Chapter 95: 1990: A Family by the Spring Chapter 95 She Is Your Future Granddaughter-in-law

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Lin Xiyu

"This is Jinan Miscellaneous Poems?!"

Director Du never expected Grandfather to support him so much, writing three poems related to Jinan Old City in one breath, and he was so excited he almost knelt on the spot.

"Since you say this is Jinan Miscellaneous Poems..."

Grandfather put down his brush and tested them on the spot: "Do you know their origins?"

"Uh."

Director Du was embarrassed, and his grateful tears instantly turned into cold sweat.

"Do any of you know?"

Gu Lao's sharp gaze swept over everyone present one by one.

By the Lotus Pond, there was a moment of silence.

Li Yan and the others all lowered their heads in unison, not daring to meet his eyes.

"I know..."

Lin Xiyu tentatively raised her hand, breaking the silence.

"You say it."

Gu Lao's eyes lit up, his scrutinizing gaze fell on her, and a flash of brilliance passed through.

"The first poem, 'Talent overflows from three springs, words spit pearls and jade, water is a pool,' is from the contemporary poet Xu Beiwen's 'Jinan Bamboo Branch Poems.'"

"The second poem 'Jinan Miscellaneous Poems,' 'As if in Jiangnan's land of gold and silk, walking the streets only lacking flower-selling voices,' was written by the Qing Dynasty poet Dong Yuandu."

"The third poem, 'Daily flat boats among lotus flowers, willing to long be a Jinan person,' and 'A cup of wine on Daming Lake, yesterday embroidered red between eyebrows and eyelashes,' the author of that poem is the same person, both are Jin Dynasty poet Yuan Haowen."

——

"Answered very correctly."

Grandfather held his hands behind his back and nodded with satisfaction: "The little girl has decent talent, she is a talented woman."

"Xiyu."

Director Du kept giving Lin Xiyu meaningful looks: "Hurry up and thank Grandfather, with Grandfather saying this, your reputation as a talented woman is well-earned."

"Thank you, Grandfather."

Lin Xiyu was generous and poised, following Director Du's intentions, and thanked him openly.

"You are Lin Xiyu?"

Gu Lao looked at her meaningfully: "The little girl who saved someone in the moat?"

"It's her."

Director Du couldn't contain his excitement and had already started answering for her.

Li Yan couldn't bear to watch and quietly tugged at his clothes.

"Talented and courageous, a good child worthy of praise..."

Grandfather didn't care about his chatter, and his gaze toward Lin Xiyu was full of admiration.

"Such a good girl..."

Guben suddenly spoke, saying something astonishing: "Be my granddaughter-in-law, are you willing?"

"Hiss."

Director Du was shocked at his audacity and took a sharp breath.

"You brat, are you waiting for me here?"

Grandfather laughed in anger, and in front of outsiders, he forcefully held back from hitting him.

"Just say whether you're willing or not?"

Guben did not back down, looking at him firmly.

"Did you plan this long ago, deliberately letting me meet her?"

"No, Director Du came up with the idea on the spur of the moment, wanting to invite you, Old Man, out of retirement."

"He doesn't have that guts, it must be you who set a trap for him."

"That's also for filming needs, otherwise I wouldn't have had the opportunity to make this suggestion."

"Did you two collude beforehand, joining forces with that girl to scheme against me?"

"Don't you know yourself? Even if I'm smart and brilliant, I couldn't have predicted that you, Old Man, would write poems and test them on the spot, so how could there be collusion?"

Grandfather and grandson went back and forth, with hidden traps, leaving Director Du sweating coldly.

"Grandfather, listen to my sophistry, uh, no, not sophistry..."

He feared angering the old man and affecting the filming of the documentary, so he gritted his teeth and tried to explain.

"Director Du, please don't interrupt."

"This is between me and my grandson..."

Grandfather and grandson spoke at the same time, interrupting him.

"Uh."

Director Du's old face turned red, and he sheepishly closed his mouth.

"Forget it, since you like her and have decided on her, Grandfather will grant your wish; as for the future, you are still young and have a long road ahead, whether you can withstand the test of time depends on yourselves..."

The confrontation between grandfather and grandson ultimately ended with the grandson winning.

Grandfather felt sorry for his grandson from the bottom of his heart and did not want outsiders to see him as a joke, so he had no choice but to compromise.

"Xiyu, come over."

Guben had anticipated this result and smiled meaningfully at Lin Xiyu.

"Ah?"

Lin Xiyu never expected him to do something like this in front of everyone; she was flustered inside.

"Don't be afraid..."

Guben firmly reached out his hand to her, encouraging her in his own way.

Lin Xiyu felt slightly reassured and also reached out her hand, placing it in his palm.

"Grandfather, please allow me to introduce her to you solemnly."

Guben gripped her hand, his brows relaxing, his eyes full of pampering: "She is the girl I like, Lin Xiyu, your future granddaughter-in-law."

