The old man nodded with a faint smile, then he raised his hand and handed over the scissors in his hand. “Would you like to give it a go?”

Yun Xi reached out and picked it up. She glanced at the few plum blossom branches on the coffee table and then looked at the vases placed on top of Xiao Jinglin’s antique shelf. She turned her head around to look at Xiao Jinglin. “The vases at home seemed to have been replaced. They aren’t antiques anymore, are they?”

“I heeded your advice and replaced them all. These are all artisanal handicrafts now.”

Yun Xi nodded, then she took an azure-colored Ru ware porcelain vase from the antique shelf. Lowering her head, she pulled out a unique plum blossom branch, pruned it, and inserted it into the vase. Then, she picked up a small pine branch and placed it next to the flowering branch. One was taller, crooked, and white, while the other was shorter, straight, and green. Putting the two together looked so simple without any extra decorations.

Xiao Jinglin stood on the side and admired it for a moment, then nodded with a satisfied smile. His serene eyes were filled with pride and honor. Old Master Xiao admired it carefully. As if he had understood something, he made an inviting gesture to Yun Xi with a smirk. “Your flower arrangement is quite unique, simple yet extraordinary. It is rather interesting when admired carefully. Little girl, do enlighten me.”

“Zen flower arrangements are rather different from the fullness and richness of Western-style flower arrangements, and the emphasis is on the feeling of comfort and white space. So when the lone flower branch grows sideways, twisting in dynamic movement, Zen takes form within the simplistic flower. The natural form of the flower renders the spatial atmosphere of Zen, while the graceful withering of life—that is, Zen itself—captures the real moments of nature. Grandpa, you’ve been abroad for so many years. Your style of flower arrangement is influenced by Western aesthetics. Within your Chinese flower arrangement, there is a sense of a Western touch to it. I was born in Jun Country. Thus, my being is deeply influenced by traditional culture, while I seek simplicity amidst tradition.”

“Not bad, not bad at all! It’s rare to see someone with such profound understanding at such a young age! Jing, your daughter sure has quite the talent. She outshines the younger you in every way. Looks like we won’t have to worry about the Xiao family’s future!”

Xiao Jinglin smiled and nodded, silently agreeing with the old man’s words. “You’re right, Father! The girl is certainly much more outstanding than I was at her age. She is smart and courageous. With a little experience and guidance, she will have no problem being the head of the family.”

“Right, indeed! Every single one of our Xiao children is exceptional! That Mu boy certainly punched above his weight!” From the old man’s point of view, although Mu Feichi had a good family background, he was still a soldier after all, and the precious daughter of the Xiao family was way out of his league.

“Grandpa, please, you flatter me! I’m but a little chick who has merely learned to flap my wings. I have yet to soar out to brave the storm!”

She was fully aware of her own capabilities. It was only the father and son pair who thought so highly of her because she was a Xiao.

“You’ve just come of age. Take your time, don’t sweat it. I will ensure you a safe and happy future. Don’t worry, I won’t be retiring anytime soon.”

Yun Xi raised her eyes and looked at Xiao Jinglin. He smiled back at her without saying a word, but he did not refute the old man’s words either. In silence, his eyes were filled with compromise and adoration for her.

The old man waved his hand and looked down at the vase on the coffee table. “Alright, let’s have breakfast! The rest of them should be coming over later.”

When Yun Xi came out of the dining hall after breakfast, Xiaoer was already waiting there with the other nine in tow, while two others were standing side by side in the middle of the living room.

Seeing them come out, they straightened their bodies and shouted in unison, “Morning, boss! Morning, Miss!”

Xiao Jinglin paused and said in a deep voice, “This is my only daughter, Yun Xi, the heiress of the Xiao family. From now on, the ten of you will follow and protect her. Treat her like you would treat me. Go on, then! Introduce yourselves.”

“Miss, I am Ayi. I am Xiaoer. I am Asan and I am Xiaosi…”

She listened to their self-introductions. Of the ten of them there, she had already met quite a few. It was only after the introductions that she realized that there were still two unfamiliar faces in the living room.