Chapter 447 - 445: Do You Need a Reason to Like Someone?
As soon as Lin Zhenhai left, only Xue Yang’s family and Lin Xi remained in the suite. This was supposed to be a trip for just their group, but Lin Zhenhai’s sudden arrival had disturbed the peace.
"Uncle, Auntie, Xue Yang, I’m so sorry," Lin Xi said apologetically. "I had no idea my dad would show up here and catch everyone off guard." She truly hadn’t known he was coming.
"It’s alright, Xiao Xi. We would have had to meet your father sooner or later anyway, so a bit earlier is fine. The next time we meet, it won’t be so formal."
"Brother Lin is a great guy. No wonder he raised such a sensible daughter like you," Xue Yuanqing said, completely charmed by Lin Zhenhai’s charisma and filled with admiration. "I just wonder when I’ll get another chance to drink with him."
"My dad rarely drinks. The fact that he was willing to drink with you means he has a good impression of you."
"Really?" Hearing this, Xue Yuanqing grinned so widely his eyes nearly disappeared.
By the time Lin Zhenhai finished his meeting, it was already four or five in the afternoon. The two families had dinner together again.
When the time was right, Xue Yang and his family had to head home. He had already promised everyone that after the new store’s grand opening rush, he would take them out for a celebratory meal, so they couldn’t stay any longer.
Hearing this, Lin Zhenhai didn’t say much, only commenting, "Hmph. A true man must prioritize his career. Go on."
Just then, Lin Xi went to her father’s side and linked her arm through his affectionately. "Dad, I’ll stay here and keep you company."
Lin Zhenhai snorted. "What’s the point of keeping an old man like me company? You should go with your boyfriend."
"No, I want to stay with you. No one can make me leave."
Although Lin Zhenhai appeared as cold as ice on the surface, his heart was already filled with quiet contentment. Lin Xi was his only daughter, so of course, he hoped she would stay by his side. Hearing her say she wanted to stay with him made him very happy. He just hoped she wasn’t only saying it to make him happy.
Xue Yang spoke up at the right moment. "Uncle Lin, we’ll leave Xiao Xi in your care for now. We’re heading back."
Lin Zhenhai glanced at him. "Xiao Xi is my daughter. I don’t need you to tell me to take care of her."
"Of course."
Xue Yang patted Lin Xi’s head. "I’ll come get you as soon as I’m done with work."
"Okay. I’ll be waiting for you to come get me. Don’t you dare lie to me."
"I told you, I would never lie to you."
Xue Yuanqing clapped Lin Zhenhai on the shoulder. "Brother Lin, it looks like we’ll have to save that drink for another time."
"Alright."
Zhong Hailan had already packed everything up.
Lin Xi and Lin Zhenhai walked Xue Yang’s family to their car and watched them leave. Even long after the car had disappeared from sight, she couldn’t bear to look away.
"They’re long gone, and you’re still looking," Lin Zhenhai teased.
Lin Xi pouted. "Dad, don’t you have another meeting? You should go."
"What, tired of seeing your old dad already?"
"Of course not! It’s just that the sooner you finish your meeting, the sooner you can rest."
"Mm," Lin Zhenhai said, stroking her head before turning to walk back inside.
"Dad, don’t be too late!" Lin Xi called out after him.
"Miss, I’ll get back to my duties as well," Jiawen Li said before following him inside.
Lin Xi followed them into the hotel. Once back in her room, she found herself all alone. What began as a lively trip had now left her by herself. It would be a lie to say she didn’t feel a pang of loneliness.
Feeling listless, Lin Xi sat on the sofa and made a video call to Si Wen.
"Well, look who it is. Not too busy being in love to have time to call me?"
"Si Wen, you sound just like my dad! It’s so annoying."
Si Wen immediately latched onto the key information. "You mean you’re with your dad right now?"
Lin Xi’s eyes widened in surprise. "You can tell even from that?"
"Do I not know you? You must have been separated from Xue Yang, then."
"Yeah. He went back to deal with some business. He said he’d come back for me once he’s done."
"And you actually believe him?"
"I believe him," Lin Xi said with conviction.
"If that’s the case, why are you calling me?"
"Because I’m bored."
Si Wen was left speechless.
"Oh, come on, just talk to me for a bit."
"Please, I’m actually busy, you know? The new semester is about to start, and there’s still a ton to do at the company."
"Oh, right, the semester is starting soon. Time flies." Only then did Lin Xi realize that more than half of her summer vacation had already passed. In just over ten days, she would be a university student.
"So? Any plans for when you start university?"
"What plans could I have? It’s university. I still have to go to class."
"Just class?"
"What else?"
"I mean, you’ve both met the parents now. Aren’t you going to discuss the next step?"
"The next step..." Lin Xi’s face flushed. "Are you talking about... getting engaged?"
"Of course! You’re not old enough to get married yet."
"Si Wen, you’re awful!"
"I’m just speaking the truth."
"I’m not talking to you anymore!" Lin Xi hurriedly hung up. If they had kept talking, Si Wen’s teasing would have made her die of embarrassment. Every time they chatted, Si Wen managed to say something that made her blush. Just wait until Si Wen gets a boyfriend. Then we’ll see who’s laughing!
Around ten o’clock that night, Lin Zhenhai finished his meeting. He went to Lin Xi’s room. After Xue Yang and his family had left, Lin Xi had moved into her father’s presidential suite, taking the room right next to his.
When Lin Zhenhai returned, he found her sitting on the sofa, drawing. He walked over and sat down beside her.
"What’s the matter? Are you unhappy I didn’t let you leave with your boyfriend?"
Hearing his words, Lin Xi stopped drawing. "Dad, I’m not!"
"You’re pouting so much your lip could scrape the sky, and you still say you’re not."
"I don’t care what you say. I’m just not!" she insisted.
It was rare for the father and daughter to have time to sit together, so Lin Zhenhai wanted to understand what was really on his daughter’s mind.
"Tell me. Why do you like that rascal Xue Yang so much that you don’t even want your old father anymore?"
"Because I like him! Besides, Dad, when did I ever say I don’t want you? You’re the one who’s never home and never thinks about his daughter!"
"..." Lin Zhenhai was struck speechless, completely shut down by his own daughter.
"Dad, does liking someone need a reason?"
"Doesn’t liking someone need a reason?"
Lin Xi spoke earnestly. "I just feel happy and secure when I’m with him. I also really like his family, and they’re very good to me. All of that should be enough, right?"
Lin Zhenhai pondered his daughter’s words.