"A son grows up and is no longer under his mother's control..."

Grandfather had been outmaneuvered by his own grandson, feeling both amused and exasperated.

"Xiyu, call him Grandfather."

Guben did not give the old man a chance to be sentimental.

"Hello, Grandfather."

Lin Xiyu's trembling voice exposed her nervousness.

"The old man keeps his word; once he speaks, he acts..."

Guben joked with a smile, easing her embarrassment: "With these words, you are rightfully the granddaughter-in-law of the Gu Family, and no one dares to question it."

"Hmph."

How could Grandfather fail to see his little scheme? He laughed and scolded in displeasure: "You don't need to go to such lengths to flatter me."

"How could I?"

Guben gave Director Du a look: "Grandfather is naturally a man of integrity, the most trustworthy. Director Du, don't you agree?"

"Of course I do."

Director Du finally had a chance to show off, picking up the conversation smoothly: "When Gu Lao was in office, he did many practical things for the people. The eyes of the common folk are bright; whenever they mention you, old man, who doesn't give a thumbs up and praise you?"

"Enough, stop flattering. If you keep blowing hot air, you'll blow yourself apart."

Grandfather smiled and pointed a finger at him, interrupting the nonsensical flattery.

"Hehe."

Director Du touched his nose, grinning stupidly.

"Gu Lao, regarding the demolition of the Old City District..."

Li Yan seized the timing, using the interview to give everyone a way out: "Some citizens do not understand and have many criticisms. What are your thoughts on this matter?"

"I've heard about this matter."

Mentioning serious business, Grandfather indeed stopped smiling, showing some solemnity: "The Municipal Planning Bureau, with the purpose of protecting historical relics, protects the ancient buildings and famous springs of the Old City District, reorganizes and rebuilds them, and develops the tourism economy."

"These measures are very important for the future development of JN City, beneficial with no drawbacks. As an old person who has lived in Jinan for decades, I sincerely hope this city becomes better and better."

"Regarding the decision of the Municipal Government, we firmly support it. If demolition is allowed, we demolish; if not, we don't. Our family has no objections whatsoever."

—

After the interview ended, Director Du personally drove Grandfather home.

Lin Xiyu watched the minibus drive into the crowded avenue and disappear from sight before she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

As her tense nerves relaxed, she felt dizzy for a moment. Recalling what had just happened, a sense of unreality surged up.

"This matter is finally resolved."

Guben's mood was the exact opposite of hers: "I can finally give your grandmother an explanation."

"You person, why didn't you tell me in advance?"

Lin Xiyu shook off his hand, her tone laced with resentment: "In front of so many people, going against your grandfather—do you know how nervous I was just now? I was so scared my heartbeat almost stopped."

"If I didn't do this, Grandfather wouldn't compromise so easily."

Guben didn't take it to heart: "Of course, it's also because you performed well. If you hadn't strived on your own and earned Grandfather's praise, he wouldn't have been so easily persuaded by me."

"I was just lucky..."

Lin Xiyu patted her chest, still frightened: "If I had known you were using this as an excuse, I wouldn't have foolishly jumped out myself."

"The facts prove that you did it."

Guben's eyes were gentle: "Making Grandfather have to admit your excellence and accept you from the bottom of his heart..."

"Does your grandfather really agree to us being together?"

Lin Xiyu was still a bit dazed at this moment, unable to believe that everything that just happened was real: "Why don't you let me pinch you to see if it hurts?"

Guben's expression changed, and just as he tried to dodge sideways, the soft flesh on his waist was pinched hard.

"Hiss."

He winced, his brows twitching, and took a sharp breath of cool air.

"Looks like it's real..."

Lin Xiyu held back a smile and clapped her hands contentedly.

"You're just taking advantage of my liking for you to act willfully..."

Guben laughed in exasperation, flicked her forehead with his finger, his tone seeming like a reproach but actually full of pampering.

"Tsk tsk, being young is really great..."

Li Yan watched with envy, her stomach full of jealousy gurgling out.

"My waist is right here; feel free to pinch it."

The Cameraman pointed at his own waist, cracking a rare joke.

"Get lost, you old lecher."

Li Yan gave him a disdainful white-eye look.

"I'd pinch it for you and you still don't want it."

The two had been partners for years and were well in sync; the Cameraman saw through her thoughts at a glance: "What kind are you looking for? Surely you haven't taken a fancy to Brother Bin's older brother?"

"Sigh, I do want to..."

Li Yan laughed self-deprecatingly: "I might like someone, but they might not like me. Gu Lao's granddaughter—I dare not aim so high."

"Already discouraged?"

The Cameraman scolded her in exasperation: "Look at Xiyu, she has far more courage than you. Why worry so much? If you like someone, don't overthink it. One word: go for it. Whoever dares to stop you, kill gods if you meet gods, kill Buddhas if you meet Buddhas..."

