Cannon-Fodder Heiress Turns the Tables by Fortune-Telling

"If they dare come, I'll surely be no pushover!"

Looking around at a place completely her own, Yun Ran intended to stroll and consider the feng shui and arrays needed for her new home.

Old Liu had already notified the Yun Family's steward to send over all the necessary purchases using the same channels as at the Yun Residence.

Then, he changed into a chef's outfit and dived into the kitchen.

While Yun Ran was away, he hadn't been idle and used the time to hone many skills.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, he expected to work with Yun Ran until his retirement.

The Ran Mansion was vast—big enough to accommodate a family spanning four generations.

Currently, only Yun Ran and Ginsengfruit resided there.

The other servants lived in the most remote corner, making the place feel especially spacious.

The temporary steward stayed by Yun Ran's side, awaiting instructions.

"Pull out all those plants over there. I'll give you some seeds to replant later, ones that repel insects. And over there... in the front..."

After touring around, Yun Ran was finally satisfied with the setup. With only minor modifications, the place turned into an excellent residence.

Back at the main building, Old Liu had already prepared a meal that looked no different from a restaurant's fare.

"Miss, these are all your favorite dishes. I've learned from the family chef. Please have a taste."

Yun Ran nodded and tasted each dish. The flavors were truly not bad, almost identical.

"You've all worked hard during this time. I'll make sure you get a bonus later."

"Thank you, Miss."

After eating and drinking to her fill, and as night began to fall, Yun Ran returned to her room.

The room's decor matched the furnishings from the Yun Residence, but it was much larger—at least two to three times bigger.

Yun Ran fell asleep immediately, not caring in the least about how many people couldn't sleep.

The next morning, wearing loungewear, Yun Ran sprawled lazily on a swing in the courtyard designed just for her.

Her eyes closed in rare relaxation, the first ray of morning sunlight bathed her face, making her look vibrant and full of life.

The weather was exceptionally nice, the warm sun making Yun Ran feel drowsy on the swing.

"Miss, there are visitors, people from the Capital City."

Since they didn't go out, Old Liu acted as the gatekeeper, turning away ordinary guests per Yun Ran's previous instructions.

But the people who came now were not ordinary, and Old Liu dared not make the call on his own.

Yun Ran's relaxed brows tensed slightly before she opened her eyes.

Though Old Liu hadn't been with Yun Ran for long, he could tell she was not happy.

"Tell them to wait in the glass teahouse at the side building!"

"Understood."

After Old Liu left, Yun Ran remained where she was, still leisurely swinging.

Ginsengfruit, playing games nearby, put down the tablet, visibly annoyed.

"These people can't stay quiet for a moment, coming over so quickly."

There was no need to guess; the people from the Capital City certainly had no good intentions.

Either they were trying to seize the opportunity while Xie Xuzhi was down, assuming the Xie Family's direct branch wouldn't care about someone like Yun Ran, hoping to poach her.

Or it could be the usual snobbishness of the aristocratic families who looked down on others, stepping on them while smilingly demanding they present everything they have.

"Host, are you really going to meet them?"

Continuing to swing, Yun Ran replied nonchalantly, "Of course, I'll see them, but I'm not planning to give them much face."

This was supposed to be her official 'holiday,' and they had the nerve to show up like that!

If she gave these people face, who would give her face in return?

After Old Liu invited them in, he respectfully led them to the glass teahouse.

"My lady is busy at the moment and will come over shortly. Please wait a moment."

The servants soon brought in tea and exited along with Old Liu.

This spot was originally designed by Yun Ran for appreciating the view.

The three visitors examined the exquisite objects and rare flowers casually placed there, items even noble family offspring would cherish.

One couldn't help but comment, "Just a rich family's stepdaughter being so extravagant."

"You must've forgotten, she's not any ordinary rich stepdaughter; she's someone favored by the Xie Family."

"Indeed, this place wasn't originally called Ran Mansion. If she could snatch this place from others, she's definitely not simple.

We're begging her for something this time; if you offend her, we won't have anything good to look forward to later."

"I just said something without thinking, didn't mean it..."

They finished a pot of tea, but Yun Ran still hadn't arrived, making it clear she was giving them the cold shoulder.

Though they said no more, their faces were far from pleased.

Only after another ten minutes did Yun Ran finally come over, still in her loungewear, showing no sign of having dressed up.

The leader's eyes flickered with a glint but quickly returned to normal.

"Has Lady Yun finally finished her tasks?"

Anyone with a thin skin or a sense of shame would feel embarrassed at being asked like this.

But Yun Ran felt no embarrassment; this was her home, and they had shown up uninvited. If not for them being from the Capital, she wouldn't have let them in at all.

Moreover, she had even served them tea, the finest kind, reserved for herself.

Note to self: have Old Liu buy some inferior tea to avoid using her own for uninvited guests in the future.

Yun Ran sat on her designated pink sofa, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Knowing I'm busy, you still came unannounced. Even if I'm from a humble family, don't you people from the Capital know it's polite to notify before visiting someone's home?"

The three of them: ...

They didn't expect Yun Ran to be so blunt, leaving no room for dignity.

The leader clenched a fist, then released it.

Steadying himself, he lowered his tone, "We are from the Wang Family in the Capital, and we wish to request Lady Yun's help in saving someone."