Chapter 436: You Let My Dad Throw Me!

Lin Zhao’s eyes sparkled brighter, “Really?”

“Of course it’s true,” Lin Yu said firmly. “If you don’t believe me, ask your father—he knows your grandfather’s temperament.”

The Lin family had strong yang and weak yin; each generation had only one daughter, sometimes none at all, leaving the men coveting other families’ little cotton-padded jackets. She’d heard her mother say that before she was born, her father had stared enviously at the daughters of business partners…

Later, her mother took a risk and gave birth to her at an advanced age.

Lin Heling nodded. “Yes, but… Yaobao might be even more favored by your grandfather.”

Because she’s still young.

Worried his daughter might be upset, he gently reassured her, “To me, you’ll always come first.”

Lin Zhao’s eyes welled with tears.

She truly had picked the best parents—being born into the Lin family was pure luck.

“To be my parents’ daughter, I’m so incredibly lucky!”

Lin Heling smiled indulgently.

Song Xi didn’t feel envious of the father-daughter bond—Zhaozhao had been raised by her father, who treated her with boundless tenderness and patience. He’d never raised his voice to her in her entire life, pouring out 100% love. Heling never forced Zhaozhao to do anything—how could their bond be anything but deep?

Lin Yu asked curiously, “I’m very curious about Yaobao—when can I meet her?”

“She’s studying in the capital. She can’t come to Haicheng anytime soon. If you visit the capital, you’ll probably see her,” Lin Zhao replied.

Yaobao takes extra lessons in her free time—classical dance and piano. She chose to learn them herself, and since the family isn’t short on money, Lin Zhao hired professional teachers for her.

It’s never a bad thing for a girl to learn dance or an instrument.

“I have photos—would you like to see them, Auntie?”

Lin Yu nodded eagerly. “Yes.”

“I’ll get the photo album!” Lin Zhao went inside and brought back the album.

Lin Yu flipped through it and came across a photo of Lin Zhao and Gu Chenghuai.

“Is this your husband? So handsome, and his build is impressive too—Zhaozhao knows how to pick,” she praised.

“Yes, my husband, Gu Chenghuai,” Lin Zhao introduced him openly, without mentioning his position.

Gu Chenghuai held a high rank—he had to be discreet in private.

“His name is pleasant too,” Lin Yu remarked.

At least not something like Jianhua, Jianguo, or Hongwei…

“I think so too,” Lin Zhao smiled, silently thanking her father-in-law again for choosing such a name.

Lin Yu spotted the childhood photos of the twins and the long-feng twins, her eyes lighting up. “Twins? Long-feng twins?”

“Mm,” Lin Zhao nodded, pointing at the people in the photo. “This is Gu Zhiyu, Gu Zhihang, Gu Zhiqian. The girl is Gu Zhiyao—her nickname is Yaobao.”

“Yaobao? Like the ‘yao’ in ‘yaotiao shunü’? What a cute name—just from the name, you can tell she’s a sweet little girl,” Lin Yu praised.

Lin Zhao: “…”

It’s just a name.

Suddenly, she believed the Lin family truly treasured girls.

“I can’t wait to meet her. Looking at her photo, I’ve got a hundred ideas—wanting to design several beautiful dresses for her,” Lin Yu continued.

Cen Yan said, “Shall I get you drawing tools?”

Lin Yu’s fingers itched badly and nodded immediately. “Yes!”

Cen Yan hurried off to prepare them.

Once she had the drawing tools, Lin Yu reluctantly closed the photo album and bent over her desk to begin working.

Lin Zhao stayed in Haicheng for a week. The men and children at home missed her and couldn’t help calling.

“Miss, it’s your father-in-law’s call,” the maid said to Lin Zhao.

Lin Zhao quickly got up to answer.

“Hello?”

Gu Chenghuai’s deep, smiling voice came through. “Not coming home yet?”

Lin Zhao’s lips curled slightly, her tone light and cheerful. “Miss me?”

“Yes. When are you coming back? I’ll come pick you up,” Gu Chenghuai replied, his voice steady and strong.

“I can’t go back right away. I haven’t even spoken to you yet—your aunt came back from Gangcheng with your uncle, and I have to help my parents entertain them,” Lin Zhao declared firmly.

She wouldn’t admit she was just having fun, indulging under her aunt’s care and not wanting to return yet.

Gu Chenghuai was skeptical but relented. “Then stay a few more days. Stay safe.”

“Mm-hmm, eat on time, don’t work all day. I’ll bring you a gift when I get back,” Lin Zhao said.

“I know,” Gu Chenghuai replied.

Before hanging up, he couldn’t resist adding, “Come home as soon as you’re done. I haven’t slept well for days without you.”

Lin Zhao ate well and slept well—she’d completely forgotten about her husband and children. Hearing this, she guiltily tugged at her sleeve, her voice rising slightly as she solemnly said, “Mm-hmm, I’ll come back as soon as I’m done.”

Gu Chenghuai never hung up first when calling Lin Zhao. This time, she did.

She didn’t mind—she’d once specifically asked him why.

