"Chapter 299 - Going Home Together"

Leading Huilin to the reception area on the ground floor of the company, Yang Chen noticed various reception rooms designed with stylish elements and soundproof walls, which looked both attractive and minimalist.

Entering the room the receptionist mentioned, Yang Chen's guess was proven correct as he laid eyes on the person inside. Lin Zhiguo, dressed in a slightly heavy black coat, held a cup of hot tea delivered by the staff. Despite his relatively young face showing little sign of aging, he sat quietly in his seat, exuding a presence that commanded respect even without saying a word.

Standing quietly in a corner as usual, Grey was dressed in a grey robe, his head lowered as if dozing off.

Upon seeing Yang Chen and Huilin enter, Lin Zhiguo, who rarely smiled, showed a gentle smile, directed only at Huilin.

"Huilin, come over here by Grandpa," Lin Zhiguo beckoned to Huilin.

Huilin's face initially lit up with a hint of joy upon seeing Lin Zhiguo. However, she then appeared conflicted, hesitated for a moment, and finally sat down meekly next to Lin Zhiguo.

Yang Chen pulled up a chair for himself, crossed his legs, yawned, and remained silent.

Ignoring Yang Chen, Lin Zhiguo held his granddaughter's hand and asked warmly, "Have you been adjusting well here in Zhonghai these past few days? Is there anything you need? Grandpa can get it for you. I heard you're learning singing and dancing here. Do you want to become a singer?"

Huilin softly replied, "Grandpa, I'm not sure if I can become one. I actually just want to find a job I like."

"Hehe, my smart Huilin, you'll definitely succeed. By the way, since you're working here, how about Grandpa buys you a car?" Lin Zhiguo suggested.

Huilin quickly shook her head. "No need, Grandpa. I don't know how to drive, and Sister said she would pick me up."

Lin Zhiguo's face brightened. "Huilin, did you say Sister? You mean Ruo Xi? Aren't you resentful towards her?"

Yang Chen, who was nearby, also looked at Huilin curiously. He wondered how she viewed Lin Ruoxi. Growing up beside Yunmiao Master, she should harbor resentment towards Lin Ruoxi, who was the third party, as her granddaughter.

"Why should I resent her?" Huilin said softly. "Sister is also pitiful. She didn't do anything wrong. If Grandmother dislikes her, she should only dislike her grandmother. That's their business. I just feel that the same blood flows through Sister and me. As long as Sister is good to me, I should like her."

Lin Zhiguo's eyes reddened slightly. Even a seasoned and high-ranking elder like him couldn't help but be emotionally moved by his granddaughter's words.

"Does Ruo Xi know who you are?" Lin Zhiguo asked, his voice filled with emotion.

Huilin shook her head. "I dare not say, Grandfather. I'm afraid Sister will hate me."

"I'm sorry, Huier. Because of my past mistakes, both of you have had such difficult lives," Lin Zhiguo sighed deeply with remorse.

Huilin fell silent, unsure of how to respond. Growing up with Master Yunmiao since childhood, she must harbor resentment towards Lin Zhiguo, who had wronged Master Yunmiao first and indirectly caused the deaths of her own parents overseas.

Standing quietly in the corner, the servant in gray suddenly spoke up. "Sir, if Miss Huier can live with Miss Ruoxi, someday the karma between them can be resolved. I believe in the near future, Sir will hear Miss Ruoxi call you Grandfather."

Lin Zhiguo's eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope, but he quickly suppressed it. Turning to Huilin, he said, "Huier, you are gentle, kind, and sensible, which comforts me. But your sister is more stubborn and resilient, often resorting to drastic measures. However, deep down, like you, she is fundamentally a good person. It's just that because of the harm I caused her, she had to grow up defiantly under external pressures. So if one day she discovers your true identity and gets angry at you, don't argue with her. She doesn't hate you; she blames me."

Huilin nodded slowly, biting her lip in silence.

Yang Chen's eyes flickered with nostalgia. Despite not witnessing Ruoxi's growth firsthand, Lin Zhiguo had a profound understanding of his granddaughter. Indeed, familial bonds carried the deepest understanding.

After exchanging some family matters with Huilin, Lin Zhiguo finally turned to Yang Chen, who had been waiting on the side for some time. "You seem to have encountered some significant trouble recently."

