Chapter 419: The Withdrawal Symptoms Are Severe

After last time, Team Leader Ye was very experienced.

He calmly stepped forward.

Introduced himself.

"I'm the team leader of this unit, surnamed Ye. Who are you here to pick up?"

The man at the front's eyes flickered with barely perceptible tension. "We're here to pick up Old Master Qiao. Is he well?!"

This man is a god of wealth—the higher-ups take him very seriously.

With such heavy pressure, it was impossible for them not to be nervous.

"..." The team leader fell silent for a moment, then replied: "He's fine."

The speaker seemed to exhale a long breath.

The several officials from the county also relaxed, wiping sweat quietly.

This was unbearable—who the hell was Old Master Qiao that he'd stirred up provincial leadership?

Provincial leadership:... Who the hell is Old Master Qiao?! Why did he stir up Haicheng's top officials?!

The group followed the team leader down toward the foot of the mountain.

After hearing the news, the Gu family hurried over to see the commotion.

Lin Zhao was among them.

She nudged Gu Gu Chenghuai's arm. "Just how big a deal is Old Master Qiao? This reception is way too grand!"

Gu Gu Chenghuai squinted, his expression thoughtful.

He didn't answer, but Lin Zhao didn't care—she was just asking out of curiosity, not expecting an answer.

No matter who Old Master Qiao was, he was her father-in-law's benefactor.

Gu Fu jogged forward, an old man, yet looking more spirited than any young lad.

Old Master Qiao, as if expecting such a crowd, felt no awkwardness; though dressed in an old cotton-padded jacket, he showed no discomfort, his aged face wearing a faint smile that revealed nothing of his emotions.

He greeted Gu Fu first. "You're here."

Gu Fu nodded, sensing the eyes on him, feeling uneasy, then walked over and asked: "Leaving already?!"

Old Master Qiao nodded. "Yes, I'm leaving. All these years, you've been a bother." His tone was sincere.

The several officials from the county had a hundred thoughts swirling in their minds.

"Safe travels," Gu Fu said, his emotions complex—reluctance, nostalgia—but still genuinely wishing Old Master Qiao well.

Old Master Qiao patted his shoulder. "If you ever get a chance to bring your wife and kids to Haicheng, I'll treat you to a show and coffee."

Gu Fu's face twisted in exasperation. "I'm just an old farmer—why would I drink coffee? I never liked that bitter stuff even when I was young. Only you, you're the one who likes that bitter stuff."

"You're just not used to it. Once you get used to it, you'll understand the taste."

Two old men, over a hundred years combined, bickered like children, neither willing to yield.

Gu Mu didn't step forward, only silently twitched her lips.

She'd never seen such an immature old man—how peculiar.

Old Master Qiao didn't delay—he left with those who came to pick him up.

He took nothing with him.

He knew the things in that tiny hut would be useless to him from now on; carrying them would only be a burden.

After Old Master Qiao left, Gu Fu struggled to adjust. When the family cooked something delicious, he'd instinctively say, "Leave a bowl—I'll take it to the foot of the mountain later…" Then he'd remember the man was gone, his lips tightening into a line, followed by a wry smile: "Look at me, I forgot again..."

The withdrawal symptoms were severe.

The entire Gu family was deeply worried.

Gu Gu Yuanshan said: "Dad, if you're uneasy about Uncle Qiao, I'll take you to Haicheng to see him—it's just a few train tickets."

Gu Fu waved his hand. "No need to worry. Uncle Qiao is a man of great ability—a coiled dragon in the depths, riding clouds to the heavens. He doesn't need my concern. I'm just not used to it; in a few days, I'll be fine!"

Gu Mu didn't understand, but she thought it sounded impressive.

"What's this dragon, flying to heaven? What does it mean?"

"It's 'a coiled dragon in the depths, riding clouds to the heavens,'" Gu Fu repeated patiently, explaining to his wife. "It means even a dragon lying hidden in deep water can ride the clouds to the sky—it speaks of concealing one's brilliance, accumulating strength... until the day it soars."

For the first time, Gu Mu felt she'd married a cultured man. Before, she'd always thought he was no different from an ordinary farmer.

"You know so much," she said.

Gu Fu's entire face flushed red at his wife's blunt praise.

"Cough... eat, eat." He picked up a chopstick of vegetables for his daughter-in-law, changing the subject.

The younger generation stifled their laughter.

After the Lin family's academic celebration ended, the students were ready to leave home.

Knowing Lin Zhao wanted to visit Haicheng, Lin Lin Heling and Song Xi, after a late-night chat, decided to take their grandson and granddaughter to broaden their horizons.

De Shu, upon learning they were returning to Haicheng, became so cheerful his legs felt lighter.

"Haicheng is great—it's the best place to see the world!" he said. "I'll be their guide, taking them to every scenic spot."

Lin Lin Heling smiled warmly. "Very well, then, De Shu, thank you for your trouble."

