Chapter 54: The Family Banquet

However, Lin Xi never imagined that Qin Yu was involved in this matter as well.

“So Third Brother knew all along?”

“Was it after you saw the surveillance footage?”

The two of them faced each other, and Lin Xi tried to see through his heart by looking into his eyes.

Qin Yu was a man of unfathomable depths; his emotions never showed on his face. No matter what happened, he maintained that expressionless, icy countenance. Even those who knew him best could rarely guess what he was thinking.

Still, since returning to the country, she had witnessed several moments when he lost control—truly a rarity.

After staring at him for a long time, the man finally gave her the answer she wanted. “Before that.”

Lin Xi couldn’t hold back this time; the word “astonished” was practically written all over her face. She forgot what exactly they were discussing at the moment, and just like before, she instinctively leaned toward him and asked seriously:

“How could you possibly have known before? Didn’t Bai Xu never mention it?”

It wasn’t that she didn’t trust Bai Xu, but his temperament was too unpredictable, and there were too many variables. Whether he spoke or acted, he did so without any plan or adherence to rules—entirely by whim.

“He never mentioned you, not from start to finish.”

On this point, Bai Xu was at least somewhat reliable and had some sense of responsibility.

Lin Xi grew even more puzzled.

“No one believed his explanation, so they didn’t look into it deeply.” There was another reason Qin Yu left unsaid.

Lin Xi pursed her lips, thinking that Qin Yu truly was a dull person.

—

The results from her medical examination were in. There were no major issues, but plenty of minor ones. She suffered from insomnia, frequent dreams, and poor appetite due to staying up late. The doctor advised her to change her lifestyle habits and keep regular meals.

“These are common problems among young people nowadays. Nothing to worry about, President Qin.” After speaking to Lin Xi, the doctor turned to communicate with Qin Yu.

Lin Xi glanced at them; the doctor was still going over every detail, making her feel as if she were still a child, accompanied by a guardian for her checkup.

She was right there—what needed to be explained to Qin Yu again?

After they left the hospital, Lin Xi let out a long breath, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

“Thank you for today, Third Brother. I’ll call Grandma as soon as I get back.” Although she hadn’t really asked Qin Yu to come, polite words were still necessary.

Ignoring her gratitude, Qin Yu asked, “Heading back to the compound?”

She had indeed been busy these days and hadn’t had a chance to return home.

“Then I’ll take a ride with you, Third Brother.” Since this was hardly out of his way, there was no need for pretense.

On the way back, Lin Xi called her grandmother.

“Really, it’s nothing. I just left the hospital, just some minor issues. When I’m free next week, I’ll come to you for some medicine.”

“I’m not lying to you.”

“Third Brother—” Lin Xi glanced at the man beside her and answered on the phone, “He’s right next to me.”

Hearing this, Qin Yu reached out his hand. “Give it to me.”

“Oh.” Lin Xi handed over the phone.

“Yes, it’s me. Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ve been with her the whole time; it’s nothing serious. I’ll have someone deliver the report to you later.”

A few words from Qin Yu settled her grandmother’s worries. When the call ended, Lin Xi’s expression was hard to describe; after all her explanations, they were useless, but with just one sentence from Qin Yu, Grandma believed it.

As she took back her phone, she couldn’t help but click her tongue. “Third Brother, you really are popular with the elders.”

Among the young men in the family, each had his own strengths. By rights, the most likable should have been Cheng Si, the smooth talker.

But the one the elders mentioned most often and liked best was undoubtedly Qin Yu.

Sometimes she couldn’t understand why, but whether in the compound or with her own grandparents, whenever Qin Yu was mentioned, the praise never ceased.

“Not as much as you.”

She hadn’t expected Qin Yu to reply, but he surprised her by being polite.

Qin Yu’s standing among the younger generation in the compound was second to none. Lin Xi knew her own worth and couldn’t compare to him.

She shrugged. “Please, I’m not even qualified to be mentioned in the same breath as you.”

After that, Qin Yu truly had nothing more to say to her.

She did have a knack for leaving people speechless.

—

When Lin Xi returned to the compound, she couldn’t find her grandfather at home and had to look for him in the usual place.

It was nearly the end of September, yet summer still lingered in the capital. Lin Xi, who dreaded the sun, never left the house without a light jacket.

Beneath the familiar pavilion, the old gentlemen gathered every day to play chess.

“It’s Xi Xi!”

At the sight of her, the stern-faced former commanders immediately broke into smiles.

Lin Xi greeted each of them in turn, but her own grandfather was nowhere to be seen.

Her gaze settled on one of the elderly men as she asked in confusion, “Have you seen my grandfather? No one’s home, so I thought he’d be here playing chess with you.”

“Old Lin? He’s probably at the Bai house now.”

The Bai house.

As Lin Xi reached their doorway, she heard Grandfather Bai’s hearty laughter. Of all the elders, he was the youngest and in the best health, still keeping up his morning exercises every day.

“Grandpa Bai!”

“Oh my, who’s precious child is this?” Just from hearing her voice, Grandfather Bai knew it was her.

Only after stepping inside did Lin Xi realize Qin Yu’s grandfather was there as well.

She hurried to greet him. Grandpa Qin was rather stern and seldom smiled, but when he saw her, even he beamed and waved. “Xi Xi, you’re back? Come here.”

She had arrived just in time for a meal.

“What’s the occasion today?” The dishes on the table were lavish, and the good wine was waiting nearby. Clearly, this wasn’t one of the usual small gatherings—someone else must be coming.

“A family dinner. Your Fifth Brother is back, so the whole family is getting together.”

“Have you seen him yet? He’s been at the law firm in Hangzhou for a while now. If I hadn’t heard you were back, I bet he’d have forgotten his way home.” Grandfather Bai’s words sounded a little sour at first. Lin Xi, flattered, replied with a smile, “What are you saying, Grandpa? Fifth Brother’s just been busy. He came to see you as soon as he got back. Besides, I don’t have that much charm.”

“Oh?” Grandfather Bai gave her a teasing look. “You can fool Old Lin and Old Qin, but not me. I’ve heard all about it—he didn’t come to see me first when he landed.”

There was a hidden meaning to his words, and Lin Xi quickly distanced herself, laughing, “It wasn’t me either. I heard Third Brother and the others organized something.”

At the mention of Qin Yu, Grandpa Qin seized the opportunity to ask, “They didn’t invite you?”

“No.” Lin Xi didn’t want to get anyone in trouble. “I was working overtime that day. The company’s been too busy lately. When Second Brother is back, we’ve already planned to get together.”

“That’s good. If any of those boys ever bully you, just come to me and I’ll settle the score with them.” Grandpa Qin’s stern tone could be intimidating, but Lin Xi was never afraid; he had always favored her.

In fact, the “Xi” in her name had been chosen by Grandpa Qin years ago.

(End of chapter)