"Tell me, Bai Lian," Lin Feng said gently, trying to appear sympathetic. "Perhaps a fellow palace worker can lend an ear?"
Bai Lian hesitated for a moment, glancing around the bustling courtyard as if worried someone might overhear. Then, with a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world, she nodded slowly. "It's… It's about my family. My younger brother has fallen ill, and we owe a considerable sum to the local physician. If we don't pay soon…" Her voice trailed off, her eyes filled with a quiet desperation.
The system in Lin Feng's vision flickered, presenting new options:
[Potential Interaction Opportunities:]
(Express sincere sympathy and offer generic encouragement): +6 Favorability
(Offer practical, albeit vague, assistance): +10 Favorability
(Subtly inquire if there's a way he could personally help): +15 Favorability
(Change the subject with a lighthearted remark): -3 Favorability
Lin Feng, despite his limited understanding of this world's finances, immediately gravitated towards the third option. Fifteen favorability points sounded promising, and a touch of personal involvement might solidify their budding connection.
"That sounds like a heavy burden," he said, his voice laced with genuine concern. "Is there… perhaps some small way a fellow worker in the Emperor's service might be able to assist? Sometimes, a fresh perspective can offer unexpected solutions." He kept his tone vague, not wanting to overpromise or reveal his utter lack of resources.
Another notification popped up:
[Chosen Interaction: Subtly inquire if there's a way he could personally help]
[Bai Lian - Favorability: +15]
[Current Favorability: 20]
A new bio snippet appeared: [Bio Snippet Unlocked: A strong sense of loyalty to her family drives her actions.]
Bai Lian's eyes widened slightly, a glimmer of hope flickering within them. She looked at Lin Feng more closely now, a hint of curiosity replacing her earlier reserve. "You… you would help?" Her voice was barely a whisper, tinged with disbelief.
Lin Feng offered a reassuring smile, trying to project an aura of trustworthiness despite his ridiculous attire. "We palace workers must look out for one another, right? Though my means are humble, perhaps… perhaps we could discuss it further when we are both off duty?" He punctuated the question with a slightly suggestive glance, remembering the adult nature of this world – and his novel.
The system chimed again, offering a new set of choices:
[Potential Interaction Opportunities:]
(Suggest meeting later in a secluded part of the outer palace): +12 Favorability
(Offer to share his meager lunch with her now): +7 Favorability
(Inquire more deeply about her brother's illness): +10 Favorability
(Suggest she speak to a higher-ranking eunuch for assistance.): -5 Favorability
Meeting later in a secluded spot? That sounded like the perfect opportunity for further… development. Lin Feng mentally selected the first option.
[Chosen Interaction: Suggest meeting later in a secluded part of the outer palace]
[Bai Lian - Favorability: +12]
[Current Favorability: 32]
A new bio snippet flashed: [Bio Snippet Unlocked: Has a secret soft spot for those who show her kindness and genuine interest.]
A delicate blush bloomed on Bai Lian's cheeks once more, her gaze flickering downwards for a brief moment before meeting his again, a hint of shy excitement in her honey-colored eyes. "Perhaps… perhaps that would be possible, esteemed brother. After our duties are finished?"
Lin Feng's inner gamer did a little celebratory dance. Thirty-two favorability already! He was leveling up in the real world, and it felt surprisingly… exhilarating. "I shall seek you out then, esteemed Bai Lian," he said, finally using the name the system had provided, letting it roll off his tongue with a newfound confidence. "Until then, may your worries be lightened." He offered a polite bow, trying his best to remember the proper etiquette he'd seen in those dramas. This fake eunuch gig was starting to have some unexpectedly fun benefits.
Lin Feng found Bai Lian waiting for him in the secluded alcove, the soft glow of the setting sun casting a warm light on her delicate features. He approached her with a slight sense of urgency. "Esteemed sister Bai Lian," he began, his voice low and sincere, and immediately pressed the small silver coin into her hand. "Please, accept this as a token of my deepest gratitude for agreeing to meet me and for your earlier kindness."
