CFRSIO Chapter 19

The old man standing at the door, looking at him with a kind smile, did not frighten Lin Yunliang at all.

“Young master, please follow me.” The old man said, his gaze falling on the cat carrier in Lin Yunliang’s hand.

Understanding, realizing that fluffy things were irresistible, Lin Yunliang said frankly, “Grandpa, the cat carrier is so heavy. My Siam has been eating a lot of cat food recently and has exceeded the weight limit.”

“Can you help me carry it?”

“Meow meow meow!!” Siam was speechless. No, you just say whatever comes to your mind? Have you seen your expressionless face!

Besides, I’m not overweight! I’m clearly a super healthy little cat!

Unfortunately, one didn’t understand cat language and just thought the cute cat was being pampered.

The other understood but didn’t want to listen and deliberately pretended not to.

“Of course!” His face bloomed into a smile as he took the cat carrier from Lin Yunliang.

“He’s so cute. Is his name Siam?”

“Yes, his name is Siam. He’s a six-year-old male cat.”

“Oh. What a lively little fellow.”

The old man clearly liked Siam. Siam, hearing this, activated his inner diva. He immediately put on a sweet, high-pitched meow.

“Meow meow meow.”

It was enough to melt anyone’s heart.

Although the cat was cute, he didn’t forget his mission for the day. After leading him around a corner, they arrived at a black car that had been waiting there.

“Aren’t you afraid, young master? Aren’t you worried I’m a bad person?”

“You also like Siam.” He replied completely off-topic.

Then he opened the car door himself and saw the old man sitting there with feigned dignity.

Lin Yunliang obediently climbed in. It wouldn’t do to keep them waiting, would it?

The butler only realized after getting into the car that Lin Yunliang meant that anyone who liked small animals was a good person. What a thoughtful child.

“Drive.”

“I’m hungry!”

“Siam is also hungry.”

Lin Yunliang also spoke. Then he looked at the old man beside him and said without any pretense, “Siam wants a hamburger.”

“They don’t let Siam eat them.” Lin Yunliang said righteously.

The kitten couldn’t speak, so he could only meow.

As if to echo Lin Yunliang’s words, of course, the two elders didn’t really think it was Siam who wanted it.

Old Master Lin looked at his grandson, who didn’t resemble his son much but looked more like his late wife. He smiled.

This child was much more interesting than his own father.

The driver glanced at the butler beside him. Seeing the butler nod, he then drove towards the nearest plaza.

Heaven knows how flustered the driver was when he suddenly heard the young master speak. Fortunately, the young master didn’t make any unreasonable requests.

The driver thought, although he used a jinxed cat as a cover (nobody would believe it), this young master seemed to have decent character.

“Aren’t you afraid I’m a bad person?”

“Bad people never say they are bad people.”

Old Master Lin was stumped. It was true. Stubbornly, he continued,

“You’re really brave. Do I look like a good person?”

Although Old Master Lin was weathered by time, he could still be seen as a handsome old man. However, his years of high position gave him an aura of authority.

Even other relatives’ children, who had been instructed by their elders, would mostly cry and ask for their parents when his gaze swept over them.

Of course, there were a few exceptions, but they were few. Most of those who didn’t cry were afraid of him.

It was almost unheard of for someone to not be afraid of a stern-looking grandfather.

Yet, this child had run towards him without showing any fear.

“Do you eat people, Grandpa?”

What a strange question. “Of course not.”

“Do you eat cats?”

“Meow meow meow!!” Siam meowed again.

[Contractor, what are you doing!!]

Lin Yunliang, with his wide eyes, asked the amusing question.

“…Of course not!” Old Master Lin, for some reason, felt a headache coming on.

Why did he feel that this grandson was easier to deal with than his own son?

“Then it’s settled!” Lin Yunliang grinned, looking very childlike.

The two in the front row, the butler lowered his eyes, petting the kitten, a smile on his lips.

He pretended not to have heard the unreliable conversation between the grandfather and grandson. This young master was much more interesting than they thought.

The driver pursed his lips, trying not to laugh.

He rarely saw the old master flustered. The last time the old master was flustered was the last time.

