The Stewardess returns to her cocky self after agreeing to work for you.
Stewardess: I Understand. I'll go look for Matron He tomorrow.
Xiu Ying: No! Go now!
It's already deep into the night. The Stewardess is reluctant.
Stewardess: No way. I'm old and now I'm too scared to do anything. I'll go tomorrow!
The Stewardess groans in pain like you just mistreated her.
Xiu Ying: I suppose everything I just did was in vain?
You sound calm, but it is still threatening. The Stewardess is nervous.
Stewardess: No no, that's not what I meant...
You are really suspicious that the person knows you in the previous life. Otherwise, how would they know you're afraid of dogs and keep trying to get rid of you. As long as they're hidden, you are just a plain target to them. That leave speed the only way to win... Any delays can make a serious impact.
Xiu Ying: Please go as soon as you can, and we can have a snack when you come back.
You leave her no choice. The Stewardess goes to Noble Lady Ying's palace right away. The Stewardess leaves reluctantly. You are not sure if you can trust her, but after kneeling for a whole day, you're exhausted. Should you follow her? There's no reason to trust someone who's tried to harm you. You put on your jacket and follow her. You keep some distance and walk quietly. The Stewardess knocks on the door, talks to the maid, and gets inside.
Xiu Ying: (It has to be Noble Lady Ying then. Matron he is just a messenger. Otherwise they would not let the Stewardess in.)
You wait patiently. As soon as you see the Stewardess leaving, you turn back. Soon the Stewardess comes back into the room.
Xiu Ying: Please sit down ma'am, have some tea.
The Stewardess doesn't want to buy into your fake niceness, but eventually she sits down.
Stewardess: I did as you told. I said to Matron He that you just accepted your bad luck and didn't suspect anything. I also got her to confess that it was really Noble Lady Ying behind everything...
Xiu Ying: [Thinking] Anything else?
Stewardess: Not really. Matron He gave me some hush money afterwards. But what conflict do you have with Noble Lady Ying?
The Stewardess probably has no idea how you and the Noble Lady Ying can have any conflict. You don't really want to answer anyway. Instead, you extend your hand to her slowly.
Stewardess: What are you doing? You want my money?
You nod. The Stewardess stomps in frustration, and passes you her wallet reluctantly. That's not nearly enough for making me kneel all day! But don't worry. The best part is yet to come. You hold the wallet and think about the next step. You hear a knock on the door, and Hui Xin comes in. She breathes a sigh of relief as she sees you're fine.
Xiu Ying: [Sit with her] How come you're still up?
Hui Xin: I can't fall asleep... I need to talk to you.
Hui Xin is usually quite upfront. It's rare to see her being so withdrawn. You get curious.
Xiu Ying: Just tell me directly. Is there anything I can help with?
Hui Xin: [Summons courage] Can you spot me some money? I have a good friend who's going to the Imperial Exams, but his family isn't doing well... I'm too scared to ask my brother, so I came to you. I'll pay you back!
Xiu Ying: [Pass her the Stewardess wallet] Is this enough? You need to tell me your friend's name though.
Hui Xin: [Shyly] It's enough. His name is Cao Xueqin. I'll introduce you to him one day, he's really talented...
Hui Xin lights up as she talks about Mr. Cao, she goes on endlessly. You figure out what's going on, and just smile.
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