Bai Lian looked surprised by the immediate offering, her honey-colored eyes widening as she gazed at the silver in her palm. A delicate blush bloomed on her cheeks, spreading quickly to her neck.
Just then, the familiar shimmer appeared at the edge of Lin Feng's vision:
[Bai Lian - Favorability: +15 (Generous Offering)]
[Current Favorability: 47]
[Relationship Level Increased: Slight Romance]
Lin Feng subtly observed Bai Lian. Her previous apprehension seemed to melt away, replaced by a softer, more personal demeanor. She clutched the coin in her hand, her gaze now lingering on his face with a newfound warmth. Her shoulders seemed less tense, and a shy smile touched her lips.
"Esteemed brother, you are too kind," she murmured, her voice even softer than before. There was a hint of a different kind of curiosity in her eyes now, a subtle personal interest that hadn't been there in their previous interaction. "It is more than enough."
Emboldened by her reaction and the system's indication of a shift in their relationship level to "slight romance," Lin Feng felt a surge of trust. Perhaps he could confide in her, at least to some extent. He leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper, his eyes conveying a sense of vulnerability. "Actually, esteemed sister Bai Lian," he began, "there is… something else I wished to ask you, something a bit more… personal." He hesitated for a moment, then decided to take the plunge. "You see… my arrival in the palace was… rather sudden, and I seem to have… misplaced my assignment scroll in the chaos. I am, to be honest, a new eunuch who is… unaccounted for." He risked a glance around to ensure their privacy. "I fear that if I am discovered without assigned duties, I could face… serious trouble."
Bai Lian listened intently, her brow furrowing with concern as Lin Feng confided in her. She glanced around the secluded alcove once more, a nervous habit, before turning back to him, her expression earnest. "An unaccounted eunuch… that is indeed a precarious situation, esteemed brother. If the wrong person were to discover this…" She shuddered delicately, leaving the implication hanging in the air.
After a moment of thoughtful silence, her eyes lit up with a hint of resolve. "But do not despair! I… I might have an idea. There is a senior eunuch in the outer palace administration, Elder Qin, who is known to be… sympathetic to newcomers, especially those who have faced hardship." She lowered her voice even further. "Perhaps… if you were to approach him with a sincere plea and a small… offering…" She subtly hinted at the possibility of a bribe, a common practice she likely knew within the palace walls.
Lin Feng's heart leaped with relief. This was exactly the kind of insider information he desperately needed. "Elder Qin, you say?" He committed the name to memory. "Esteemed sister, your knowledge is truly a lifesaver." He offered her another grateful smile, feeling the connection between them deepen. The system was proving to be more useful than he could have imagined.
Bai Lian nodded, a faint blush still lingering on her cheeks. "He can be found near the western wing of the outer palace administration building. Be respectful and emphasize your eagerness to serve the Emperor. Perhaps… mention that you were separated from your group during the initial processing." She added this detail quickly, giving Lin Feng a plausible excuse for his unregistered status.
"I will do exactly as you say, Bai Lian," Lin Feng assured her, his relief palpable. "I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and guidance. You have truly lifted a great weight from my shoulders." He paused, a playful glint entering his eyes. "Perhaps… after I have settled this matter, I could find a way to further express my gratitude?" He let the question hang in the air, curious to gauge her reaction given their improved favorability.
Bai Lian's gaze flickered downwards again, and her blush deepened. A small, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips. "That… that would be kind, esteemed brother. But for now, focus on speaking with Elder Qin. That is the most important matter."
Lin Feng nodded, understanding the unspoken message. "Of course. My priority is to become a proper servant of His Majesty." He offered her a final, sincere smile. "Thank you again, Bai Lian. I will take my leave now and seek out Elder Qin." He turned to go, a renewed sense of purpose filling him. He had a name, a direction, and a growing connection with a helpful – and rather lovely – maid. Things were starting to look up for the accidental eunuch of the Jade Dynasty.