Looking at his smile, De Shu felt a pang of sorrow—he looked just like the old master.

Old Master, little master is coming home!

Lin Lin Heling, seeing De Shu's tear-filled eyes, knew what he was thinking, and his own eyes grew warm. He said: "When we return to Haicheng, take me to see my grandfather."

"Yes, yes," De Shu wiped his eyes, nodding twice.

"Little master, the master took the whole family to Hong Kong—shouldn't we find a way to look for them?"

Lin Lin Heling shook his head. "No need."

De Shu thought the little master resented his family, his heart tightening.

"Little master...?!" His aged face paled with alarm.

Seeing this, Lin Lin Heling quickly explained: "De Shu, you're overthinking. I mean—if my father learns the news about the mainland's opening, he'll come back."

Hearing this, De Shu's tense nerves relaxed, and a smile returned to his face. "So that's what the little master thinks..."

He'd nearly been scared to death.

"The little master is right!"

"The master will definitely come back when he hears the news."

After all, in the Lin family's eyes, their pillar of heaven and jade column still stood on the mainland.

Hong Kong.

Lin Fu, upon hearing the news of the mainland's opening, danced around in delight.

"We can finally go back!" His voice was urgent, brimming with joy. "I wonder how our grandfather is? Did they find Xiao Jiu?! Finally... finally, we'll know their news!"

The rest of the Lin family were also delighted.

Hong Kong was good, but their loved ones were across the water—they couldn't bear to stay another moment.

Lin Yu was the first to speak up. "Big brother, I'm going back. You can't stop me—I miss Dad."

Thinking of her father, forced to remain on the mainland, Lin Xiao Gu had never let go of her grief; the thought alone brought her unbearable pain.

Her eyes were red.

"Dad is so old—I don't know how he is. I want to tell him his daughter has found someone she loves, so he can rest easy and walk me down the aisle."

Lin Yu had met a suitable, refined man—the eldest son of a shipping company, from a wealthy family with excellent values, who had treated her well these past years.

He had long wanted to marry her, but knowing her wish was for her father to escort her to the altar, he didn't want her to have regrets, so he waited patiently for the chance to return to the mainland.

Now, as soon as he heard the news, he drove straight to the Lin home to deliver this major update.

Cen Yan saw his girlfriend's red eyes and felt a heavy stone settle in his chest. He took out a handkerchief and gently wiped her tears.

"Don't cry. If your big brother won't let you go, I'll take you. We're engaged—you're half a Cen now. You don't have to listen to him."

Lin Fu gave him a cold look, his voice and expression equally icy. "Cen Yan, have you gotten too full of yourself?"

Cen Yan raised both hands in surrender.

"I'm wrong," he slid to his knees quickly.

"I'm serious—I can take Yu Yu back to the mainland. As long as she needs me, I'm there."

Lin Fu glanced at him lazily. "You're just eager to drag Yu Yu into your family, aren't you?"

Cen Yan didn't deny it. He gave a thumbs-up. "Big brother, you're brilliant! Yes, I'm eager—I'm desperate. Not just me—my mom is too."

His family was eager, but never pushed—especially his mother and sister, who adored Yu Yu.

It wasn't surprising.

Yu Yu was a famous fashion designer in Hong Kong; every dress she designed was snatched up by the city's elite ladies, and the Cen women were among them.

When they learned their son (brother) was dating their favorite designer, they were overjoyed.

"I never said I wouldn't let you marry," Lin Fu said coolly.

His sister was already advanced in age—he was happy to walk her down the aisle, but these two just weren't in a hurry.

Cen Yan didn't hesitate. "I don't want Yu Yu to have regrets. She wants her father to walk her down the aisle—I'll wait with her until Dad comes."

Only then did Lin Fu realize why these two had delayed marriage.

Instantly, his opinion of Cen Yan shifted.

This man was good.

Two people who had no intention of marrying, once they met, burned like an old house on fire—falling deeply in love, their passion unchanged for years—who could say this wasn't fate?

"The Lin family will remember this debt," Lin Fu told Cen Yan.

"It's my choice, no need to record it," Chen Yan replied, his peach-blossom eyes—usually so tender even when gazing at dogs—fixed on Lin Yu. "I want something simple: your heart."

Lin's patriarch felt a chill run down his spine.

A perfectly good heir, yet his mind is filled only with love—probably watched too many trashy romance films!

Lin Yu looked at her boyfriend's handsome face and couldn't help smiling. "Once I bring Father back, we'll get married."

Chen Yan suddenly felt nervous. "What kind of son-in-law does Dad like?"

He pointed at himself. "Would Dad like someone like me?"

Lin Yu's gaze grew complicated. No… no kind of son-in-law would ever please Father.

"You're wonderful, but…"

She said "but," and Chen Yan panicked. "Why 'but'? Don't say 'but'—I'm terrified!"

