Reborn and returned, sisters swapped

Just as Gu Jinyan reached the middle of the group, his gaze suddenly froze.

A slightly thin maid stood among the crowd. Although she appeared calm, Gu Jinyan vaguely sensed an unusual aura about her.

This maid was about seventeen years old, with fair skin and clear eyes. Unlike the other maids who were timid and hesitant, she exuded a sense of composure and calmness.

"What's her name?" Gu Jinyan asked casually.

The steward quickly opened the register in his hand and replied, "Reporting to Miss, this lady is named Hongye. She was originally a maid in a merchant's household in Biwu City. Because the master of that household suffered a great misfortune and the family fell into decline, she was sold to the capital."

Gu Jinyan nodded and continued to examine the red pages.

Although she appeared slender, there was not a trace of fear in her eyes, as if she had already experienced the trials of life.

In that instant, Gu Jinyan suddenly had a premonition that this maid might be exactly what she needed.

"Come here," Gu Jinyan commanded.

Hongye walked up to Gu Jinyan, bowed, and stood quietly with her eyes lowered, but without a trace of panic.

Gu Jinyan's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he suddenly asked, "Why did you choose to sell yourself into slavery?"

Upon hearing this, Hongye raised her head slightly and said calmly, "Miss's family has fallen on hard times, and Hongye has no one to rely on. Knowing that she is powerless to change her fate, the only way to protect herself is to be loyal to her master."

These words were spoken neither servilely nor arrogantly, without any false flattery; the tone was calm, and every word revealed a firmness and wit.

A hint of appreciation flashed in Gu Jinyan's eyes, and he had already made up his mind.

"Would you be willing to come back to my manor with me and become my maid?"

Hongye was slightly taken aback, then a glint of light flashed in her eyes, and she immediately bowed and said, "Hongye is willing to serve Miss, even at the cost of her life."

Gu Jinyan looked at her and nodded inwardly.

This maid was clearly different from ordinary maids; she possessed a certain forbearance and wisdom.

It seems that he has retained a clear mind despite the hardships he has experienced, which is exactly the kind of person Gu Jinyan needs at this moment.

After selecting his maids, Gu Jinyan did not rush back to his residence, but instead strolled around the streets surrounding Juxian Lane.

It was the height of the market, with vendors calling out their wares incessantly. The streets were lined with stalls selling all sorts of unusual and exotic items.

She had never paid attention to the lives of ordinary people, but after being reborn in this life and experiencing the fierce struggles of power, she began to have a greater interest in the bustling world.

Gu Jinyan stopped in front of a stall selling jade artifacts.

The stall owner was an elderly man over fifty years old. Seeing her elegant attire, he immediately greeted her warmly: "Miss, these jade items are all of the finest quality. Look, this jade pendant is exquisitely carved and is absolutely worthy of your status."

Gu Jinyan glanced at the stall and indeed saw several fine jade pieces on display. Just as he was about to take a casual look, he suddenly noticed a raggedly dressed young man standing next to the stall.

He gazed at the jade artifacts with a reserved expression, a hint of longing in his eyes.

Gu Jinyan stopped in his tracks, tilted his head slightly, and asked, "Why are you here?"

The boy was taken aback upon hearing this, and immediately lowered his head, stammering, "Miss... I was just passing by and had no intention of disturbing you."

Looking at him, Gu Jinyan felt a strange curiosity arise in her heart: "Do you have any relatives?"

The boy paused for a moment, then shook his head: "No... I have nowhere to go."

Gu Jinyan nodded, a hint of pity flashing in his eyes.

She took a jade pendant from the stall and handed it to the stall owner: "I want this one."

The stall owner accepted the money with a smile and thanked him repeatedly.

Gu Jinyan turned around and handed the jade pendant to the boy, saying indifferently, "Take it. This jade pendant is better than you standing here."

The young man was flattered and immediately knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Thank you, Miss! Thank you, Miss!"

Gu Jinyan said nothing more and turned to leave.

I am not a kind person, but an occasional act of charity might bring about some change in the fate of this boy.