He’d said, “I’m afraid the dial tone will make you feel down, so I’d rather you hang up first.”

Lin Zhao asked, “But don’t you feel down?”

The man replied, “Because I’ve felt that way before—I don’t want you to feel it too.”

Hearing this, Lin Zhao’s lips curved upward significantly. She thought her husband was glowing like a star—how could there be a man so empathetic, someone who made you fall in love with him over and over?

…

Lin Yu saw the smile on Lin Zhao’s face and could tell how deeply in love the couple were—she was genuinely happy for her.

“Ready to go home?” she asked, her gaze leaving the drawing and teasing Lin Zhao.

“A little,” Lin Zhao admitted honestly.

She hadn’t thought about it before—but after talking to Gu Chenghuai, she did.

“Go home if you want. I know Haicheng well—I don’t need you to accompany me. After I finish what I need to do, I’ll come to the capital to find you.” Lin Yu liked Zhaozhao’s personality—she said exactly what she felt, straightforward and simple, unlike some people who spoke in roundabout, awkward ways.

Before meeting her nephew’s family, she’d feared Xiaojiu’s household might have difficult people. Thankfully, everyone suited her taste.

No wonder they were Lin family.

Before Lin Zhao could speak, the phone rang again. The maid answered and quickly looked at Lin Zhao. “Miss, it’s the little miss’s call.”

“Yaobao?” Lin Zhao stood up and walked toward the phone.

Lin Yu couldn’t sit still and followed her.

Lin Zhao paused slightly, then smiled and took the phone, her tone soft. “Yaobao, you called me?”

“Mama,” Yaobao said first, her voice sweet and soft, like a giant cloud drifting into the ear.

Lin Yu gripped Lin Zhao’s arm—how soft and sweet that voice was! She was almost envious of Zhaozhao.

“What’s wrong?” Lin Zhao asked gently. “Miss me?”

“Mm-hmm,” Yaobao admitted. “Mama, our dance teacher has something this week, so I don’t have class. I want to come to Haicheng to see Grandpa and Grandma. I miss Grandpa and Grandma too—is that okay?”

A round trip would take three days—she’d have to take leave. Yaobao asked nervously for her mother’s permission.

“Of course! Come whenever you want. I’ll take care of your leave tomorrow—good thing someone wants to meet you,” Lin Zhao agreed immediately.

She’d had days as a child when she didn’t want to go to school—she’d even skipped class. Occasionally wanting to slack off wasn’t a big deal.

Yaobao’s dark, bright eyes instantly sparkled like stars.

She held the receiver and turned to her second brother, who was eating watermelon on the sofa. “Second brother, Mama said yes! Take me to Haicheng—let’s go right now!”

Gu Zhihang half-believed her, set down half his watermelon, wiped his hands, and walked over to snatch the phone. “Mama, you really agreed?!”

“Yes, I did,” Lin Zhao said.

Gu Zhihang’s voice turned plaintive. “Mama, you’re biased! Yaobao wants to slack off and you give her leave. When I skipped class, you let Dad throw me!”

Lin Zhao raised an eyebrow, replying calmly, “Why don’t you think carefully—who was really at fault?”

“Cough…” Gu Zhihang coughed to avoid answering, changing the subject. “Mama, I’ll take Yaobao right away. Tell Uncle Er to send someone to pick us up at the station?”

“Got it!” Lin Zhao hung up.

Lin Yu said, “No need to ask Shi Sheng. We have a car—just tell the driver.”

She looked at Lin Zhao. “You don’t have a car yet, right? I’ll give you one. What brand do you like? What color?”

Lin Zhao was stunned.

“??”

Lin Heling said, “Auntie, you’re too generous. Zhaozhao likes black and white—she doesn’t care about brands. You decide.”

“Alright, I’ll decide then,” Lin Yu said.

She made a call and gave instructions.

Then she told Lin Zhao, “Wait patiently—you’ll have your car in two months.”

Lin Zhao was speechless with excitement, her smile radiant. “Thank you, Auntie! I’ve always wanted a car. You’re so good to me.”

“You’re your grandfather’s only granddaughter and my only niece’s daughter. If not you, who else?” Lin Yu lightly tapped Lin Zhao’s forehead.

“I have no children, and I never will. Everything I have will go to you.”

She was too old to bear children now, and she and Cen Yan had long ago decided—over ten years ago—not to have any.

They were both self-centered people who believed that if they couldn’t give a child their full love, it was better not to have one.

Lin Zhao shook her head. “Don’t talk about that. My father gave me enough to last a lifetime.”

Lin Yu only smiled, saying nothing.

Zhaozhao knew nothing of her wealth. Her fortune was terrifyingly vast—she lacked nothing. Money to her was just a number, impossible to spend. Since she couldn’t spend it all, wouldn’t it eventually go to the younger generation? Whoever she favored, she’d give it to.

Two days later, Yaobao was brought by her second brother.

Seeing the luxury car in the courtyard, Gu Zhihang’s soul was completely captivated.

He stepped closer to the car, tracing its sleek lines, his voice rising with awe, “Where did this car come from?! So luxurious!! Grandpa, did you buy it?!”

