On the way back from inspecting the land, Lin Chu made small talk with the father and daughter, but a thousand thoughts were running through his mind.
He had a visceral dislike for feeling tied down, or worse, indebted to soone.
The nicer Yang Guangrong was to him, the more it pushed him away.
Originally, he’d only asked Dongzi to make the introduction because he wanted to buy land from her father. But then Yang Huixian ca into the picture, and what was supposed to be a simple transaction had gotten complicated.
’The old saying goes: better to starve than to plow your father-in-law’s field.’
’The logic was sound.’
’I should look elsewhere.’
Mulling it over, Lin Chu made up his mind.
...
As the three of them headed back to the village, they were approached by a tall man. He wore a white shirt, suit trousers, and leather shoes, and walked with his hands clasped behind his back. He radiated the calm, composed air of a high-ranking governnt official.
"Third Brother," the man called out, his eyes casually assessing Lin Chu. "So... the girl brought her boyfriend back?"
Yang Guangrong nodded. "Yeah. Where are you headed? Off work today?"
A sweet smile played on Yang Huixian’s lips as she greeted him demurely. "Uncle Nine, this is my boyfriend."
’Damn, you’ve got a lot of family.’
’Already up to an Uncle Nine.’
As Lin Chu thought this, he put on his social mask and followed suit with a polite greeting. "Hello, Uncle Nine. I’m Lin Chu."
He extended his hand for a handshake.
"Hello. You’re a sharp young man. Not bad, not bad at all."
"I’ve got to run, so I’ll let you get back to it. See you around."
He didn’t say anything more. With a wave, he left and got into a black Audi A6 parked by the road.
Once they had walked a little further...
Before Lin Chu could ask, Yang Huixian volunteered with a smile, "That’s my Uncle Nine, from my dad’s side of the family. He’s the pride of our clan—works for the governnt. He’s a really great guy."
"Oh, that’s great. Which departnt?" Lin Chu asked casually.
"The Economic Cri Investigation Departnt. He’s a director."
Lin Chu: ...
’Her family... is fucking stacked.’
’I might not have committed any actual cris, but I definitely fit the ’scumbag’ profile. If I ever ss with her and she goes crying to her family, I’ll be in for a world of trouble.’
’Maybe I should just marry her and be done with it.’
The thought even flashed through Lin Chu’s mind, but he just as quickly dismissed it.
’Marriage? Impossible.’
’Not in this lifeti.’
’Unless I get well and truly tired of playing the field. Then I’ll find so nice, simple person and ’marry into’ a quiet life.’
"I want to see you in your police uniform tonight."
During dinner at her house, Lin Chu sent Yang Huixian a text.
Yang Huixian’s face flushed when she saw the ssage. She nearly jumped out of her seat. ’Could you be any more shaless?’ she thought. ’My dad is right here at the table! If you’re so bold, why don’t you say it to his face!’
"Dad, Lin Chu says..."
She started, intending to scare him, an amused smile playing on her lips as she watched his reaction.
"Hm?"
"What did he say?" Yang Guangrong replied.
Lin Chu just gave her a brazen look, staring her down. ’Go on, say it,’ his expression seed to challenge her. ’I dare you. I’m not scared. I’ve got thick skin.’
His shaless attitude left Yang Huixian exasperated. She quickly ca up with an excuse. "He said the food is too oily and not healthy at all!"
Yang Guangrong shot her a glare. "Xiaolin said that? I don’t believe it. If you don’t want to eat, then don’t. There’s cat food over there. Go eat that."
A Ragdoll cat, lounging lazily on a cat tree in the corner, let out a sweet OW.
Yang Huixian: ...
’So what if I side with an outsider!’
’This is outrageous!’
...
The three of them were nearly finished with their al when the door was pushed open.
A pot-bellied, middle-aged man walked in. He was doughy and pale, with the distinct air of soone who had just co from a sauna or massage parlor. He wore a thick gold chain, a gold watch, and had a prominent tattoo on his upper arm.
"Third Brother! So the girl’s back... Hey now, why didn’t you give us a heads-up? We wanted to co see her. What’s with all the secrecy?"
He said with a grin as he walked in, though his tone was clearly ant to stir up trouble.
Upon seeing him, Yang Huixian’s deanor changed completely. A look of disgust crossed her face. "Why don’t you knock? Do you think you own the place? You’re so annoying. Get out and co in again properly."
She showed no respect for her elders, not even using a proper title as she confronted him head-on.
This was probably their usual dynamic.
"Girlie, is that any way to talk to your Fifth Uncle? Got a boyfriend and suddenly you’ve grown a backbone, huh? Hey, young man, want a smoke? I’m her fifth uncle, but you don’t have to call that. We can just be pals."
He didn’t seem offended at all. With a shit-eating grin, he walked over, pulled out a pack of soft-pack Chunghwas, and casually offered one to Lin Chu.
Only then did he offer one to Yang Guangrong.
It was almost as if he were treating Lin Chu with more respect.
Lin Chu found this a bit strange, but he didn’t say anything for the ti being, deciding to just wait and see.
"Five," Yang Guangrong said, putting down his chopsticks and giving him a look, his voice calm. "What opportunity did you sniff out this ti? This has nothing to do with you. Go on, get out of here."
His expression was just as dismissive.
"Whoa, whoa, hold on now, Third Brother! What’s with the cold shoulder? We’re all family, no need to be so distant. As your younger brother, can’t I even co and visit? Tonight, my treat! Let’s go out for so karaoke."
He was the type who was thick-skinned and radiated a certain street-hustler energy. As he spoke, his eyes fell on Lin Chu again. Noticing the Richard Mille on Lin Chu’s wrist, his eyes lit up. "Not bad! Nice watch! This young man is outstanding! I have no objections to this match!"
He was still laying the flattery on thick for Lin Chu.
Lin Chu almost laughed out loud. ’This guy really makes himself at ho.’
’A real character, and a scoundrel to boot.’
SLAM! Yang Huixian slamd her chopsticks down. "What right do you have to have an opinion?! Even if you did, you can keep it to yourself! What does this have to do with you?!"
Her words were harsh.
However, her "Fifth Uncle" just kept up his smarmy grin. "Hey, calm down, calm down. A young lady like you needs to be gentle. That’s how you capture a man’s heart, right? Hey, pal, let’s add each other on WeChat?"
He pulled out his phone, ready to get Lin Chu’s contact information.
A complicated look crossed Yang Guangrong’s face. He sighed, his voice turning cold and hard. "Five, that’s enough. You’re making angry. If you dare stir up any more trouble, I’ll have Old Jiu haul you in to cool off for a few days. Think about what you’re doing!"
That threat finally got to him.
He gave a sheepish grin.
"Third Brother, co on. I was just trying to drum up a little business."
"Brother," he said to Lin Chu, "I’m in construction. If you ever need anything, look up. For family, I’ll give you the absolute best price, and I guarantee the quality. Let’s be friends, let’s be friends."
He didn’t dare ask for his WeChat again. Instead, he smiled and shoved a business card into Lin Chu’s hand, then tactfully stood up. "Alright, I’m off, I’m off! Bye, girlie! You two take care!"
Lin Chu took the business card and looked back at the father and daughter, a faint, unreadable smile on his face.
"So... what was that all about? Was he looking to fleece ?"
"Your family dynamic is... pretty complicated."
...
...
User Comments
0 comments from readers