Chapter 439: Ancestral Worship

Lin Fu spotted Lin Zhao at once; his wise, deep eyes lit up with a joyful smile.

He walked toward Lin Zhao.

“Zhaozhao? My Lin Fu’s granddaughter.” His tone was certain.

“Grandpa.” Lin Zhao’s voice was bright, sweet with the charm of a little girl, “I’m Zhaozhao. Welcome home, Grandpa.”

Noticing the commotion, Zhang Yun released her son, exchanged a polite greeting with the unfamiliar daughter-in-law, then hurried toward her granddaughter.

“Zhaozhao, I’m your grandmother.” Her smile was warm, her gaze tender.

“Grandma, I’m Zhaozhao. Welcome home, too.” Lin Zhao’s eyes crinkled with delight.

Zhang Yun’s smile deepened. “Good, good!”

She slipped a white jade bracelet from her wrist onto her granddaughter’s.

“This is your grandmother’s gift to our Zhaozhao. May all your days be smooth and blessed.”

Lin Zhao glanced at it, beaming. “Thank you, Grandma. I’ll treasure it dearly.”

Zhang Yun patted her hand. “It’s just jewelry. You matter more. If you break it, I’ll give you another. I’ve got plenty of jewels.”

Lin Yu leaned against the door watching. “You used to tell me to pick anything I liked. Now you’ve got a granddaughter—you’ve forgotten your little sister.”

Zhang Yun looked at her sister-in-law, smiling helplessly. “You’re an adult. Why compete with a little girl?”

Little girl Lin Zhao: “….”

Her son will be bringing home a girlfriend in two years.

“Hmph.” Lin Yu snorted, then laughed. “Go home. Standing at the gate is too conspicuous.”

“Big brother, big sister, A De is waiting inside for you.”

Lin Fu affectionately patted Lin Zhao’s head, his aged but still strong voice warm with amusement. “Let’s go home.”

He was in his eighties, in excellent health—his medical checkup results outperformed many younger people. He played basketball, his arms still muscular, his posture still upright, younger and healthier than most fifty-year-olds on the mainland, as if he’d swallowed preservative.

At his current rate, another twenty years of life is no problem.

No wonder Father always said the Lin family lived long. Unless disaster struck, she’d have no trouble seeing her real grandfather.

Indeed.

The group entered the main gate of the Lin ancestral home.

Lin Fu glanced at the stone lions at the gate, his eyes flickering with understanding.

“Repaired. The family must’ve been badly damaged. Yu Yu, you’ve worked hard.”

Cen Yan: It was me, it was me.

Lin Yu felt her sleeve tugged; she glanced at her fiancé. “Not me. It was A De and A Yan’s work. I only drew the plans.”

“Mm.” Lin Fu murmured.

Cen Yan’s heart raced. What did “mm” mean? Was he satisfied? Could he and Yu Yu finally hold their wedding?

Who gets married for ten years and still doesn’t hold a ceremony?!

Without a wedding, how can I publicly claim my claim? Don’t think I don’t know—there are still people watching my lover, waiting for me and Yu Yu to break up.

Hmph.

A man dragging kids around—Yu Yu wouldn’t touch him!

Wait eight lifetimes—it won’t happen.

Lin Fu and Zhang Yun had mentioned this before: Father was gone; only they, as elder brother and sister-in-law, could give Lin Yu away. They’d hold the wedding once settled.

…

The Lin ancestral home was vast, its living environment naturally excellent. Externally, it resembled Haicheng-style Western villas; inside, the furnishings leaned toward ancient elegance.

“Yu Yu remembers well—the sofa arrangement matches exactly what I’ve dreamed of for years.” Zhang Yun sat down with her younger son and granddaughter.

Lin Heling was her long-lost child; she wanted to keep him tucked in her pocket. Lin Zhao was her only granddaughter, beautiful and well-behaved—exactly the kind of child elders adore.

She had countless questions to ask.

“This is where I grew up. Every brick, every tile, I can’t forget.” Lin Yu said.

The maid brought tea, fruit platters, and pastries, the table piled high with everything Lin Fu and Zhang Yun had longed for.

They’d rushed back to the mainland urgently; many matters still needed handling in Hong Kong. So the couple left first; Lin Heling’s sons and their younger generations would arrive next.

The late Lin Laoyezi had four sons and one daughter—

Lin Fu was the eldest. The second son died in the revolution at twenty-two. The third son left overseas long ago and never returned. The fourth son was brilliant, learned quickly, married young to his first love, had two sons; his wife died in childbirth during her third pregnancy. He donated all his wealth, abandoned everything, became a monk, and vanished.

The Lin family had a rule: once children came of age, they must split the household.

The Lin family split early—young generations took their share and went out to build their own fortunes, so the Lin clan flourished.

In Lin Fu’s generation, he had several brothers. Back then, the domestic situation was dire; his brothers fled overseas with their families. Lin Fu stayed, built businesses, and amassed great wealth.

