Chapter 20: The Epitome of Wealth and Charm

“Oh? How so?” Lin Tiancheng and Wang Chunhua asked in unison. They both understood that this was a do-or-die situation; they couldn’t afford to lose, so there was no room for the slightest mistake.

“It’s simple. When old classmates gather, they’re looking for comfort. This Glorious Hotel is too extravagant—such opulence tends to make people feel restrained, unable to truly relax. It’s hardly the best place for reminiscing. Besides...” Lin Yu spoke at length, listing several reasons in a calm, measured tone.

A careful observer would notice that the gleam in Lin Yu’s eyes was markedly different from a month ago. His gaze now radiated confidence and depth. The aura he exuded had undergone a transformation—there was a newfound composure about him, a quiet assurance that was impossible to ignore. When he spoke, it was with ease and poise, his whole demeanor steady and mature—nothing like an eighteen-year-old boy.

After listening, Lin Tiancheng slapped his forehead and exclaimed, “That’s right! I overlooked all of this. If we held the gathering here, it would really make us seem boorish and distant. But we’ve already reserved a table full of dishes; we can’t just cancel, can we? Besides, Old Hu specifically mentioned that Yang Xiong’s wife, Xia Ling, loves the food here.”

“That’s easy to solve. Let’s find a tranquil little spot nearby—something akin to a teahouse, quiet and secluded. We can have the feast we reserved here delivered there, and enjoy it in that peaceful place. After the meal, we can sip tea and chat. Wouldn’t that be perfect?” Lin Yu replied with casual confidence.

“Yes, that’s a great idea!” Lin Tiancheng patted his son’s shoulder and called for the hotel manager, engaging him in a discussion.

While he was speaking with the elegant manager in her white uniform, Wang Chunhua pulled Lin Yu aside and whispered, “The deputy mayor we’re about to meet, Yang Xiong, has a very beautiful daughter. You and she were promised to each other as children—so make sure you do your best and don’t let Hu Bin, Old Hu’s son, outshine you.”

“A childhood betrothal... Wasn’t that just a joke among your generation? No one takes that seriously anymore. Besides, I’m already with Qi Yue,” Lin Yu replied, a wry, amused smile on his face.

“Oh, today is special. Remember, you absolutely can’t lose to that Hu Bin boy. Otherwise, your mother will lose face,” Wang Chunhua said, straightening her son’s collar.

Looking at his gentle yet fiercely competitive mother, Lin Yu smiled easily and said, “Alright, your son won’t let anyone look down on him.”

“I truly feel my son is becoming more and more mature, and better every day,” Wang Chunhua said dotingly.

“I think so too—I’m getting better and better,” Lin Yu replied with a playful laugh.

“Don’t get cocky now! Just remember, you have to outshine Hu Bin for your mother’s sake,” Wang Chunhua scolded gently, her eyes filled with warmth.

“Alright, I know, I know. You sound like an old lady...” Lin Yu teased, with his usual nonchalance.

No sooner had mother and son exchanged a few words than Lin Tiancheng finished his conversation with the manager and strode over to them. In just a few minutes, he had settled everything, a testament to his communication and organizational skills. What he lacked, perhaps, was simply a good opportunity for advancement.

After a quick search in the area, they chose a teahouse nearby named “Drifting Clouds.”

This teahouse was an elegant blend of traditional classical pavilion architecture and modern design, adorned with charming rock gardens and fountains. Inside, redwood and lacquered tables and chairs exuded a vintage, refined atmosphere, while potted flowers and plants competed in beauty throughout the building. Dining and drinking in such surroundings was truly a delight for the senses.

Its tranquil atmosphere made it perfect for an intimate gathering and conversation.

Not only were its teas and snacks outstanding, but its signature dishes—crystal pork knuckle, Yipu flower basket, straw mushroom basket, barbecue perch, and roast suckling pig—were famous throughout Bincheng.

With a few delicious appetizers from this teahouse and the banquet from Glorious Hotel, it was the perfect combination.

As for the cost of today’s gathering, the Lin family unanimously decided not to think about it. Even if they had to eat pickled vegetables for days afterward, they would accept it. Everything was for the sake of success.

After securing a spacious private room, Lin Tiancheng gripped his wife’s and son’s hands tightly, then took out his phone and made several calls. Once he had informed the other two families of the new location, the three of them waited together.

During this time, Lin Yu ordered a pot of the finest Tieguanyin tea and enjoyed it with his parents. The rich aroma of Tieguanyin was the only tea he’d liked in his previous life.

The first to arrive were Deputy Police Chief Hu Rongqiang and his family. Led by a waiter, they entered the private room—named “Fragrant Hall”—where the Lin family awaited.

As he entered, Hu Rongqiang theatrically sniffed the air and declared in a booming voice, “In this vast, bustling world, three cups of wine; for a great enterprise, a single pot of tea. This Tieguanyin is excellent—I’ll sample a bit of this ‘great enterprise’ first. Ha ha!”

Without even greeting everyone, he poured himself a cup, blew on it, and drank it down.

Following him was an imposing lady in a white mink coat—obviously his wife, Wang Yue’e.

Upon entering, Wang Yue’e’s gaze locked onto Wang Chunhua, and only after confirming to herself that she was the more dazzling of the two did she greet her and turn her attention to Lin Yu. She said, “Xiaoyu, you’re growing more and more handsome. You really resemble your father in his youth.”

Before Lin Yu could respond, Wang Chunhua, whose attire was just a shade less glamorous, interjected, “My Xiaoyu has much better taste than his father did at that age. Heh.”

“Is that so?” Wang Yue’e replied, her smile cold and insincere. “It seems you still haven’t forgotten the past.”

Her eyes glinted with pride—she was clearly quite pleased with herself.

“So, my mother and this chief’s wife have some old score between them. Did they both pursue my father, perhaps?” Lin Yu observed their exchange, musing to himself. But matters of the previous generation were not for him to meddle in, so he turned his gaze to Hu Rongqiang’s son, Hu Bin.

“So you’re Uncle Hu’s son! Truly, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” Lin Yu said with a faint smile upon recognizing Hu Bin.

Hu Bin was incredibly well-known at Bincheng First High School. Handsome to the point of resembling the current idol Vic Zhou, he was a top student in his senior year, and had served as student council president during both his freshman and sophomore years. His popularity and achievements made him the epitome of a privileged, high-achieving young man.

Though Lin Yu, known for his fighting prowess, was a familiar face, Hu Bin—a social chameleon—recognized him instantly. He extended his left hand and greeted him warmly: “Lin Yu, I’ve heard so much about you. I had no idea our families were so close.”

“Indeed, who would have thought?” Lin Yu replied with a harmless smile, reaching out to shake his hand.

On the surface, both seemed cordial, but beneath the handshake, both subtly increased their grip. They had, after all, clashed before in the woods behind the school during their sophomore year.

That time, Lin Yu, skilled in taekwondo, and Hu Bin, a freestyle fighting expert, had fought to a draw.