Chapter 53: Amusing Incidents Before Departure

From that moment on, everything proceeded smoothly, and before they knew it, only five days remained until the biggest festival in the country—New Year! When Old Master Lin had come to Zhanhai City, both Lin Chuanzi and Lin Feng had promised him that this year they would return to Yanjing for the festivities. It was a perfectly ordinary affair, and Lin Feng had already persuaded Xia Ruoxi to join their family for the occasion. Everything seemed proper and natural, but unfortunately, things unraveled when it came to his father.

“What? We’re going to Yanjing for New Year this year? And why is that? If I hadn’t caught you packing, old man, I’d still be in the dark. Is it that everyone in this house knows but me?” Liu Runli sat on the sofa in the Lin family villa, confronting a sullen Lin Chuanzi at the other end.

“Well, well, Lin Feng and I just forgot to mention it, that’s all. It wasn’t deliberate, honestly! There’s nothing to hide about it, right?” Lin Chuanzi explained, rubbing his head. True to form, he dragged Lin Feng into the mess alongside him.

“Hey, this has nothing to do with me! It’s definitely Dad’s job to tell you, Mom. I always assumed you knew, but…” Lin Feng, seeing his father trying to pull him into the fray, hurried to clear his own name.

“You brat! No, I simply forgot, too. I’m always so busy, you know, so it just slipped my mind. Enough now, don’t let our son laugh at me.” Lin Chuanzi glared at Lin Feng, then continued to plead with Liu Runli, his tone humble and cajoling.

“What do you mean, ‘enough’? Are you implying this is my fault? So I’m always the unreasonable one?” Liu Runli, still simmering with anger, pressed her argument.

“No, no, it’s all my fault—can’t you let it go? I shouldn’t have forgotten to tell you something so important. Now that you know, perhaps you can start packing? I’ve already booked tomorrow’s flights. Lin Feng is even bringing Ruoxi along this time.” Lin Chuanzi kept pleading, his dignity spent, caring little for face.

Watching his father’s pitiful demeanor, Lin Feng felt both sympathy and admiration: how his mother had mastered the art of keeping the chairman of Zhanhai’s leading enterprise firmly in check! Unable to bear it any longer, he rushed to Liu Runli’s side, clinging to her arm and pleading, “Mom, Dad was wrong not to tell you. But he’s always so busy with work—let’s forgive him this time. He can buy you a gift to make amends, okay?”

Liu Runli, listening to Lin Feng’s childish plea, felt her anger ebb. Years ago, Lin Chuanzi had defied his family for her and their son, moving to Zhanhai for so many years. Now, with Old Master Lin willing to let him return to Yanjing for New Year, it meant reconciliation at last. Liu Runli was genuinely happy but had struggled for a way to relent; Lin Feng’s words provided the perfect opportunity.

“Fine, for Lin Feng’s sake, I won’t argue further. But I still want a gift. There’s a necklace I saw while shopping with my friends—not cheap, so I didn’t buy it, but now you have the chance to redeem yourself. It’s not too expensive, just twelve million!” She looked at Lin Chuanzi impassively.

Lin Feng was taken aback by the mention of a twelve-million necklace. He glanced at his father, whose face twitched uncontrollably—clearly stunned. But this was no time to back down; even if it were one hundred and twenty million, he would have to agree, or the matter would never be settled.

Lin Feng quickly signaled his father with his eyes. Thankfully, Lin Chuanzi was not unaccustomed to extravagance. Although momentarily shocked by the price, he caught Lin Feng’s cue and readily agreed.

“I’m not trying to extort you, but only a fierce lesson will help you remember! Next time, don’t forget anything so important,” Liu Runli admonished, feeling satisfied as she finally went upstairs to pack.

Lin Feng watched his mother’s retreat, then dared to joke with his father, “Dad, you’ve really got it tough! Is your greatest regret marrying Mom?”