He probably would see the old master flustered many times from now on.

“You…” Old Master Lin wanted to continue.

“Can I have fries? Large!” Lin Yunliang seized the opportunity to make another request.

Would his son not let him eat?

Pretending not to understand Old Master Lin’s strange look, he continued, “Siam also wants large fries.”

Young master, just say if you want two servings!

“Meow meow meow!!”

[You better keep your promise and actually give me a share!!]

The kitten hadn’t tried all sorts of delicacies, but the world only had food that couldn’t be disappointed. Therefore, since he had the opportunity, he wouldn’t let it pass.

“Okay, I’ll order for you.”

The driver waited in the car. Old Master Lin and the butler took Lin Yunliang into the plaza and, as he wished, ordered two large fries and a kids’ meal.

Lin Yunliang pulled the butler over, asked him to sit down, and then, petting the cat with peace of mind, looked at Old Master Lin with eager eyes.

The implication was that he wanted him to come and wait on them.

Butler: If I laugh, will I lose my salary?

As for Siam, he showed the same look.

Facing two pairs of eager eyes, Old Master Lin helplessly surrendered and resigned himself to waiting.

“Did the young master recognize the old master’s identity long ago?”

Lin Yunliang smiled and didn’t speak. It was almost an acknowledgment. He had indeed recognized the person in front of him.

Old Master Lin was accustomed to being served; when had he ever had to serve someone like this? Although he grumbled, he still picked up the tray with the hamburger and fries.

Lin Yunliang fully displayed his mischievous child nature, pouring out one portion of fries and placing the other in front of the butler.

The butler’s usually amiable smile froze. He guiltily lowered his head and pushed his glasses up.

“Young master, I’m not hungry. You eat it yourself, or…” He pushed the fries placed in front of him a little closer to Old Master Lin.

He gave a bitter smile, “Young master, you really know how to stir up trouble.”

Old Master Lin snorted softly through his nose, crossed his arms, and turned his head away with a look of disdain.

After knowing him for so many years, how could the butler not see that this old man was being tsundere? If he really disliked this grandson, why would he have someone monitor him? Why did he rush over so eagerly? Why did the young master make so many requests, and why did he obediently fulfill them?

Lin Yunliang pretended not to understand, with an innocent and naive expression, “I can’t finish it alone.”

Then he actually picked up a french fry and fed it to Siam.

Siam was not an ordinary kitten, so of course, he could eat it. But they didn’t know that. They knew that small animals couldn’t eat too much salt. French fries were usually sprinkled with salt. How could he let the kitten eat too much?

“Alright, alright, kittens can’t eat salt.”

After the cat ate one french fry, Old Master Lin snatched the kitten away.

Old Master Lin was also eyeing the kitten and had wanted to reach out long ago, but this child had no foresight and kept provoking him.

So he would have to do it himself.

Fortunately, Siam was not an ordinary kitten, otherwise, he might have used his claws.

He nestled into Old Master Lin’s arms, still meowing sweetly.

That sweet demeanor was truly unbearable to watch.

The grandfather and grandson had an afternoon tea that was not exactly warm, but at least harmonious.

Then Old Master Lin was going to send them back.

“You can stop here.” Lin Yunliang said as they neared their destination.

Lin’s father hadn’t reconciled with Old Master Lin yet. If they were seen, who knew what conspiracy theories would arise.

So it was better to just stop here.

The driver glanced at the butler and stopped as instructed.

Before getting out of the car, Lin Yunliang slipped a children’s toy he got from the store into Old Master Lin’s palm. “Thank you, Grandpa.”

With that, he got out of the car neatly.

It was strange, perhaps it was the connection between relatives. Just a cheap little toy and a thank you made Old Master Lin’s gloomy mood lift.

He let out a laugh and said with his mouth full of contradictions, “This little brat is just like his father.”

His father is your son, are you scolding yourself?

“We are family after all.”

The old man continued to snort tsundere-ishly, “Find time to buy a cat.”

He thought he’d see what was so good about these fluffy creatures that both his son and grandson liked them so much.

The butler, keeping his eyes on his nose and his nose on his eyes, didn’t add any further comments.