"You need to understand: fathers never like their daughters' suitors, no matter how outstanding they are. So… don't overthink it. Just behave well," Lin Yu comforted her fiancé. "Also, Father loves me—he adores me. Whatever I like, he'll accept."

Accept. Not like.

Liking is subjective.

Chen Yan's heart raced—not from excitement, but from dread.

"I'll behave well."

Lin Fu pinched the bridge of his nose. The formidable, reliable young master Chen Yan, so commanding in public, turned into a dolt in front of his beloved—truly exhausting.

Realizing he'd get nothing useful from this man today, Lin Fu dropped the subject and sent someone to gather news from the interior, seeking a way back "home."

…

Meanwhile.

Lin Zhao and the others left their hometown and boarded a train to Haicheng.

This carriage had an unusually high concentration of Lin and Gu family members.

All the children from the Gu and Lin families who had been admitted to university were here.

Since they all had to report anyway, Lin Zhao suggested they depart together while there was still time, take the opportunity to see Haicheng, and broaden their horizons. For safety, Gu Gu Yucheng and Gu Gu Qingzhou accompanied them.

From the Lin side, De Shu, Lin Lin Heling, Song Song Xiwei, Lin Lin Shisheng and his wife Taotao were all present.

Da Dan and the others had never ridden a train before and were excitedly gazing everywhere.

"Stay with the group. Don't get lost," Lin Zhao called out.

"Got it!" Da Dan and the others replied. Their voices were loud due to the crowd, drawing glances from passersby.

Seeing the growing number of people, Da Dan and the others returned to the carriage and stopped wandering.

Lin Zhao's group was too large to all secure sleeper tickets; the young, strong boys and girls would have to sit in hard seats.

Several days later, Haicheng Station arrived.

The group disembarked one by one.

Haicheng Station was packed—reform policies were already showing results.

Before they even had time to speak, Lin Zhao and the others stepped out of the station.

Their clothes were soaked with sweat, sticky and uncomfortable.

"So this is Haicheng," Taotao said. "So many people—and the station is huge!"

Lin Lin Shisheng said, "This is the most prosperous city. Of course there are many people."

Lin Zhao chimed in. "Second sister-in-law, there are many fun places here. Since you're here, let Second Brother take you around."

Taotao smiled. "I will."

Gu Gu Chenghuai spotted someone holding a cardboard sign, waving it at them. The sign read: Gu Gu Yucheng, Gu Gu Qingzhou.

"That person over there seems to be here to meet us," he remarked.

Lin Zhao and the others turned to look.

The sign was unmistakable.

It read: Gu Gu Yucheng, Gu Gu Qingzhou. Sent by Old Qiao to meet you.

Gu Gu Chenghuai's name was not mentioned—mainly because of his special status.

"Let's go over," Lin Lin Heling said.

The group walked toward the man holding the sign.

Gu Gu Yucheng stepped forward first. "I'm Gu Gu Yucheng."

The man, startled by the large crowd trailing behind him, quickly extended his hand warmly. "Nong hao, nong hao! I'm the one Old Qiao sent. The Master instructed me to meet you. We've been waiting! Please follow me—the car's just ahead."

He led the way.

They arrived at a blue bus.

The driver sat inside, nodded calmly at their arrival as a greeting.

The man sent by Old Qiao boarded the bus, set down the sign, and called out to the Lin and Gu families.

"Get on! I'll take you to where you'll stay—the Master has already arranged everything."

Gu Gu Qingzhou asked, bewildered: "How did Uncle Qiao know we were coming to Haicheng?!"

The man's face lit up with near-reverent admiration.

"The Master's wisdom is uncanny. Why would it be strange for him to know you're coming to Haicheng?"

Gu Gu Qingzhou: "?"

Gu Gu Yucheng: "..."

Gu Gu Chenghuai & Lin Zhao: (⊙…⊙)

What just happened? Did we suddenly enter a supernatural drama??

The man had no intention of answering their questions. He urged the passengers to sit down and fasten their seatbelts.

The bus started moving.

Private cars were extremely rare; the roads were clear, and the bus drove smoothly. Half an hour later, it stopped before a small Western-style house.

"A Western-style house!!" Lin Zhao gazed at the villa beyond the iron gate, her tone light and cheerful.

Lin Lin Heling couldn't bear to see his daughter envious. He gently stroked her hair, speaking softly. "No need to envy others. Our family's properties are being returned. When they're restored, I'll give you five villas—you can rotate among them."

He didn't think giving his daughter five villas was excessive. When his younger sister came of age, their grandfather had gifted her an entire street—complete with prime shops.

These five were nothing to him.

De Shu also looked at Miss Zhao with pity and couldn't help saying, "Once the Young Master—your grandfather—returns, he'll give you anything you want!"

She was the only daughter of this generation of the Lin family. No amount of spoiling was too much.