Inside the box was a necklace set with sixteen diamonds, each containing rare and expensive gemstones within. The chain itself was meticulously crafted from premium platinum, exuding an air of mystery and elegance.
In the living room, Lin Ling had fallen in love with it at first sight. Not only was it beautiful in appearance and costly, but possessing it would mean a worry-free life. Yet all of these were gifts from Young Master Nangong to Chu Lingzhi—
Lin Ling stared at the jewelry, a flicker of barely perceptible greed flashing in her eyes.
Chu Lingzhi closed the lid of the black leather case, got out of bed, and sat at the vanity table to eat the noodles. "Wow, this is delicious," she couldn't help praising Lin Ling's skill—a simple bowl of noodles could evoke such an intoxicating flavor.
"I added a lot of ingredients," Lin Ling said with a smile.
Nangong Yehen had no shortage of money, and his palate was picky; the kitchen was stocked with hundreds of ingredients. This bowl of noodles contained many delicacies, including fresh lobster meat and abalone.
Chu Lingzhi looked up and caught a glimpse of Lin Ling in the mirror. She was standing behind her, watching her eat, and Chu Lingzhi assumed she was waiting to take the bowl for washing.
"Lin Ling, it's a bit hot, and I'm not eating very fast. Why don't you go downstairs first? I'll bring the bowl down in a bit."
Lin Ling smiled generously. "Take your time, Miss Chu. I can wait."
Chu Lingzhi looked at her reflection in the mirror. "Has Young Master Nangong gone out?" Otherwise, would she be willing to wait? She had long wanted to stay by his side and serve him.
Lin Ling chuckled. "He's swimming in the estate's pool."
"Oh..."
Chu Lingzhi lowered her head and continued eating. She was used to having breakfast right after waking up, but today's fittings and jewelry selection had delayed her meal. Now, ravenously hungry, she couldn't help devouring the delicious noodles in big mouthfuls.
Lin Ling watched her, a cold glint passing through her eyes. Anyone could see from Nangong Yehen's behavior today that he doted on her and cared about her. When the jewelry store staff called her "Mrs. Nangong," he hadn't even objected.
Lin Ling thought darkly that winning Young Master Nangong's favor would require considerable effort. But rather than putting in that effort only to be rejected, why not... Her gaze shifted to the two black leather cases. Inside were all expensive gold and silver jewelry, many diamonds. If she could take them, she wouldn't have to stay here as a maid. If she couldn't have the man's love, she'd take his money.
At this moment, Young Master Nangong was swimming and wouldn't be back soon. She could take these valuable pieces out without anyone checking. The more she thought about it, the more Lin Ling's heart was consumed by greed. She clenched her fists, a hint of ruthlessness flashing in her eyes as she looked at Chu Lingzhi.
By then, Chu Lingzhi had finished the noodles, even drinking all the soup. She pulled out a tissue and elegantly wiped the broth from her lips. Turning around, she handed the bowl and chopsticks to Lin Ling with a smile. "Lin Ling, make me this kind of noodles again tonight."
Lin Ling took the bowl, a terrifying thought crossing her mind, but her smile remained. "Of course, Miss Chu. Whatever you like to eat, Lin Ling will make it for you."
Holding the bowl, Lin Ling made as if to leave. After a bowl of noodles, Chu Lingzhi felt a bit warm. She walked to the window, pulled back the curtain, and pushed it open for air. Standing there, she had a clear view of the pool—and naturally, of the handsome, slender Nangong Yehen swimming. He alternated between backstroke and underwater swimming, his movements perfect and graceful, captivating her, a non-swimmer, for a moment.
Behind her, Lin Ling silently approached.