“Yes.”

He was also a little curious about their next meeting. He wondered what kind of chaos this grandfather and grandson would cause.

In a way, Lin Yunliang’s actions had comforted Old Master Lin, the old man, and softened his heart considerably.

If it weren’t for today’s events, the father and son’s conflict might have continued.

Old Master Lin finally saw his son after many years.

Lin’s father stood beside Lin’s mother but didn’t give her a single glance.

It was Siam who was the most familiar. Of course, it was mainly because he saw the cat Old Master Lin kept. It was a British Shorthair, small and round, truly adorable.

It mesmerized the cat too.

It ran over without any backbone.

“Meow meow meow.”

“Meow meow.”

“Alright, let’s not stand here anymore. Come in,” Old Master Lin said.

He also waved at Lin Yunliang. Lin Yunliang was not at all intimidated and walked straight over, even taking the old man’s hand, which surprised him.

“Let’s go. He won’t listen to you. Let Ms. Kong come,” Lin Yunliang said.

Having been together for so long, he had seen through their personalities. Lin’s father was a complete henpecked husband. Although the father and son had conflicts, if they were to calm down before these issues, only Lin’s mother had that ability.

Old Master Lin was more interested in Lin Yunliang’s address, “You call your mother like that?”

“Yes, Ms. Kong said she’s young and beautiful now, so calling her ‘Mom’ isn’t suitable.” Actually, Lin Yunliang himself didn’t want to use that title. After all, they were different people.

Lin’s mother’s status was, after all, his son’s wife. So Old Master Lin didn’t comment on this, only saying, “It’s inconvenient to come and go. You should stay here tonight.”

When Old Master Lin was young, he had made mistakes. As he got older, he hoped his family would be harmonious. Even if they quarreled, it was better than never speaking again.

Lin Yunliang wouldn’t make such a decision rashly. He only said, “You know, Ms. Kong makes the decisions in my family.”

Knowing that this was a refusal, Old Master Lin didn’t dwell on the matter.

However, it made Lin Yunliang suddenly curious about something.

“Siam.”

[What is it?] After getting along for so long, and having his food withheld several times, Siam found it difficult to respond to Lin Yunliang with his usual enthusiasm.

Lin Yunliang pretended not to notice and directly stated what he wanted to know.

“What was Lin Xueshu’s ending?” Although this old man looked stern, after interacting with him, Lin Yunliang could still feel his tolerance towards him.

In the previous few instances of teasing, Lin Xueshu was angry but didn’t truly lose his temper. This showed that he still cared about his grandson.

[Querying for you, please wait.]

[Lin Xueshu’s ending was: died alone and sick.]

When Lin’s father had an accident, Lin Xueshu did offer help. However, Lin’s father knew the identity of his business partner at the time. Already prejudiced against his father, Lin’s father’s prejudice grew even stronger. He absolutely refused to accept Lin Xueshu’s help.

The already fragmented family became even more fractured. Lin Xueshu knew who had taken action and went to target them, but unexpectedly, he suddenly fell ill, was admitted to the ICU, and passed away shortly after.

The last of the Lin family’s assets all fell into the hands of the Xu family, adding to the already massive wealth of the Xu family.

In a way, the gradual growth of the Xu family was inseparable from the Lin family. Without the Lin family’s involvement, the Xu family would not have become the richest family in the country.

Lin Yunliang, who had some goodwill towards Lin Xueshu, felt a sense of disgust, as if he had eaten a fly, upon learning of his ending.

This old man was actually quite good. If he were to die just like that, Lin Yunliang felt it would be a pity.

With Lin’s mother’s efforts, the father and son could finally sit down and have a good talk.

“Talk nicely later, don’t be so confrontational, understand?” Lin’s mother repeatedly instructed.

Although there were conflicts between father and son, Lin Xueshu had not targeted them. Their lives were relatively stable and smooth. This showed that Lin Xueshu didn’t really want to argue with his son about this matter. Otherwise, with just a wave of his hand, or without him even acting, they wouldn’t be able to stay in City A.

“I know, I know.” Lin’s father replied with displeasure.