Lin Heling looked at her grandson and smiled, “No, it’s your great-aunt’s.”

“Great… great-aunt?” Gu Zhihang’s mind froze; he calculated in his head before saying, “My great-aunt is your sister, right, Grandpa? Has a relative of yours returned from Hong Kong?!”

He’d been in Shenzhen buying and reselling goods, away from both the capital and Haicheng, and had only just returned, so he didn’t know what had happened at home.

“Yes,” Lin Heling said. “She’s been back for a few days. I didn’t tell you since you were busy outside.”

“I see,” Gu Zhihang muttered.

He turned his head and saw his sister being swept into someone’s arms.

“Yaobao?” Lin Yu was tall; Yaobao looked like a tiny figurine beside her. She gazed at the soft, adorable little girl, her face filled with affection.

“My goodness, what a radiant girl—she looks just like a Lin.”

Lin Yu took Yaobao to see the gifts she had prepared for her.

The latest portable cassette player, oversized headphones, a glowing digital watch, one new outfit after another…

Yaobao was bewildered.

She looked helplessly at Lin Zhao.

Who is this overly enthusiastic person? She made Yaobao nervous.

“This is your great-aunt—your mother’s paternal aunt, your grandfather’s younger sister,” Lin Zhao introduced.

Lin Yu held a high rank and great status within the Lin family.

Yaobao understood, and obediently greeted her, “Great-aunt.”

“Good girl. Whatever you want, your great-aunt can give you. Do you like these gifts?” Lin Yu smiled.

Yaobao was sensitive and could tell whether someone’s feelings toward her were genuine or fake.

Her great-aunt truly liked her.

Her eyes lifted slightly, as if a spark of spirit danced within them, “I like them very much. Thank you, Great-aunt.”

“These gifts are too valuable. I’ll keep just one.”

Her parents had never neglected her, but a sensible girl knew how hard money was to earn. She always remembered the scars on her father’s body, and the mud and sweat on his training uniform after every session.

“If you like them, keep them all. Your great-aunt has money. If you need anything in the future, just call me.” Lin Yu gave Yaobao the number she could reach her at anytime.

Yaobao looked at Lin Zhao. Seeing her mother smiling without objection, she nodded, “Understood.”

She agreed for now—she would never ask anyone for things. Her upbringing forbade her from holding out her palm for handouts.

She would remember the kindness shown to her by her elders, and when she had the ability, she would repay them.

“Such a good girl,” Lin Yu said to her fiancé.

Cen Yan replied, “If you like her, when we marry, we can adopt a child who suits us.”

Lin Yu gave him a glare, “No!”

“I have zero interest in raising someone else’s child! To me, it’s planting a time bomb—completely unnecessary! And you’re not allowed to have this idea either!!” She firmly refused.

The powerful influence of genetics cannot be ignored—some people are born evil.

…Raising a thankless wolf wouldn’t just bring her misfortune—it would drag down the entire Lin family. That’s pure overindulgence!

Cen Yan smiled good-naturedly, his handsome face brimming with indulgence toward his fiancée, “Whatever you say.”

Lin Yu’s brow relaxed, “That’s right—listen to me.”

“Alright,” Cen Yan smiled in agreement.

Learning that Gu Zhihang was in transportation, Lin Yu gave him high praise: “Zhihang has good vision—this industry has great potential. Stick with it, and your wealth won’t be low.”

Cen Yan also saw strong potential in the mainland’s development. He hadn’t wasted his trips—he’d done his research—and he most favored construction and transportation.

“Is that so? Do you need investment?” Cen Yan asked directly. “I’ll invest one million. Help you grow big and strong. Dare you?”

Gu Zhihang: “!!!!!!”

A million?!

Lin Yu looked at her fiancé, her tone cool, “We don’t discuss business at home. If you have ideas, find a chance to talk to Zhihang alone.”

She warned him, “This is my Lin family’s junior, still a budding flower. Don’t bring your business tactics to him. If Big Brother scolds you, don’t expect me to speak up for you.”

Lin Yu spoke these words in the Hong Kong dialect.

Gu Zhihang loved renting video tapes and had watched many Hong Kong films—he could guess the meaning of what his great-aunt had said.

He stayed silent.

Cen Yan looked helplessly at him. “I’m not a crooked merchant. Why would I cheat my own people?”

He turned to Gu Zhihang, patting his shoulder, “Tomorrow I’ll treat you to tea. We’ll talk slowly. Your great-aunt doesn’t allow business talk at home.”

Gu Zhihang hadn’t expected his great-uncle to be a henpecked husband—he smiled and agreed, “Alright.”

“What are you grinning at? Listening to your wife brings fortune,” Cen Yan said casually, in the tone of someone who’d been there.

“My grandfather says my great-aunt hasn’t married you yet,” Gu Zhihang said bluntly.

Cen Yan: “...”

How could Xiao Jiu say everything out loud?

And his fiancée valued her nephew Lin Heling more than him—he couldn’t even reprimand him.

His status had slipped even further down the ladder.