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“This... this might be a bit inappropriate...”
Facing Zhang Lao San's inquiring gaze, Lin Fan hesitated, unsure whether to agree or refuse.
It wasn't because of any issues with Zhang Yan's appearance.
On the contrary, it was precisely because of her beauty that surprised him.
Indeed, Zhang Yan, far from being unattractive, was a stunning beauty.
She had a statuesque figure, standing at around 5'7" tall, and her beauty was easily comparable to any modern female celebrity.
The only shortcoming, perhaps, was that Zhang Yan, like everyone else in this era, appeared somewhat lackluster.
Her complexion was sallow, betraying signs of malnutrition.
Deep in her eyes, a hint of sadness and dejection could be detected.
Considering Zhang Lao San's earlier introduction, Zhang Yan, a person in her own right, clearly had something weighing heavily on her mind.
Before Zhang Yan could utter a word, Zhang Lao San immediately interjected: "Inappropriate? What's inappropriate about it..."
"Old man, I think it's perfectly suitable, this matter is settled..."
"Lin kid, go choose a room first, old man will have a chat with Yan-er..."
Without allowing Zhang Yan to voice her thoughts, Zhang Lao San pulled her out of the courtyard.
As they disappeared into the distance, whispering amongst themselves, Lin Fan, wanting to say something, ultimately swallowed his words.
For a moment, he stood by the stone table, not actually following Zhang Lao San's instructions to choose a room.
His gaze fixed on where the two had gone, he wondered what Zhang Lao San was telling Zhang Yan.
Lin Fan noticed Zhang Yan discreetly observing him, a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
Finally, as if she had made up her mind, she nodded slightly to Zhang Lao San.
With their discussion concluded, they returned to the courtyard.
When Zhang Lao San's gaze fell upon Lin Fan, he declared: "What are you standing there for, you rascal..."
"Go choose a room, I've already spoken to Yan-er, and she agrees to you staying here..."
Seeing Zhang Lao San's assertive tone, Lin Fan didn't make a move but shifted his attention to Zhang Yan.
Meeting his gaze, Zhang Yan blushed slightly as she said: "Your situation, my uncle has told me, you'll be living here..."
Now that Zhang Yan had confirmed it, Lin Fan no longer hesitated.
He nodded slightly, then grabbed his luggage and started choosing a room.
"This lad is a good one, old uncle can only help you this much..."
Zhang Lao San, his eyes on Zhang Yan, sighed with a hint of sadness. He didn't give her a chance to reply, and turned to leave the courtyard.
As Zhang Lao San disappeared, Zhang Yan touched her burning face.
After taking a deep breath to calm herself, she headed towards the room Lin Fan had chosen.
"I... I'll help you pack..."
Seeing Lin Fan sorting his belongings and making the bed, Zhang Yan stepped forward to assist him.
"My uncle is gone..."
Not refusing her help, Lin Fan inquired.
"Y-yes, he just left..."
Zhang Yan helped tidy up, but she couldn't bring herself to look directly at Lin Fan.
They soon finished tidying the room.
Observing Zhang Yan, Lin Fan couldn't help but think to himself:
"Having a woman like this wouldn't be half bad..."
Looking at Zhang Yan's current appearance, capable and resourceful, although slightly older than him.
But her statuesque figure exuded a mature, alluring charm!
As Lin Fan's gaze lingered on her, Zhang Yan, finishing her task, seemed to sense it.
Their eyes met, and a spark of something more, something warm and intimate, flickered between them.
"Ahem... thank you for your help, Comrade Zhang Yan..."
"Here, let me treat you to some candy..."
After a moment of charged silence, Lin Fan coughed, breaking the tension.
He feigned rummaging in his pocket, but in reality, he retrieved several pieces of Great White Rabbit milk candy from his storage space.
"Here, try them... these are milk candies I brought back from the capital..."
Before Zhang Yan could refuse, Lin Fan placed the candy in her hand.
"Thank you..."
Flushed, Zhang Yan muttered a thank you, then turned and rushed out of Lin Fan's room.
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