Lin Fu and Zhang Yun were elderly, and the journey had worn them out. Lin Yu and the others didn’t keep them talking long; the two elders washed up and retired to their rooms early.

No matter how much to say, first let them rest and recover.

…

After the Lin ancestral home was restored, Lin Zhao moved in to live with her grandparents, enjoying their doting affection, her days blissful.

She was curled on the sofa watching TV while the skilled maid repaired her nails.

Lin Heling sat across the room on the phone.

Calling each of her sons.

“...Yes, all of you come. Meet your grandparents. We’re going to ancestral worship.”

After finishing business, she hung up and dialed the next.

Even the busy third son had been notified.

Upon receiving his father’s call, Lin Shi Fan’s voice rose. “Dad, how’d you know I was there? We’re truly father and son—soulmates!”

His dark face broke into a bright smile, making his teeth gleam. “Missed your son? I’ve got two months’ leave—I planned to visit anyway. Dad, tell Zhaozhao for me. I won’t call her directly.”

Lin Heling replied, “Come to the Haicheng ancestral home. Get familiar with the place. Get to know the people.”

Lin Shi Fan thought she meant his aunt, and said, “Got it! I’m coming!”

After hanging up, he immediately packed. Rarely did his increasingly stern face soften—but now it did.

“What’s wrong? Why’s he humming?” Lin Xiao came home from school, her backpack still on, and asked her mother, puzzled by her father singing red songs.

Then she covered her ears. “Dad sings badly. Every note’s off-key.”

It was a bit off-key—but after hearing it so long, it’s bearable.

“Don’t talk like that about your father.”

Lin Xiao covered her mouth. “Got it.”

“Mom, why’s Dad so happy?”

The woman replied, “Why else? He’s going to Haicheng to see your grandparents and your aunt. He’s thrilled.”

Though Lin Xiao and her brother lived far from their grandparents and aunt, they were very close to them.

Every year, grandparents and aunt sent them new clothes, delicious treats, fun toys—they were especially kind. Her classmates envied her for having such loving grandparents and aunt.

Yeah, her maternal grandparents were kind too.

“Great! I’m going to Haicheng! I love Haicheng! I’m going to the arcade, the amusement park, the biggest mall in Haicheng, and the dance hall to watch performances...” Lin Xiao exclaimed excitedly.

Lin Shi Fan overheard this.

He smiled. “Go. All of it. Whatever you want.”

After Lin Heling and Song Xi moved to Haicheng, Song’s brother transferred Lin Shi Chang to a major factory there. Chen Yu came too; she didn’t look for work but became a self-employed vendor.

First she opened a department store, then a restaurant.

The storefront was returned to the Lin family by the authorities; Lin Heling gave it to her eldest son.

Everything he owned, aside from what he and his wife needed for retirement, was divided among his children.

Lin Heling made it clear to her son: everyone has favorites; she’d give Zhaozhao an extra ten percent.

She always loved her only daughter a little more.

With more in Zhaozhao’s hands, he could rest easy.

Lin’s four brothers had no objections. What could they say? The property belonged to their father; even if he gave them nothing, they had no grounds to complain.

They were satisfied with houses, shops, gold bars...

The four brothers, all wealthy, loved spending money on their sister. Lin Zhao’s refrigerator was bought by Lin Shi Sheng; the big color TV by Lin Shi Chang; the pager by Meng Jiu Si; the imported camera by Lin Shi Fan...

…

Chen Yu noticed her husband’s thoughtful expression and asked anxiously, “Is something wrong?”

Lin Shi Chang’s brow relaxed into a smile. “Nothing. Dad called. Said my grandparents returned from Hong Kong. I just didn’t react right away.”

In a few years he’d be a grandfather himself. To suddenly learn his unseen grandparents were still alive felt startling.

“From Hong Kong?!” Chen Yu knew people from Hong Kong were rich; hearing her husband’s grandparents came from there, she grew tense.

“Why are you nervous?” Lin Shi Chang smiled.

“We’ve been married how many years? You think your grandparents won’t accept you? No way. My family wouldn’t do that.” His tone was firm.

Chen Yu pushed him away. “Who’s nervous? Don’t interrupt my business—I’m busy.”

Though she said that, she began thinking what to bring to the ancestral home. She couldn’t go empty-handed.

…

On the day of ancestral worship, all descendants of Lin Heling’s line arrived—except Lin Shi Fan’s family, still en route.

Hearing of the ancestral worship, even Gu Chenghuai and the rarely off-duty Qian Bao showed up.

Lin Si Nian and the rest of the Lin family descendants arrived in full force.

Seeing her beloved and her rarely seen youngest son, Lin Zhao walked toward them with light steps.

“You came too? I thought you wouldn’t make it.”

Gu Chenghuai gripped Zhaozhao’s hand, his gaze fixed and tender on her. “Such an important occasion—I’m your family’s son-in-law. How could I not come?”

