Chapter 19: Gathering All the Great Families of the World

As the earth was just awakening from the tender dim of dawn and most people in Bincheng still lay cozily ensconced beneath their blankets, relishing the fleeting ease brought by the National Day holiday, the Lin family had already risen early, busying themselves with their morning preparations.

“Perhaps this family gathering is not as simple as it appears,” Lin Yu observed, recognizing an unprecedented seriousness in his parents’ attitude toward this upcoming classmates’ family reunion.

His mother’s concern was understandable. Having grown up in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, she, like many women, was naturally attentive to her appearance and took care in dressing up. But his father was another matter entirely. He had changed into a rarely worn deep blue Baoxiniu suit, and his hair was slicked back with a generous amount of styling gel—something Lin Yu had neither seen nor heard of before.

Just before the three of them left the house, Lin Yu could not hold back any longer. “Dad, is there another reason for this gathering?” he asked.

“Your Uncle Yang has a good position in his hands,” his father replied, after a brief pause. “But because of that incident last time, he holds a bit of a grudge against me and isn’t eager to help. So this time, I’m hoping we can smooth things over.”

“Alright, got it. I’ll let Qi Yue know. You and Mom head down first,” Lin Yu said, clad in sky-blue jeans and a neat plaid shirt, looking fresh and clean as he dashed to his parents’ bedroom.

He pushed open the door, only to be greeted by a scene of languid beauty. Qi Yue, always a restless sleeper, had sprawled herself across the bed, a summery quilt tangled between her legs. Her white pajamas could no longer conceal the hints of youthful allure; a delicate blush at her chest was already exposed to the morning air.

“You’re just tempting me to misbehave,” Lin Yu muttered with a mischievous grin, then flopped onto the bed, pressing his lips to the girl’s and letting his wandering hands roam.

Simple, rough, and thrilling—these three words perfectly captured Lin Yu’s unrestrained actions and wicked inner thoughts at that moment.

“Oh, what are you doing, you rascal? Get off…” the girl murmured, half-awake, as she pushed Lin Yu away and rolled over, determined to continue sleeping.

“Lazybones,” Lin Yu chuckled, then said, “I’m going to a gathering with Mom and Dad today, so I’ll be off. There’s breakfast on the table—remember to eat when you wake. If you’re bored later, give me a call.”

“Yeah, yeah, I heard you. Now get lost and stop disturbing Grandma’s sleep…” Qi Yue said, stretching out her soft little foot and giving him a playful kick.

“Alright, sleep well. I’m leaving,” Lin Yu replied, giving her a gentle pat before heading out to join his parents.

As he reached the ground floor, Lin Yu spotted a brand-new black Santana 2000 sedan parked quietly by the asphalt at the entrance. Lin Tiancheng was in the driver’s seat, hands on the wheel, with Wang Chunhua beside him. Both of their gazes turned expectantly to him.

“This is definitely a crucial opportunity in my father’s career,” Lin Yu thought to himself. But before he could dwell on it, his mother hurried him into the car.

Once Lin Yu was seated, Lin Tiancheng pressed the clutch and shifted into first gear, then gently pressed the accelerator, setting the Santana into motion.

Watching his father’s cautious driving from the back seat, Lin Yu suppressed all his questions—about the car, their destination, and more—choosing not to disturb the solemn mood.

In his previous life, none of this had happened. His family had never bought a car, and he had not attended this event. He knew, however, that today’s gathering would directly affect his father’s future, perhaps even his prospects as an official. This matter was of utmost importance to his father, his mother, and the entire Lin family.

“Maybe it was my immaturity in my previous life that kept my parents from bringing me along. But then, my father didn’t seize any good opportunities back then. Clearly, at this crucial gathering, he failed,” Lin Yu reflected, his face calm as he analyzed every possibility.

As the black Santana 2000 glided down Central Avenue in Bincheng, Lin Yu, lost in thought and gazing at the flourishing cityscape, suddenly felt a surge of confidence. A smile unconsciously lifted the corners of his mouth.

“As the saying goes: Memorize the Dao De Jing, and the Sage will be with you for life. Memorize the Art of War, and the God of War will accompany you. Memorize the Analects, and Confucius will stay by your side. Memorize the Heart Sutra and Diamond Sutra, and Buddha and Bodhisattva will watch over you. Now, I have within me an all-knowing, mysterious system. Doesn’t that mean I have the wisdom of all the sages at my side? No matter whom I face, I will make them see me in a new light! I will change my father’s fate—and my own.”

Their destination was not far: the Splendor Hotel, just a short distance from Bincheng No.1 High School.

It was one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, ranking among the top three. The head chef had been lured from Hong Kong with a handsome salary—a distinction unique in the city.

At eight-thirty, the Lin family arrived at the hotel entrance. Guided by a security guard, Lin Tiancheng parked in the complimentary lot.

Together, the three entered the grand hotel lobby, immediately enveloped by a sense of refined luxury. The dazzling crystal chandeliers on the ceiling, the stately August Förster piano at the center of the hall, and the pure white, classic European-style decor all bespoke aristocratic grandeur. The Splendor Hotel truly resembled a medieval European noble’s castle.

Lin Tiancheng glanced around with satisfaction and said to Wang Chunhua, “What do you think? Not a bad place, right?”

Wang Chunhua, however, frowned slightly. “It must cost a lot to treat guests here, doesn’t it?”

“It’s not cheap,” Lin Tiancheng admitted, holding up three fingers with a pained expression. “I booked a mid-range table—just the food, not including drinks, is over three thousand yuan.”

Wang Chunhua let out a faint sigh. “Well, if it means your matter gets settled, then it’s worth spending a bit more. We’ve already bought a car worth tens of thousands, so what’s a little extra?”

“Don’t worry. Yang Xiong may be the Deputy Mayor now, but his family was poor back then and I helped him out a lot. Plus, with Old Hu lending a hand, there’s no way that spot in his hands will slip away,” Lin Tiancheng reassured her.

“I hope so. Otherwise, I’ll have borrowed money for nothing! I couldn’t even bring myself to ask for money when our son needed it for school,” Wang Chunhua replied, her hands trembling slightly, a testament to how hard-won this money was.

At that moment, Lin Yu, who had been scanning the hotel lobby, suddenly spoke up. “Dad, Mom. If this is just an old classmates’ family gathering, I don’t think this hotel is appropriate.”