Chapter 61: The Family Meeting

Old Master Lin’s intention to drink was quickly noticed by his wife, who gave him a stern look. Embarrassed, he put down his glass and picked up his chopsticks, taking some greens and tofu from the dishes before him. At a certain age, one can’t afford to indulge in greasy foods, and especially for elders like them who had contributed greatly to the nation, there were naturally health specialists to tailor their diets accordingly.

At the table, Lin’s sons eagerly supported their mother in persuading the old man. “Dad, Mom’s right, you really shouldn’t drink anymore. Just eat more of these dishes,” Lin Chuanming advised.

“All right, all right, I know! Sigh, can’t drink, can’t smoke, eating nothing but greens and tofu every day—my mouth is about to forget what flavor is!” the old man grumbled as he looked at his bland meal.

Watching his grandfather’s aggrieved expression, Lin Feng could hardly suppress a smile. The other night in Zhanhai, chatting with Mo Tian had taught him that in the Federation, elderly people had no such restrictions. With advanced technology and exercise regimens, as long as they followed the routines, they could feast and drink heartily without concern for their health. Lin Feng had learned the method from Mo Tian that night, but he dared not share it with his grandfather now, lest it cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

While the old man abstained, the rest of the family drank with gusto, especially the elders. “Come, let’s have another round! Third brother, now that you’re back, the family will be even livelier. Let’s drink to that!” As the eldest, Lin Chuanming took the lead in inviting everyone to drink. The Lin brothers each had their own fields and careers, so there was no rivalry over family resources; their bond remained strong.

“Yes, the eldest is right! Third, it’s rare for you to come home—let the past be the past!” Second Uncle Lin Chuanyan, already tipsy, threw an arm around Lin Chuanzhi’s shoulder and slurred his words.

“Good, good, let’s drink!” Lin Chuanzhi was also in high spirits. It had been years since he could share a drink with his brothers, and he was enjoying himself immensely tonight.

With the house so lively, Mo Tian couldn’t bear to stay cooped up in Lin Feng’s jade pendant any longer. He slipped out and stood by Lin Feng, surveying the room, though only Lin Feng could see him. Watching the others drink, Mo Tian gave Lin Feng a look of disdain. “The wine in your world is such a waste! I’ve seen some brewing processes online—what a waste of ingredients. I can’t taste the wines of this dimension, but I doubt they’re anything special.”

Lin Feng was a little surprised by this, glancing around to make sure nobody was paying attention; the men were drinking, the women chatting, and no one noticed him. He quietly whispered to Mo Tian, “So you know a better way to brew wine?”

“Of course. Even kids in the Federation can brew. Do you think a scientist as brilliant as me wouldn’t know?” Mo Tian answered, displeased at being doubted.

“Would it really taste better than the wine here?” Lin Feng continued, still skeptical.

“Heh, what’s with that look? The Federation’s technology is way ahead of this world’s—why would I lie? Don’t believe me? Get some regular wine tomorrow, I’ll show you what to add. Try the new brew then and see if it isn’t better than anything on Mercury!” Mo Tian scoffed.

“Fine, I’ll try tomorrow. If it’s not good, I’ll look down on you,” Lin Feng replied, half convinced.

Mo Tian ignored him, his face dark as he flew back into the jade pendant. Once he was gone, Lin Feng rejoined the family at the table. After the meal, the women gathered in the living room to chat. After just one meal, Xia Ruoxi had grown much more comfortable with the family, no longer shy, and could even chime in from time to time.

The men all went to the old master’s study to discuss family matters. Once inside, everyone took their seats according to age, with Lin Feng and Lin Yu at the outermost seats, leaving the elders inside.

“Come now, it’s rare for everyone to be here. Let’s each talk about how things are going. Lin Yu, go make some tea for everyone,” the old master said as soon as he sat down.

Lin Yu quickly fetched the tea set and went to boil water. Once he saw Lin Yu at work, the old master turned to Lin Chuanming. “Chuanming, you’re the eldest—start us off.”

Being named and knowing he was the family’s designated successor, Lin Chuanming stood up and addressed the room. “Not much has changed for me this year. My position isn’t likely to shift, and I can’t climb any higher, so I focused on streamlining work and reforming some of the old issues.”

“You did well this year. I’ve heard good things about you from the military, all positive. But as for promotion, that’s a tough prospect—your current post isn’t easy to move up from. Next,” the old master commented.

Seeing the eldest had finished, Lin Chuanyan stood up. “Nothing major for me this year—just the usual odds and ends. As for promotion, I don’t dare hope.”

“Don’t say that. Yanjing is a big city, and keeping everything running smoothly is commendable. But you’ve only been in your post two years—it’s still too soon for a promotion,” the old master replied thoughtfully.

When it was Lin Chuanzhi’s turn, he said, “It’s been years since I attended a meeting like this, and there’s not much to say. Business-wise, I have the Lin Group in Zhanhai, but that’s about it.”

“Let the past stay in the past, Third. You’ve done well these ten years, building the biggest group in a new city all on your own—that’s proof enough of your ability,” the old master comforted him.

With the elders done, it was time for Lin Feng’s generation. Lin Yu, as the eldest of the third generation, started, though given the unusual circumstances this year, he kept it brief. “Everyone knows what happened with the family company this year, so I have nothing to add.”

The old master made no comment, but turned to Lin Feng. The three brothers watched Lin Feng curiously, eager to hear what he would say. Lin Feng had been silent, weighing whether to reveal his plans.

Sensing Lin Feng’s hesitation, the old master reassured him. “I know you have your concerns. Just say what you can—what you can’t share, keep to yourself.”

With this assurance, Lin Feng felt much more at ease. After a moment, he said, “I only have the one company, as you know. This year’s results were good. Next year, we’re launching an overseas agent program, but you’re already aware of that.”

“That’s it?” the old master pressed.

“Yes, that’s all,” Lin Feng confirmed.

“Fine, if you’re not ready to say more, so be it. We’ll find out soon enough anyway,” the old man replied, a little frustrated. Clearly, he knew Lin Feng was no ordinary youth and was very curious about his plans, but Lin Feng was tight-lipped as ever.

“By the way, about your agency rights—it’s causing us a headache. Lin Feng, do you have any ideas to help?” the old master asked helplessly.

As soon as he spoke, the eldest and second uncles, as well as Lin Yu, stared at Lin Feng with a hint of grievance, as if Lin Feng had wronged them. Lin Feng was bewildered. “Um, why are you all looking at me like that?”

The old master chuckled. “It’s all because of your company’s agency rights. You have no idea what we’ve been through lately. At the office, people corner us to lobby; at home, they wait for us too. Even on the phone or heading to the restroom, relatives are there, all for the agency rights. These people are relentless.”

Lin Feng could imagine the scene and laughed heartily. Thankfully, he’d had the foresight to let the family handle it; otherwise, he’d have been the one hounded. When he’d laughed enough, he asked, “So, how did it go? Is it settled? If so, give me the list so I can plan the arrangements.”

The old master shook his head, exasperated. “If it were that easy! Every influential family in Yanjing has approached me, even families from outside have come to see me, not to mention our own relatives. There are far too many people, and only a few agency spots. If we don’t handle it well, we’ll make a lot of enemies!”

“Grandfather, that’s not my problem. We agreed from the start that you’d handle agency selection—I just need the result. At the start of next year, I’ll be launching preparations for our computers to enter the overseas market,” Lin Feng quickly clarified, distancing himself from the headache.