blogombal Chapter 329 A Feast for Lou Bancheng's Family
Chapter 329 A Feast for Lou Bancheng's Family
Back at the Deep Water Bay villa, Lin Gang warmly ushered the still somewhat bewildered Xu Damao to a seat in the living room. Wang Yuling, who was coming downstairs, paused upon seeing Xu Damao, a flicker of surprise crossing her face, but quickly replaced by a perfectly timed smile, greeting him familiarly:
"Da Mao? It's you! What a coincidence to run into you in Hong Kong!"
Xu Damao's mind was still in turmoil. He didn't bother with pleasantries, grabbed Lin Gang who was about to leave, lowered his voice, and pointed urgently in Lin Yan's direction, asking, "Gangzi! You...you just called him...Young Master? What's going on?"
Lin Yan sat down on the main sofa with a composed demeanor and spoke at the opportune moment, interrupting Xu Damao's questioning: "Yuling, serve tea."
"Yes, young master." Wang Yuling responded and left, her movements natural and fluid.
Xu Damao's eyes widened even more as he watched this scene.
Lin Yan then looked at Xu Damao with a frank expression and slowly said, "Brother Damao, since we're already in Hong Kong and have run into each other, I won't hide it from you anymore. Lin Gang and Yu Ling, who you used to know as 'Brother Gangzi' and 'Sister-in-law Cuihua' in the courtyard, are actually not my cousins."
He paused, as if organizing his thoughts, and continued, "They are my grandfather... people he sent back to China years ago specifically to find and take care of me."
"Your grandfather?" Xu Damao looked blank.
"Yes." Lin Yan nodded, his tone tinged with emotion. "My grandfather was unfortunately conscripted by the Kuomintang in his early years and sent to Taiwan. After several twists and turns, he arrived in Hong Kong and managed to build a small business. But he could never let go of my father and grandmother, so he tried to send someone to smuggle them back to find them."
His voice lowered slightly: "Unfortunately, by the time Lin Gang and the others finally found the place according to the old address, my grandmother and my father... had already passed away. So, they settled down in the courtyard house to take care of me nearby. Later, when I fell seriously ill, there was really nothing they could do in China, so they found a way to send me to Hong Kong for treatment."
Finally, he casually added, "My grandfather is getting old and his health isn't very good. He recently went to the United States for recuperation, so I'm temporarily managing things here with my team."
This half-truth, half-lies left Xu Damao stunned; the amount of information was enormous, and he needed time to process it. Looking at Lin Yan before him, so composed and exuding the air of a wealthy young master, and then recalling the boy he once was in the courtyard house, Xu Damao felt as if a lifetime had passed.
Seeing the changing expressions on his face, Lin Yan timely changed the subject, asking with a hint of doubt, "Brother Da Mao, you've only talked about me. What about you? How come you're in Hong Kong too? Sister Xiao'e... didn't she come with you?"
Mentioning this seemed to have touched a sore spot for Xu Damao. The complex emotions on his face that had arisen upon learning of Lin Yan's "success" were immediately replaced by frustration, and he let out a heavy sigh.
"Ugh... don't even mention it! Your sister Xiao'e's dad, wasn't he that capitalist? Back in '66, he sensed things were really turning against him, so he sold off everything he could from the family business and insisted on coming to Hong Kong. At first, I really didn't want to come; 'While parents are alive, one shouldn't travel far,' right? But my parents... they were afraid I'd get implicated, so they forced me to come out and try my luck, saying... maybe it would be better than staying in China. To distance themselves from me, they even... even wrote a big-character poster, severing ties with me!"
As he finished speaking, Xu Damao's voice lowered, filled with unspeakable bitterness and helplessness. A silence fell over the living room, broken only by the steam rising from the tea that Wang Yuling had brought.
Seeing the lingering dejection on Xu Damao's face, Lin Yan gently comforted him, "Brother Damao, don't think like that. Being able to get out now might not be a bad thing. You're a capable and quick-witted person. As long as you seize the right opportunity, you'll definitely be able to make a name for yourself in Hong Kong."
He changed the subject, asking with some curiosity, "By the way, you were seen in Repulse Bay today, do you live nearby?"
These words struck Xu Damao like a thunderbolt, instantly waking him up. He cried out, "Oh no! What a mess I've been with my brain! I was so focused on following you; I came out to buy New Year's goods for my family! What time is it? I haven't gotten home yet! Xiao'e must be worried sick!"
Seeing him about to rush out in a hurry, Lin Yan quickly reached out to stop him, and said in a calm tone, "Brother Da Mao, don't be anxious. Here," he pointed to the milky white telephone on the small table next to the sofa, "use this to call home first, explain things to Sister Xiao'e, and let her know you're safe."
After Xu Damao calmed down a bit, Lin Yan continued to arrange things: "Here's what we'll do. Tell Sister Xiao'e to wait at home. I'll have Lin Gang pick her up right now. Don't cook tonight. Just have a simple meal here. We haven't seen each other in a long time, so we can have a few drinks and have a good chat."
In a state of panic and gratitude, Xu Damao nodded repeatedly without thinking and hurriedly picked up the phone to dial a number.
