The moment Li Meirong stepped outside, she nearly tumbled over an outer sect disciple who had prostrated herself on the bare floor right outside the door.

Li Meirong immediately took a step back, balancing herself as she tightened her hold on the towel and brush in her hands.

The young girl, dressed in the Forgotten Waters sect's servant clothes, had her forehead pressed to the ground. Her dark hair was neatly styled into two elaborate loops on each side of her small head. Golden strings tied to a bell decorated each loop, making her seem all the more adorable.

She immediately recognized the sister with an identical twin who had been introduced as her personal maid several months ago. She had naturally assumed that Zhu Qingyue's words were all in jest, since she hadn't seen the girls since that one single meeting.

"Please don't bow before me." Li Meirong smiled and asked gently, "I remember you and your sister. Your honoured surname was…?"

The girl tilted her head. A pair of round cheeks, big lucent eyes, and a small apologetic smile came into view.

"It is Xiao," replied the girl, sounding a tad surprised. "Xiao An Fei, my lady."

"Miss Xiao, have you waited here for long? I'm sorry for having troubled you."

"It is no trouble! I wouldn't dare to call it trouble, my lady." As if frightened by her words, Xiao An Fei hastily made another curtsy.

Xiao An Fei couldn't be blamed for her peculiar reaction. She had lived all of her life in a society where every word spoken was a double edged sword. She had automatically assumed that Her Ladyship grew displeased with her.

Furthermore, to make matters worse, Xiao An Fei had been serving the wickedest lord of them all. If one wasn't able to properly read the real meaning behind the Sovereign Lord's speech, they would often end up displeasing him. No one wished to displease him, for his retribution was swift and harsh.

A wrinkle developed between Li Meirong's delicate brows as they drew together. "Oh, it's just that I haven't seen you for so long. I figured Zhu Qingyue must have suddenly ordered you to look after me."

Xiao An Fei's back stiffened. A fearful presumption suddenly occurred to her. It sounded as though Her Ladyship had gotten upset by her lack of appearance!

She miserably thought, 'I've been watching Her Ladyship day in and day out for all these days except when I was forced to return to the Heavenly realm. It's only because His Lordship was keeping a close watch like a hawk that even servants weren't allowed to show themselves before Her Ladyship!'

Noticing the little maid was lost in thought, Li Meirong slowly knelt down beside her. "Miss Xiao…?"

Upon seeing Li Meirong face her at eye level, Xiao An Fei turned flabbergasted, jumping as if stung.

She swiftly lowered her eyes and said, "Please forgive my discourteous behaviour! I will present myself before Her Ladyship every morning until the moment of my dismissal."

"That's not what I meant to say." Li Meirong's frown deepened. 'How did this little Miss reach this odd conclusion? I'm beginning to feel like an evil empress dowager bullying a pitiful concubine.'

"My lady, may I hold onto your belongings?" Xiao An Fei had her palms stretched wide open, ready to receive the bathing supplies.

Li Meirong sighed. Although she wanted to carry her own items, it seemed to be of great importance for this little maid to show her capabilities. She didn't want to come off as rude or for any other misunderstandings to develop, so she simply consented to her request.

"Please do," said Li Meirong, handing Xiao An Fei the items.

A grateful smile spread across Xiao An Fei's face as she accepted the towel and brush, holding them like treasures. Her Ladyship was so kind, so forgiving!