“Hmph! You’re setting me up now, are you? If your mother hears that, she’d skin you alive!” Lin Chuanzi retorted, still annoyed—what man wouldn’t be, forced to shell out twelve million for an apology gift?

“Dad, you’re just too nervous to answer, so I’ll take your silence as agreement. I’ll have to tell Mom about this someday.” Lin Feng teased further, relishing his father’s discomfort.

“Hey, you brat, stop causing trouble! Haven’t you had enough drama? If you really said that, who knows what would happen!” Lin Chuanzi glared at his son.

“Well, then, tell me—do you feel wronged?” Lin Feng continued his nosy questioning.

“What would you know, kid? This is love and respect—it’s how your mother and I get along. You wouldn’t understand.” Lin Chuanzi defended himself, as if searching for justification.

“Pfft, Dad, Mom has you wrapped around her little finger—you’ll never be the master of the house!” Lin Feng laughed, watching his father’s attempt at dignity.

“Is your skin itching, boy? Just because you’ve made something of yourself, you think I won’t discipline you? Hurry up and pack your bags!” Flushed with embarrassment, Lin Chuanzi barked at him.

“Young people travel light—just a few clothes and I’m set. I’ll pack before bed.” Lin Feng replied nonchalantly.

“I don’t care, as long as you remember. Are you really planning to bring Ruoxi with you this time?” Lin Chuanzi suddenly grew serious.

“Yes, you already know, so why ask again? I’m not joking about this.” Lin Feng grinned.

Lin Chuanzi had nothing left to say. His status at home seemed to be diminishing—once, he’d commanded a father’s authority, but now Lin Feng’s achievements far surpassed his own decades of work, and his wife always sided with their son. He had no grounds to discipline him.

At last, Lin Chuanzi could only sigh, “Can’t you be serious for a moment? Give your father some dignity!”

Lin Feng, seeing his father’s helplessness, relented and adopted a serious manner.

Once satisfied, Lin Chuanzi nodded, “So tell me—what’s your real intention in bringing Xia Ruoxi to Yanjing?”

“Dad, you’re overthinking it. There’s no scheme—I’m just bringing my future wife to meet the elders and get acquainted with the family, nothing more.” Lin Feng feigned ignorance.

“Ha! Trying to fool me? I’ve raised you for years—I know exactly what you’re up to. You want to make your position clear, so the family knows you’re in charge of your marriage, without interference. And you probably hope Ruoxi will fend off those would-be romantic interests.” Lin Chuanzi eyed him with mock disdain.

Lin Feng only chuckled.

“But your wings are strong now, and the family has benefited from you. They won’t dare oppose your wishes, especially since Ruoxi is exceptional—she rivals the daughters of all the great families in Yanjing, perhaps even surpasses them. This time, you’ve made the right choice!” Speaking of Xia Ruoxi, Lin Chuanzi couldn’t help but praise her.

“Exactly, Dad. That’s my plan. The Future Technology Company will be handed to Ruoxi eventually—I don’t have the time, and its future scale will require a tough CEO at the helm. Ruoxi has done well so far, but she’s never seen our family’s circles. My main purpose for this trip to Yanjing isn’t to persuade the old master to approve us, but to let Ruoxi witness the Yanjing circle, so she’ll be better equipped to manage the company later. The old master’s opinion isn’t something I worry about.” Lin Feng spoke calmly.

“Ah, I know you’ve grown up away from the family and don’t have much affection for them. Now you have the strength to stand your ground. For the Lin family, it’s our clan, after all—I don’t expect you to always side with them, just to help when needed. The old master is getting on in years, not as domineering as before, so don’t argue with him too much. Don’t upset him—he’s old, and if your words make him ill, it’ll be a real problem.” Lin Chuanzi advised earnestly.

“Dad, I know all that—I’m not as bad as you think! When necessary, I’ll give the old man some leeway; I won’t drive him to illness.” Lin Feng replied, exasperated by his father’s concern.

“Hmph, I just wanted to give you a heads-up.” Lin Chuanzi shot him a look, not hiding his irritation.