He was still unwilling to talk to his father and even felt that his father had not changed at all. He even felt that his father probably still didn’t think he was wrong.

Lin Yunliang stood at the restaurant entrance, playing on his phone while waiting for Lin’s mother to come out.

Seeing Lin’s mother emerge with a complex expression, Lin Yunliang put away his phone. “You’ve worked hard.”

Of course, she had worked hard! Lin’s father was especially childlike in front of Lin’s mother, something Lin Yunliang deeply understood.

Lin’s mother looked at her son, who at only eleven years old was so mature, and instantly broke down, unable to help but laugh. She bent down.

Stretching out her wicked large hand, she pinched her son’s cheek. “My darling.”

“I’m not worried about your father; I’m more worried about you!”

“?” Why? Lin Yunliang didn’t need to speak; as his mother, Lin’s mother could see his thoughts.

Lin’s mother continued, “Look at you, you’re only eleven years old! You’re not twenty-one or thirty-one! How can you be so mature? What will happen in the future?”

Lin Yunliang heard this and showed a thoughtful expression, then mumbled, “Then you’ll have to be prepared.”

“What preparation?”

“Tomorrow morning, I plan to wake up early and tear down the house to give you some excitement.”

Lin’s mother paused for a moment, released her hand from his cheek, and then seriously considered, “Then forget it. Your grandfather’s things are all very valuable. Your mother can’t afford it.”

Of course, Lin’s mother was just complaining. After all, if he could really change, he wouldn’t still be like this at eleven years old.

She patted Lin Yunliang’s head. “Go to rest early.”

The butler, who had been listening to the mother and son’s conversation from the side, stepped forward. The butler had actually been stifling a laugh earlier. However, to save face for them, he couldn’t laugh too obviously.

This mother and son were truly unique. It was no wonder the young master liked this lady so much.

“I’ll take the young master to rest.”

“Thank you for your trouble.”

Then, without hesitation, she handed her son over to the butler. As soon as she learned that they would be coming for dinner, the butler had already arranged for the rooms to be tidied up again.

They were the hosts; there was no reason for them to stay in the guest rooms. The Lin family had a five-story villa. The hosts’ rooms were all on the fifth floor. When guests came, unless the host specifically instructed otherwise, they usually couldn’t go to the fifth floor.

As he followed the butler into the elevator, just before the elevator doors closed, Lin Yunliang saw a figure flash by.

It was the figure of a child. He couldn’t see the appearance clearly, but in an instant, a name popped into Lin Yunliang’s mind. Although he didn’t know why this name came to mind.

He asked casually, “Who was that just now?”

“What?” The butler reacted quickly and immediately explained, “It should be a servant’s child.”

“The house in front, you should have seen it when you came in. That’s the servants’ quarters.”

“Don’t let the old master’s fierce appearance fool you; he does have some kindness occasionally. We allow servants to bring their children here.”

“That person just now should be a servant’s child, unrelated to the old master.”

The butler knew that Lin Xueshu had waited for many years, hoping his son would let go of his grudges and return. One of the main reasons the father and son had argued back then was Lin Xueshu’s illegitimate son.

Fearing that Lin Yunliang might overthink it, he deliberately added a few words to cover up for him. After saying it, he belatedly realized that there was no need to cover up for him, but since the words were already spoken, he couldn’t take them back and had to remain silent.

Lin Yunliang gave the impression of not being like a child when interacting with people; he was very mature. Although there were mature children, perhaps the Lin family’s relatives really didn’t know how to teach their children. The butler had truly never met anyone as sensible as Lin Yunliang, so he subconsciously treated him as an adult.

But in reality, the person in front of him was just an eleven-year-old child.

If Lin Yunliang knew his thoughts, he would definitely be happy. He knew himself that he was not a child, and living like a child would only make him feel awkward.

Lin Yunliang found the butler’s explanation baffling. Why did it have to be related to Lin Xueshu? However, he agreed with one statement, “I know, his eyesight isn’t that bad.”

That was true. Lin Xueshu came from a good background. Even if he were to find someone, he wouldn’t look for someone close by. The butler clearly understood this. He thought, Young master, even if you want to say it, don’t say it so bluntly.

