Chapter 304: A Strange Scene

Lu Beitang's point is simple: if Lin Qingyan's family were an ordinary family, then as the groom he would immediately bring the gifts over to visit.

But now, with the woman strong and the man weak, the outside is full of rumors about the Lu family climbing the tall branches; if Lu Beitang were to be that proactive again, it would only make his son look even weaker.

Yet not going would be a breach of etiquette, so the dilemma remains right here.

Lu Beitang sighed, "If I had known Lin Zhenfeng would one day receive Restoration to Former Post, I wouldn't have said anything back then."

Lu Cheng understood that Lu Beitang was simply an honest working‑class man who had never in his life thought of clinging to any official family.

Chen Xianglan glared, "Look at you, what's the point of saying that now? No matter what the Qing Yan family is like, even if her family falls into ruin we don't despise them; if her family later becomes the head of state, she will forever remain our daughter‑in‑law."

Lu Beitang spread his hands, "The principle is the principle, but you've heard the outside gossip; now the people in Factory Area, when they see me, all say, 'Lu Beitang has a good son; he can retire early and enjoy the blessings of his daughter‑in‑law.'"

What does that mean? It's saying that I, Lu Beitang, have to survive by relying on the Lin family! After spending most of my life as a revolutionary worker, I still can't match those who hold office.

Lu Beitang has always taken pride in being a worker.

But the recent days of gossip have truly made him furious.

After entering the house, Lu Cheng stayed silent; he didn't expect that the Lin side hadn't voiced any opinion yet, while this side had already started.

But in the end, it was all to protect his son.

"Dad, Mom, don't worry about this; how about we simply have my Master go there."

Chen Xianglan immediately clapped her hands, "Hey, that works. Back then it was Xu Erye who acted as the matchmaker; now having Xu Erye go again is reasonable and proper—it doesn't make our family seem too forward, yet it preserves etiquette.

You see, the son's mind is the clever one; we've been tangled up for half a day, and a single word from him would be better."

Lu Beitang nodded; indeed, having Xu Erye step forward is the best solution.

Lu Cheng laughed, "Mom, it's not that your son's mind is clever; it's that you've been swayed by outsiders' gossip—otherwise you would have thought of this earlier."

Chen Xianglan sighed, "Exactly, these past few days whenever your dad hears such gossip his complexion drops instantly."

Actually, the outside gossip, Lu Cheng thought, is rather a good thing for him.

Originally he had worried that if his parents learned about his sham marriage with Lin Qingyan, they would go crazy with anger.

Now it's fine; everything the groom should do has been done, so if the Lin family ultimately still doesn't approve the marriage, it no longer concerns Lu Cheng.

The sham marriage then need not be mentioned at all.

Once that was settled, Chen Xianglan began preparing things, mainly the items for a formal marriage proposal.

Although they have already obtained the certificate, because there was no wedding ceremony, they still plan to follow the normal procedure so as not to wrong Qing Yan.

Regarding the betrothal gifts, Lu Beitang is not at all stingy; he insists on having every item that neighbors expect for a marriage, so neither Qing Yan nor his son is shortchanged.

He also must not let anyone think that the old Lu family is trying to cling to the Lin family; Lu Beitang must show some vigor.

To that end, he even gritted his teeth to procure the three‑turn one‑sound set, but Lu Cheng stopped him.

Lu Beitang and Chen Xianglan believe that regardless of how high an official the Lin family may have, since Lin Qingyan has already received the certificate, this is a factual marriage that no one can change; now it's merely a matter of form.

But Lu Cheng knows that whether his marriage with Lin Qingyan will ultimately succeed is another story.

So if it ultimately can't happen, the other items can be kept for themselves—there isn't much money anyway—but that pricey three‑turn one‑sound set would drain Lu Beitang completely.

What a fellow, to preserve the old Lu family's etiquette, even has to borrow money for his son's wedding.

Lu Cheng can't let it go; first let Xu Erye go talk, see what the other side wants, and later preparations won't be too late—saying that finally persuaded his father.

All that remains is to wait for Lin Zhenfeng's return.

And Lin Zhenfeng returned to the Capital City about half a month later.

How to describe the situation then? It was very quiet—so quiet it was almost incomprehensible.

This "quiet" meant that no one came to visit or offer congratulations.

Logically, it shouldn't be that way; Lin Zhenfeng has been rehabilitated, is no longer guilty, and will soon receive Restoration to Former Post, so many should be eager to attach themselves and proactively befriend him.

But such a situation did not occur.

Actually Lu Cheng saw clearly that the Lin family's lack of the former bustling gatherings was because everyone was waiting and watching.

Because although Lin Zhenfeng returned to the capital, there was no definitive status yet, and no clear document on whether he could resume work.

In this circumstance, no one knows whether the wind will blow back; before Lin Zhenfeng's case is fully determined, waiting is the safest course.

Only Lu Beitang could barely keep his composure.

"The Lin family isn't like the rumors say; they've been back only a few days and no one has visited. Why don't we be proactive?"

Chen Xianglan pursed her lips, "You earlier said you'd stay calm—how did you betray that now? Aren't you afraid others will say you're trying to climb the tall branches again?"

Lu Beitang sighed, "It's not for Qing Yan; staying deadlocked like this, in the end …"

Chen Xianglan thought for a moment and agreed, "Then in the next two days, you should look for Xu Erye, or better yet have Xu Erye go, so you don't keep changing your mind; the Revolutionary Will isn't steadfast at all."

Lu Beitang opened his mouth, but was at a loss for a retort.

However, to the surprise of many who were waiting and watching, the Qin Family at this moment actually took the initiative to visit Lin Zhenfeng.

It instantly drew a lot of attention.

Speaking of the Qin Family, they are a prestigious great clan that surely knows the inside story; being able to visit Lin Zhenfeng now indicates one thing: Lin Zhenfeng is completely out of trouble and will soon resume work.

Otherwise the Qin Family wouldn't risk making the visit.

After the situation cleared up, many people began eager to try, preparing to visit Lin Zhenfeng.

At this moment, at the gate of the Lin family Siheyuan, two jeeps were parked.

The driver jogged around the front, respectfully opened the door, and a dignified middle‑aged man stepped out of the vehicle.

Qin Gang, father of Qin Shou, is the head of the Qin Family.