Xu Damao had just hung up the phone, a huge weight lifted from his heart, but then another thought came to mind. Seeing Lin Gang already picking up his car keys and preparing to leave, he quickly stepped forward and said somewhat apologetically to Lin Yan:
"Xiao Yan... no, Young Master Lin," he subconsciously changed his address, but then, seeing Lin Yan waving his hand to indicate that "calling me Xiao Yan is more affectionate," he quickly changed it back. "Xiao Yan, how about this? I'll go back with Brother Gangzi. We need to send the New Year's goods we bought home first, otherwise they'll be a hassle sitting in the car. Besides, I also need to tell my parents-in-law in person, otherwise the two elders will worry."
He rubbed his hands together and explained, "It's hard to explain in just a few words over the phone. I'll go back in person, settle things down, and then come with Xiao'e. It'll seem more respectful, won't it?"
Lin Yan nodded with a smile: "Brother Da Mao is so thoughtful. Okay, let's do it that way. Lin Gang, you go with Brother Da Mao and bring Sister Xiao'e and the old lady over."
"Yes, young master." Lin Gang nodded in agreement and went out with Xu Damao.
An hour later, the sound of a car engine shutting off could be heard outside the villa. Soon after, Lin Gang led Xu Damao, Lou Xiao'e, and Lou Zhenhua and his wife Tan Yali into the living room.
Lou Xiao'e spotted Lin Yan standing in the center of the living room at a glance, and her face instantly lit up with a smile of surprise and joy: "Xiao Yan! It really is you! So many years, I never thought... I never thought I'd see you in Hong Kong again!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Yan stepped forward with a gentle smile and said, "Sister Xiao'e, it's been a long time."
Following behind, Lou Zhenhua and Tan Yali's eyes quickly and subtly swept over the furnishings and style of the spacious and elegant living room as soon as they stepped inside. Lou Zhenhua then stepped forward, a dignified smile befitting an elder, and extended his hand to Lin Yan: "Comrade Lin, hello. I am Xiao'e's father, Lou Zhenhua. This is Xiao'e's mother, Tan Yali."
Tan Yali smiled and nodded to Lin Yan.
Lin Yan was humble and shook hands firmly with Lou Zhenhua: "Uncle Lou, Aunt Tan, hello, please don't stand there." He turned to the side and gestured for them to sit down, "Dinner will be ready soon, please come to the dining room and we can chat while we wait."
The group settled down around a round mahogany table in the spacious restaurant, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Wang Yuling began serving the dishes methodically, and soon the turntable was filled with a variety of delicious and visually appealing dishes.
The bright red and glistening boiled fish, steamed grouper, and braised sea cucumber with scallions were tender and chewy, all cooked in a rich abalone sauce. Bowls of matsutake chicken soup were crystal clear yet incredibly fragrant. The stir-fried garlic bok choy was vibrant green and crisp. Finally, Wang Yuling brought out an antique earthenware jar. The moment the lid was lifted, a complex and mellow aroma filled the entire restaurant—this was the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup stored in the space warehouse.
Lin Gang opened a bottle of fifty-year-old red wine. The deep red liquid was poured into the decanter, releasing a rich aroma of fruit and wood.
As the host, Lin Yan raised his glass, his gaze sweeping over old and new friends present, a genuine smile on his face: "We're all family, so please don't stand on ceremony. Come on, let's eat and chat!"
Wang Yuling's culinary skills were beyond the comprehension of ordinary people; the aroma of the dishes on the table was so enticing that one couldn't stop eating. For a moment, the only sounds on the round table were the gentle clinking of bowls and plates and the rhythmic movement of chopsticks. After a few drinks, Xu Damao patted his round belly and smacked his lips, saying, "Cuihua, your cooking is absolutely amazing! I've never eaten such authentic food in my entire life!"
Lou Xiao'e was whispering to Wang Yuling when she heard this and couldn't help but roll her eyes at him: "You talk too much, you can't even shut up while eating!" Wang Yuling laughed and patted her hand: "It's okay, I really did used to be called Cuihua. But Damao," she turned to Xu Damao, a smile in her eyes, "you'll have to remember to call me Yuling from now on."
"Yes, yes, definitely!" Xu Damao said with an embarrassed smile.
Lou Zhenhua quickly changed the subject, "Xiao Lin, the food at your house is worthy of a state banquet!" He paused, then tentatively asked, "But speaking of which, what kind of business does your family run in Hong Kong? Although I haven't been here long, I might be able to help in some way..."
Lin Yan put down his spoon and smiled modestly, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle Lou. My family just runs a grain and oil business. The Lin Group in Central is my family's property, but I don't go there often; it's managed by my staff. I've spent most of my time abroad these past few years."
With a few "clatters," several pairs of chopsticks fell onto the plate. Xu Damao's eyes widened, and he stammered, "Xiao...Xiao Yan...you said that Lin Group...is yours?"
Lou Zhenhua hurriedly picked up his chopsticks, his mind in turmoil. That was the Lin Group, one of the top conglomerates in Hong Kong, a top-tier wealthy family! He secretly glanced at his son-in-law, who was still in a daze, feeling a mix of emotions—he never expected that this kid would accidentally climb up to such a towering tree.