Seeing how distressed Youya was, Lin’s father grew worried. “What happened to Youya today was truly frightening. Until we find out who’s behind this, I can’t rest easy. Should we hire you some bodyguards? Or maybe you should stay away from school for a while?”

“If someone wants to hurt me, there are countless ways to do it. Hiding won’t solve anything. What happened today was on the road—nothing has ever happened at school. Dad, I still want to attend classes, and I don’t want bodyguards. Besides, ordinary bodyguards wouldn’t help much in a real crisis. Just today, there were five thugs, each armed with a machete.”

Youya didn’t want to live her life in fear and avoidance. Her parents, troubled and anxious, listened as Ling Tian pondered in silence.

At this point, Youya’s mother, noticing Ling Tian’s quiet demeanor, suddenly had an idea. Smiling, she said, “Xiaotian, you were the one who took down those attackers today. You’re so skilled—how about being Youya’s bodyguard? You’re classmates, you can be together at school and at meals. You’d be the perfect bodyguard!”

Ling Tian was momentarily stunned—be Youya’s bodyguard? Wow, that didn’t sound bad at all. Yes, together at school, eating meals, and, ideally, sleeping under the same roof as her personal guard.

“That’s a great idea,” Lin’s father agreed, brightening. “Xiaotian, don’t refuse. Our family will pay you well. With your abilities, how about a monthly salary of two hundred thousand? If you think that’s too little, just name your price.”

He was completely convinced now—what better candidate could there be? Reliable and trustworthy, too. Of course, if he knew of Ling Tian’s roguish ways and his intentions toward Youya, he might have thought twice. But for now, he was fooled by Ling Tian’s earnest and courteous appearance.

“Uncle, Auntie, there’s no need to be so formal with me. I’ll protect Youya, and as for payment, I really don’t need it—I lack nothing. But I’m concerned I can’t be by her side every moment, so she might still be in danger.”

Ling Tian wasn’t after money—he was after something else entirely.

His words made Lin’s parents worry again. After all, as a classmate, he couldn’t always be with their daughter, so there would still be risks.

Youya, who had remained silent, was filled with complicated feelings. At first, she was resistant but also a little expectant. She’d always disliked Ling Tian, but after he saved her, she found herself relying on him in ways she didn’t understand.

Thinking about what happened today, she realized that Ling Tian really was the best choice. It would be hard to find someone more skilled and trustworthy, and he had already risked his life for her. It seemed their fates were, for better or worse, entwined.

Making up her mind, Youya bit her lip and said, “Dad, Mom, Ling Tian, the villa I live in near the school is spacious—big enough for a dozen people. Right now, it’s just me, Xiaomei, and a housekeeper. Why not let Ling Tian move in with us? That way, he can protect me more easily. Once they catch whoever’s after me, he can move out.”

As she spoke, a blush rose to her cheeks. Having a young man move into her villa was bound to raise eyebrows.

“That’s a good idea—it’s the safest arrangement,” her mother agreed at once. Nothing was more important than her daughter’s safety.

She’d considered the possibility that Ling Tian might have designs on her daughter, but he’d already confessed to pursuing Youya, and her daughter was at the age for romance. If something happened between them, so be it. Ling Tian might dress a bit garishly, like a nouveau riche, but he was capable, knowledgeable in medicine, and not bad-looking.

Right now, Youya’s mother was already half seeing Ling Tian as her son-in-law. The more she looked at him, the more she liked him.

Lin’s father, however, was still uneasy. “A young man and woman, under one roof without a proper relationship—it wouldn’t look good. People will talk, and it would reflect poorly on our family upbringing.”

“Dad, it won’t be just us—Xiaomei and the housekeeper will be there too,” Youya replied, though she herself was a bit uncertain about what living together might bring.

“Uncle, here’s a thought: I’ll be Youya’s bodyguard, but not the only one. I have a friend, Shi Xiaocai, a Shaolin monk who’s also highly skilled. Let’s have him move in with us and share the duty. That way, it’s even safer, and no one can gossip.”

Ling Tian suddenly thought of Shi Xiaocai. Perfect—if he moved in, Song Xiaomei would be busy with him, leaving Ling Tian more opportunities to be alone with Youya. Besides, if he was away courting Officer Song, Shi Xiaocai could look after Youya. It was a win-win, and Xiaomei would thank him for it.

The more he thought about it, the more brilliant the plan seemed—only he could have come up with such a scheme.

“Shi Xiaocai? A Shaolin monk?” Lin’s parents were puzzled.

“Yes, Shi Xiaocai is my roommate. He’s junior to Shi Xiaolong, and a direct disciple of the abbot of Shaolin Temple. He can definitely help me protect Youya. He’s a bit greedy, though, so just give him the two hundred thousand a month you mentioned, Uncle. He’ll be happy with that.” Ling Tian thought to himself that, even if Shi Xiaocai refused, he’d pester him until he agreed.

“He is skilled, and he is greedy,” Youya agreed. “Ling Tian’s idea makes sense.”

She’d heard Song Xiaomei talk about Shi Xiaocai so much that her ears were about to fall off. She knew her cousin was infatuated with the monk, so this would help her out, too. Plus, having extra protection was always wise.

“Good, with two people guarding you, I’ll feel much better,” her mother said. “But is Shi Xiaocai trustworthy?”

“He is. He may love money, but he’s honest—never steals, only begs for alms. Most importantly, he’s immune to feminine charms and is a close friend of Ling Tian’s,” Youya replied. Song Xiaomei had been trying to win him over for ages with no luck, which spoke volumes.

Seeing how sincerely Youya vouched for Shi Xiaocai, her parents were reassured. Lin’s father looked at his wife before saying, “In that case, when you go back, talk things over with Shi Xiaocai. If he wants more money, we can arrange it. The most important thing is to keep Youya safe.”

“Don’t worry, Uncle, Auntie. He’s my brother—we’ll work together to protect Youya.”

With the matter settled, Ling Tian was overjoyed. He was about to live under the same roof as a beautiful girl—what could be better? He could hardly wait!