“Your room is here.” The two chatted as they quickly reached the room.

“Thank you.”

The room was large and fully equipped. Even the walk-in closet was filled with clothes in Lin Yunliang’s size, all new. This showed how much Lin Xueshu welcomed Lin Yunliang’s family.

Appropriate communication could indeed promote father-son relationships. Lin’s father, after repeated instructions from Lin’s mother, also tried to ease his attitude.

It was the first time the father and son had a heart-to-heart talk, and it also allowed them to let go of the knots of many years.

It could be considered a good thing.

And Lin Yunliang’s curiosity was also answered.

The Lin family’s garden was very large, suitable for leisurely strolls.

“You… what’s your name?” a timid voice came, it was a boy’s voice.

Lin Yunliang turned his head and recognized him at a glance. It was that guy. The guy he had seen.

As Lin Yunliang sized him up, the other person was also sizing him up.

“Actually,” seeing Lin Yunliang remain silent, the other person continued, “we’ve met before.”

“My name is Du Lin, what’s yours?”

Du Lin continued to speak. He indeed wasn’t lying, and he had seen Lin Yunliang before, but he had never known his name. Du Lin’s home was also near the small garden, but his family background was ordinary, and his parents were busy working to earn money every day.

He had longed more than once to watch the children playing in the garden, and he envied their carefree lives. Such days never belonged to him.

However, he never expected to meet the person who had appeared near the garden back then. Not knowing what he was thinking, Du Lin approached and struck up a conversation.

At this moment, Lin Yunliang understood some things.

When he learned of the ending from Siam, Lin Yunliang had doubts. For example, why did it conveniently fall into the hands of the Xu family? Yes, the Xu family was influential, but he didn’t believe that the Xu family was the only wolf in the forest.

Seeing Du Lin now, he understood. The plot clearly stated that Du Lin’s family was not well-off, and he grew up with his parents constantly struggling.

At this time, Lin Yunliang should not have been here, but Du Lin was here because of his mother’s identity as a servant. While Lin Xueshu was deeply missing his son and grandson, a child of similar age appeared.

With this kind of relationship, it was not surprising that the Lin family’s assets eventually fell into the hands of the Xu family.

Of course, these were all Lin Yunliang’s own thoughts, not yet confirmed. But even these thoughts alone were enough for Lin Yunliang to decide not to give the person in front of him a good look.

Seeing that the other person was slow to respond, Du Lin’s face turned red. He had some intentions, but he was still young, and they were too obvious.

Under that scrutinizing gaze, he couldn’t help but shrink back.

There were other people in the garden. Soon, a servant saw this scene, turned pale, and quickly stepped forward, pulling the stunned Du Lin, who stood there like a wooden block. There was undisguised blame in her eyes.

Then she turned and looked at Lin Yunliang with a fawning expression.

“Young master, there’s a swimming pool further back. Would you like to take a look?”

“No need,” Lin Yunliang said, his gaze falling on Du Lin again. “Since the Lin family generously allows people to be brought here, don’t do anything inappropriate.”

For example, coming over to talk to the hosts. This was not something people of their status should do.

The servant understood Lin Yunliang’s meaning. Looking at the imposing young boy in front of her, even though she was the adult, she was still intimidated by Lin Yunliang’s demeanor. She swallowed and quickly said, “Yes. You are right.”

“You may withdraw.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” She responded repeatedly and then dragged Du Lin away with her.

Lin Yunliang didn’t care what happened to Du Lin and his mother later. He knew that most of the matters in the Lin mansion wouldn’t be hidden from Lin Xueshu and the butler. He didn’t care about this.

Life went on. During this time, Lin Yunliang would occasionally think of his little playmate. He could have asked Lin’s mother for his contact information, but he didn’t.

He harbored some thoughts that made him unusually fearful. Before, Zhang Qing’an liked to cling to him because Zhang Qing’an was young and had poor health, and he was the only one around. Now that Zhang Qing’an had returned to his mother’s side, his mother would surely take him for proper treatment.

When he got better and could run and jump, perhaps he would have forgotten his playmate.

Lin Yunliang was worried, but he didn’t know that the person himself had come looking for him.