Chapter 446 - 444: Eating Together
After pondering for a moment, Lin Zhenhai spoke up. "Aren’t you afraid that by saying this, I won’t approve of you being with Xiao Xi?"
"Even if Chairman Lin decides to do that, I still won’t let go," Xue Yang said, refilling the man’s cup with tea.
Lin Zhenhai took a sip. "Do you really think you’re in any position to oppose me right now?"
If someone else had said this, one might have to consider how much of it was just talk. However, coming from Lin Zhenhai, it was a different matter entirely. He truly had the power to do it. All he had to do was want it.
"No," Xue Yang replied truthfully.
"Then you still dare to say such things to me?"
"Because that’s what I truly think. I just hope that one day, I can ensure Xiao Xi never has to worry about money again."
Lin Zhenhai frowned. "As my daughter, when has Xiao Xi ever had to worry about money?"
"I just remember back when I first met Xiao Xi, we had to think long and hard just to buy a cup of bubble tea. In the end, we only managed to get one because of a buy-one-get-one-free deal."
Lin Zhenhai’s frown deepened; he hadn’t known about any of this. So, Xiao Xi really suffered that much when she first ran away from home?
"You found Xiao Xi on the street. Since you were so strapped for cash back then, why didn’t you send her home, or just drive her away? If you had, perhaps she would have gone back home then."
"Even if I were destitute, I would never drive away a penniless young girl. Besides, she’s so beautiful. If she ran into danger out there, I’d never be able to live with myself."
Besides, I really did want Lin Xi to go home back then, but she had adamantly refused. Of course, that’s something I definitely can’t tell Chairman Lin directly.
Feeling a pang of guilt, Lin Xi lowered her head, too embarrassed to speak.
"So, you’re saying that at first, you didn’t actually have feelings for her."
Xue Yang shook his head. "Back then, I could barely take care of myself, so how could I even think about dating? Later, when I decided to let her stay, we became determined to make money together. We resolved to never again be so broke that we couldn’t even afford bubble tea."
As Lin Zhenhai listened to Xue Yang’s words, his mind drifted back to the first time he had seen him in Yanbei. The young man was very intelligent and not at all impetuous. He hadn’t changed his mind even when I myself tried to recruit him. Honestly, a person like that is rare and commendable. Perhaps that’s why I decided to support him from the shadows. To be with my daughter, certain trials are necessary. Only by going through them will I one day feel at ease handing the entire Lin Corporation over to them.
Xue Yang’s response was satisfactory. However, Lin Zhenhai’s expression remained icy, giving the impression that he still had a big problem with Xue Yang. Even so, Xue Yang’s resolve did not waver, and he didn’t stoop to begging Lin Zhenhai to allow him to be with Lin Xi. He knew it was better to prove with his own strength that he was worthy of being with Xiao Xi. Strength was the most powerful argument.
Lin Xi ran over, took Lin Zhenhai’s arm, and cooed, "Daddy, you so rarely come to Hui City. Let your daughter show you a good time."
Lin Zhenhai shot her a mock-reproachful look. "Aren’t you too busy with your romance to spend time with this old man?"
"Oh, Daddy, my love life isn’t nearly as important as you! Now that you’re here, of course I’ll spend time with you."
"I guess raising this daughter wasn’t a total waste."
Lin Xi snuggled into her father’s arms. "Of course it wasn’t! If you didn’t travel around all the time without telling me where you were going, I’d stick to you like glue. I wouldn’t leave even if you got sick of me."
As they were chatting, lunch was served. Xue Yuanqing had borrowed the hotel’s kitchen to cook the meal himself. His culinary skills were undeniably superb. Seeing him at work, the hotel chefs started asking him about his techniques, and Xue Yuanqing generously shared his knowledge. He immediately won the praise of the entire kitchen staff, who were all more than willing to be his assistants. As a result, the whole meal was ready in less than an hour.
Instead of eating in one of the hotel’s private dining rooms, they set up a table in their suite, allowing the two families to sit down for a meal together. This was, in fact, their first time formally dining together, making the meal particularly important.
"Mr. Lin, Xiao Xi, Xiao Yang, it’s time to eat."
Soon, the hotel staff had arranged all the dishes. The table was laden with Boiled Shrimp, Stir-Fried Squid, Shrimp Fried Noodles, Spicy Squid, Spicy Stir-Fried Clams, Steamed Mussels with Garlic, Braised Octopus, Dry Pot Crab, Yellow Wine Steamed Crab, and Charcoal-Grilled Conch, among other things. The massive spread was enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
However, compared to the meals I’m used to, this is nothing spectacular. But seeing how happy Xiao Xi is, I feel it’s far better than any of the exotic delicacies I’ve ever eaten before.
"Auntie, did Uncle cook this conch?" Lin Xi asked.
"So you could tell," Zhong Hailan replied with a smile.
"Mhm. I’ve eaten Uncle’s cooking before, and I’ve also had the hotel’s conch. The hotel’s version is just missing something. Uncle’s is the best."
"As long as you like it. Here, have some more," Xue Yuanqing said.
"Thank you, Uncle."
"This is delicious too," Zhong Hailan added. "Back in the day, your uncle won me over with his cooking."
Lin Xi’s eyes sparkled. "It sounds like there’s a story between you and Uncle, Auntie!"
"What nonsense are you spouting in front of the girl’s father?" Zhong Hailan chided playfully. Only then did she remember that Xiao Xi’s dad was also present. "Mr. Lin, I’m sorry. I tend to talk a lot."
"It’s quite all right."
Seeing Xiao Xi get along so well with Xue Yang’s mother makes me genuinely happy. As long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters, right?
"Come on, let’s eat before it gets cold. It won’t taste as good," Xue Yuanqing urged. "Mr. Lin, care for a drink?"
"Of course."
As the two men drank, the atmosphere grew increasingly cordial.
Xue Yang gradually began to relax. To be honest, he wasn’t as calm as he appeared on the outside; internally, he was incredibly nervous. If Lin Zhenhai truly decided to stop him from being with Lin Xi at all costs, there would be nothing he could do. But he would fight to prove himself, not beg for approval.
「The meal concluded an hour later.」
"When we have time, let’s have a proper drink again," Lin Zhenhai said.
"Yes, yes! We must drink to our hearts’ content," Xue Yuanqing agreed.
"HAHAHA..."
Watching the two men laugh so happily, Xue Yang, Lin Xi, and Zhong Hailan patiently kept them company.
Right on schedule, Jiawen Li appeared at the door. "Chairman, the meeting is about to start."
Although I’m reluctant, work is unavoidable.
"Mm," Lin Zhenhai grunted.
"Dad, you go to your meeting," Lin Xi said. "I’ll wait here for you to come back."