"I'll kill you first."

Li Yan was speechless with anger, fire flashing from her beautiful eyes as she glared at him.

"Oh my god."

The Cameraman pretended to be afraid: "Such a fierce woman—besides me, who would dare marry her?"

"Still dare to say that!"

Li Yan threw a straight punch at him, hitting his chin.

"Hiss."

The Cameraman winced in pain, his face twisted.

"Let you take advantage of old lady."

Li Yan's anger subsided, and she patted her hands, feeling very refreshed.

Smug and tsundere, exactly like Lin Xiyu just now.

Guben stepped back and looked at the Cameraman with great sympathy.

The Cameraman seemed to have telepathy, looking at him at this very moment.

The two locked eyes, both seeing unspeakable bittersweetness in each other's gaze.

The woman he likes, endured it!

—

Lin Xiyu had been away from home for two days, and her cousin's business plummeted. Without her sister as a living signboard to model, few customers came to the small stall.

Her cousin was very depressed, feeling stifled for two days, and finally looked forward to the money tree's return. Before quitting time, she sneaked home and had dinner ready in advance.

Lin Xiyu had filmed all day and was already very tired when she got home. Unable to withstand her cousin's pestering, she still agreed to go to the Night Market to sell clothes with her.

Her cousin was overjoyed. After dinner, she quickly washed the bowls and, like a gust of wind, pulled her sister out the door.

Uncle was still riding his electric tricycle, first taking the two sisters to a classmate's house to pick out clothes, then preparing the goods before going to set up a stall at the Night Market.

After the Quancheng Water special program aired, Lin Xiyu became famous. Among the public who had watched the series, everyone was deeply impressed by the image of a pure and sweet girl, like a girl next door.

Lin Xiyu returned to the Night Market after being away for two days. Not only did the onlookers change their gaze toward her, but even Liu Ye's gaze toward her changed.

"Tsk tsk, Brother Bin, you really picked up a treasure. Sister-in-law is so beautiful; taking her out would surely make a batch of people envious."

One "sister-in-law" made Guben feel quite pleased, and he looked at Liu Ye somewhat more favorably.

"Brother Bin, about that partnership to open a company we talked about last time—is it settled?"

Liu Ye took the opportunity to get close: "I've brought the money, one hundred thousand, not a cent less. As long as you nod, I'll handle the preliminary procedures. My uncle is at the Industrial and Commercial Bureau, so getting the certificate through him is easier..."

"I said, I don't care about business matters."

Guben's gaze remained fixed on the door outside, not in the mood to deal with him: "Go find Wang Fan and discuss it with him."

"Fine."

Liu Ye took it as his agreement, smiling so broadly his eyes disappeared.

"You're moving pretty fast."

Wang Fan couldn't stand his toadying look and deliberately jabbed him: "Looks like one hundred thousand is still too much; I should squeeze you even more."

"Brother, are you my real brother or not?"

Liu Ye stopped laughing, then edged up to Wang Fan to flatter and curry favor: "I barely managed to scrape this together. To show my sincerity, I'll treat everyone to late-night snacks tonight. The three of us brothers will go to the Bar and have a great time."

"Cut it out."

Ever since Wang Fan learned that Old Master Gu had agreed to Guben dating Lin Xiyu, he had felt sour and unpleasant in his heart: "Look at Guben—does he seem like someone who would go to a Bar?"

"If he doesn't go, the two of us will."

Liu Ye looked at his sour face and secretly chuckled: "Brother will find you a few stunning beauties, guaranteed to satisfy you."

"That's what you said..."

Wang Fan's eyes dazzled and he narrowed them slightly, just about to give him a look of "you know what's good for you," when sharp commotion suddenly came from outside the shop.

—

As her cousin expected, with the money tree around, the clothes sold out again.

Customers who came to patronize because of the beauty were excited as if they had been injected with chicken blood.

Just like being addicted to a dressing program interacting with beauties, as soon as Lin Xiyu changed into a set, they would snap up a set.

In less than an hour, the clothes brought were all snapped up.

Even so, customers who didn't get clothes were still undiminished in enthusiasm, lingering around the small stall, unwilling to leave for a long time.

"Thank you all for your patronage. There's more tomorrow. Welcome back."

Her cousin was counting money until her hands went soft, feeling very happy, when five women squeezed in from outside the crowd, rushing toward Lin Xiyu like fierce demons.

"Shameless slut, with a fox-like face, seducing other people's husbands."

"Don't be fooled by her. She's not a good person, just a shameless mistress, destroying other people's families, relying on a man to rise to power..."

The five were up to no good, hitting and cursing.

"Pah, you're the mistresses, you lowlife scum, daring to slander my younger sister—Sister will beat you to death."

Bullying one's own younger sister, an uncle can endure, but an aunt cannot!

The female cousin flew into a rage, charging up without a second thought, grabbing one woman's hair and brawling with her.