He thought only of his brothers-in-law and their families reunited, while his Zhaozhao stood alone, and his heart sank as if weighted with lead. For the first time, he used his authority to contact Zhiqian and summoned him as well.

Fortunately, Zhiqian’s project had just ended, giving him time to rest, so the father and son came together.

Yaobao was brought by her second brother and had no idea her father and older brother were coming; seeing them, she was overjoyed.

“I’ll have nearly half a month off now. Wherever you want to go, Mom, I’ll go with you,” Gu Zhiqian said, his dark eyes filled with seriousness.

He had always been calm by nature; after years working at the research institute, his features had grown colder and more serene, his attire impeccable, radiating the precision and meticulousness of a scientist.

“No need. The places I go aren’t your kind of thing—why force yourself? Rest well, relax your mind,” Lin Zhao said, gazing at her son with pride.

“Accompanying you isn’t a hardship,” Gu Zhiqian said.

Gu Chenghuai held a high position and was a soldier by origin, his hands stained with blood; his aura was formidable, his face strikingly handsome—he stood out wherever he went.

Lin Fu finally saw his grandson-in-law, took a few looks, and was deeply satisfied.

Good.

Noticing her grandfather’s gaze, Lin Zhao led her husband and child forward.

“Grandpa, this is my beloved, Gu Chenghuai. This is my youngest son, Gu Zhiqian—he works in a special field, so it’s hard for him to come out. This is my only daughter, Gu Yaobao, her nickname is Yaobao.”

Gu Chenghuai bowed his head to the head of the Lin family and respectfully said, “Grandpa.”

“Good,” Lin Fu smiled, his gaze toward his grandson-in-law full of approval.

Gu Chenghuai exhaled deeply.

He had heard of this elder’s conduct and deeply admired him; moreover, he was Zhaozhao’s own grandfather, so he naturally cared about his opinion.

“Great-grandpa,” the twins said in unison.

Lin Fu and Lin Heling shared the same demeanor—elegant, their gaze toward the younger generation warm and gentle, like calm lake water.

Gu Zhiqian and his sister held a favorable impression of the elder.

“Good children, all of you,” Lin Fu, whose blood ran with patriotism, was immensely proud to learn his great-grandson served the nation; he patted Gu Zhiqian’s shoulder. “Excellent. If you need anything, come to Great-grandpa—I’ll get it for you.”

“To be modest, there are few fields our family hasn’t touched—every connection we’ve forged can be activated to give you conveniences you can’t even imagine.”

The implication was clear: even things under embargo, the Lin family could obtain—if he desired.

Gu Zhiqian understood; his pupils shimmered like moonlight, calm and clear.

“Thank you, Great-grandpa.”

Lin Fu said gently, “I’ll give you my contact. If you need anything, go straight to him—he’ll help you. You’re a clever child; I trust you’ll make the most of this network.”

“I will,” Gu Zhiqian said, his expression solemn.

What Great-grandpa gave him was precious—something he lacked, and something the nation lacked—he would use it well.

Lin Fu smiled faintly, shifting his gaze to Yaobao.

“Yaobao, you look just like your mother. I heard from your mother you’re about to take the college entrance exam. Do well. When you’re done, Great-grandpa will give you a whole street of shops—so you’ll never lack for food or comfort, how’s that?”

He even said “when you’re done,” not “if you get into a good university.”

Yaobao’s face filled with astonishment.

Her long, softly lowered lashes trembled. “Great-grandpa, I’m a Gu.”

Lin Fu frowned. “You’re your mother’s daughter. Your mother is my granddaughter. Any child she bears is Lin family blood.”

Could it really be like that?

Yaobao beamed with delight. “All right! Thank you, Great-grandpa. I’ll study hard.”

“Good.”

Lin Fu was no favoritistic elder—Yaobao had what Xibao and the others had too.

But in the old man’s heart, his granddaughter ranked higher than his great-granddaughter.

It was a “second-best” for a man without a daughter.

If the old man had had a biological daughter, Lin Zhao, his granddaughter, would have ranked behind his aunt.

Lin De knew his young master’s preferences perfectly—that’s why he’d been so delighted the first time he saw Lin Zhao.

The Lin family arrived at the cemetery.

Lin Fu, Zhang Yun, and Lin Yu stood at the front; the younger Lin family members lined up behind them, beginning the ancestral memorial ceremony.

Gazing at the black-and-white photo on Lin Lao’s tombstone, the three who had never seen their father alive could not hold back their tears.

Nothing in this world is more painful than wanting to care for one’s parents, but finding them gone.

Lin Fu held the incense and candle, bowing deeply.

Father, I’ve returned. Watch as that villain Du Sheng suffers a miserable death.

Xiao Jiu has come home—he’s here too. Did you see him?

Father, I have no daughter, but I have a gentle, filial granddaughter. Your daughter-in-law and I both love her dearly.

Father, how I wish you were still here.