"Dad!"
Yan Shouyi shouted with a cry, startling Lin Ruofu.
If it were in the past, Yan Shouyi might not have been so dramatic, but this trip to Chang'an had resolved Lin Zitong's life-and-death tribulation, so he was in an exceptionally good mood.
Coupled with the discovery that he was going to be a father, he shouted "Dad" with extra effort.
Seeing this, Lin Zitong covered her mouth and smiled.
Lin Ruofu, returning to his senses, patted Yan Shouyi's shoulder: "You've had a hard journey."
"Not at all. Grandpa Ye made thorough arrangements, and Lin Yu and Lin Yin took good care of us." Yan Shouyi immediately put in a good word for Ye Chengfu and the others, making Lin Ruofu beam with joy.
Lin Ruofu was the head of the Lin family and had the greatest say within the clan. As long as he could build good rapport with him, he would surely soar in his career in the future.
Ye Chengfu didn't particularly care, he just thought Yan Shouyi was a smooth talker.
Lin Yu and Lin Yin were different; they looked at Yan Shouyi with gratitude.
With Yan Shouyi's simple praise, they were sure to hold important positions and shine brightly within the Lin family's enterprises.
Of course, this was also thanks to their care for Lin Zitong during this period; otherwise, Yan Shouyi would not have spoken well of them.
"Dad, this is my second uncle." Yan Shouyi introduced Wei Changqing.
Lin Ruofu sized up the stern-faced Wei Changqing. Years of experience in the business world allowed him to see at a glance that Wei Changqing was no ordinary person.
Second uncle?
That meant he was of the same generation as Yan Chou.
Lin Ruofu knew Yan Chou's capabilities well, so he immediately placed Wei Changqing on the same level as Yan Chou. He stepped forward, shook his hand, and exchanged pleasantries, subtly narrowing the distance between them.
Next, Yan Shouyi introduced the new members of the team to Lin Ruofu.
Ong Qianxiang was a bit nervous upon meeting a "magnate" like Lin Ruofu for the first time. Long Feicheng, however, was different; he directly reached out to Lin Ruofu for a cigarette.
Lin Ruofu also understood his good brother Yan Shouyi's personality well – he was naturally gregarious. If it weren't for fear of causing misunderstanding, this fellow would probably have called him "Dad" too, perhaps even more affectionately, calling him "biological father" wouldn't be out of line.
So Lin Ruofu smiled, patted Long Feicheng's hand away, and pointed to the Maybach behind him: "This car is for you. Call the driver anytime you want to go anywhere in Rongcheng. The trunk is full of soft Zhonghua cigarettes."
"Oh wow!"
Long Feicheng's mouth formed an "o" shape, and then he grinned so wide his mouth split to his ears: "Thank you, Uncle Lin!"
Of course, Lin Ruofu wouldn't show favoritism. He told everyone they could use any car they wanted, as if it were their own.
Ong Qianxiang eyed the imposing black Land Rover with longing, already preparing himself for some swagger.
Lin Ruofu made arrangements: "You left Rongcheng this time and it's been almost two months in the blink of an eye. Now that you're finally back, stay in Rongcheng for a while longer! ...Don't just stand there like fools; get in the cars. I've booked a banquet at Yonghehui to give you a proper welcome feast!"
Yonghehui was a very high-end private kitchen in Rongcheng, specializing in seafood. To dine there, money alone wasn't enough; one needed status and influence!
But these were no longer insignificant matters for Lin Ruofu.
When the Ghost King family still existed in Rongcheng, the Lin family was merely suppressed by those aristocratic families.
Now that the Ghost King family was no more, and with Yan Chou's assistance, the Lin family had no rival in the entire Jianzhou Province within half a year.
Naturally, Lin Ruofu's own abilities also played a part. If he weren't steady enough, it would be difficult to hold onto even vast family fortunes.
But now, in Yan Shouyi's eyes, Lin Ruofu's capabilities could not only stabilize the Lin family's position but also unlock more future possibilities.
The group got into the cars, and the motorcade, vast and mighty, left the airport and headed towards the city.
At this moment, some of the onlookers finally reacted.
"Wait, that slightly plump middle-aged man who came to pick them up, wasn't that Lin Ruofu, the head of the Lin family from Licheng!"
"The Lin family is now the wealthiest in Jianzhou, no wonder they have such an impressive reception!"
"Then isn't the girl from that couple just now Lin Zitong, Lin Ruofu's daughter?! I remember seeing her news last year; I recall she was a strong businesswoman!"
"Damn it! I used to see her as a goddess back then, but I didn't expect the goddess to get married so quickly, it's infuriating!"
"Who married this rich and beautiful woman? He's practically a public love rival! I can't stand it!"
Sighs of regret and jealousy rose and fell among the crowd.
…
Yonghehui Private Kitchen.
Waitresses in cheongsams, exquisitely dressed, with legs that rivaled those of models, served one exquisite dish after another, placing them on the table with great care.
Yan Shouyi and his entourage sat around a large round table. Looking at the sumptuous spread, they couldn't help but feel their appetites whetted.
As for the ladies, Luo Ning and Zhao Yiyao, they were still a bit reserved.
Long Feicheng, Agong, Ong Qianxiang, and Old Jin had no such qualms and ate voraciously.
Second Uncle Wei Changqing seemed uninterested in food, only occasionally sipping the Maotai in front of him.
As for Shadow Xue Kai, he had disappeared after the plane landed. He was surely guarding somewhere nearby. Yan Shouyi wanted him to join them for a meal, but Xue Kai refused.
As a Shadow, Xue Kai did not wish to appear in any public place. He considered it a "rule," a "rule" passed down to him by Yan Chou.
After several rounds of drinks, Lin Ruofu's face turned red, but his eyes remained clear.
His father-in-law had quite a good tolerance for alcohol.
The father-in-law asked Yan Shouyi: "What are your plans next?"
Yan Shouyi picked a large prawn for Lin Zitong and put down his chopsticks before replying: "We plan to stay in Rongcheng for a while."
"Mm, the house by West Lake is also completed. You can go and inspect it tomorrow if you have time, and then choose an auspicious day to move in." Lin Ruofu nodded.
Yan Shouyi was also somewhat looking forward to the house by West Lake.
Lin Ruofu added: "After you move in, you two should take good care of yourselves, especially Zitong. No more fighting and killing. I'm still waiting to be a grandfather! Hahaha!"
Lin Zitong's face flushed, and she pouted without speaking. Although the secret had been revealed, she hadn't truly gotten used to the role of a mother yet.
Then, Lin Zitong seemed to recall something, and the shyness on her face faded as she said seriously:
"Dad, regarding the Lushan Sect, have you received any news?"
Lin Ruofu's expression also suddenly turned serious.
"That Lü Xin is indeed skilled, and all these matters don't seem like impulsive actions, but rather well-premeditated," he said, his previous amiability gone, his eyes revealing the cunning of a seasoned businessman. "After I cut off the funding for those smaller sects, more than seventy percent of them still chose to support her!"