Yang Chen knew Lin Zhiguo was referring to the incident where he had killed Zeng Xinlin and Xu Zhihong. He chuckled, "It's not trouble, just a minor annoyance. If you insist on calling it trouble, then I find it troublesome to wipe out everyone from the Zeng family in Yandu."

"Hmph!" Lin Zhiguo snorted coldly. "You should know it's not realistic at all. Even though you have the capability, in this world, there are countless people who hate and resent you. Can you really wipe them all out? You're not an emotionless machine. Your willingness to return to Yanxia and live an ordinary life shows you're still human. Any killer knows that taking lives brings not only suffering to others but also to oneself. You wouldn't do something so foolish."

Huilin listened to their conversation with wide eyes, completely puzzled by what was going on, obediently refraining from interrupting.

Yang Chen scratched his cheek lightly. "Then what should I do? They all want to come after your granddaughter. While I can protect her, what about others I care about? I'm not omnipotent. Besides taking drastic measures when necessary, I have no other choice."

"Don't worry, the thing you're concerned about won't happen," Lin Zhiguo's lips curled into a knowing smile.

Yang Chen frowned. "What do you mean?"

"At the very least, until next year's summer change of office elections are over, the Zeng family won't dare to make any reckless moves. Unless they don't want to maintain their foothold in Yanxia's political arena," Lin Zhiguo asserted confidently.

Yang Chen pondered for a moment. "Did you apply pressure?"

"While our Lin family has some influence, we never interfere in aristocratic families or politics. Suffice it to say, someone with more clout than me has stepped in to help you, and that person's intervention is far more effective," Lin Zhiguo replied.

Watching Lin Zhiguo's cryptic expression, Yang Chen's mind raced through numerous possibilities. Finally, only one reason seemed plausible, but just thinking of that possibility stirred a strong sense of irritation within him. "I don't like meddlesome people," Yang Chen's breathing grew uneasy. "I can handle everything on my own."

"Yang Chen!" Lin Zhiguo suddenly raised his voice, his expression grave. "I always thought you were a man who was far more mature in thought than your years suggest. Now it seems that's not entirely true. In this world, not all problems can be solved through killing. That's the lowest method, and you know this better than anyone. Moreover, in this world, there are some things you can't deny just because you don't want to admit they exist! What's meant to be yours will be yours. You can try to escape, but you won't succeed!"

Yang Chen narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flashing in them. "If you only want to spout this nonsense at me, I'm not interested in hearing more."

Lin Zhiguo took a deep breath, took a sip of tea, then continued, "Alright, then let me tell you another matter."

"Hurry up, I'm almost off duty," Yang Chen said impatiently.

"You should also know that both the Dragon Group and the Jiaolong Brigade have suffered significant losses in manpower recently. Therefore, starting at the end of this month, we will be recruiting and selecting a batch of elites from various parts of Yanxia to serve as reserves for our Iron Brigade. They will undergo rigorous assessment and training at our training base in the South China Sea. I hope you can serve as the chief instructor there, providing them with practical combat guidance," Lin Zhiguo explained.

Yang Chen raised an eyebrow, unable to suppress a smile. "Aren't you just trying to give me trouble? If I become the chief instructor, isn't it obvious I'll be joining your family? I don't see how that benefits me."

"Firstly, you'll be the nominal chief instructor only. You can easily delegate daily teaching responsibilities to others. And don't think I don't know—last time, the team you brought in from abroad, causing a stir in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf regions, was the 'Seahawk' mercenary group. Our training lacks the tactical insights provided by such top-tier international mercenaries. Secondly, I can promise you that I will provide assistance in the future to protect those you care about. At the very least, they won't be caught off guard like what happened with the Zeng family," Lin Zhiguo said calmly, sipping his tea and patiently awaiting Yang Chen's response.

Yang Chen fell silent. Lin Zhiguo's offer did have its appeal, especially the promise of protection, which was a concern for him. After all, he couldn't deploy a large number of mercenaries to Yanxia to protect his loved ones. Even if they were willing, it would disrupt their normal work, which felt selfish to him. That was why he had initially only asked Soren to send a small team of Seahawk mercenaries.

Thinking further, with his impending divorce from Lin Ruoxi in six months, maintaining a friendly relationship with Lin Zhiguo seemed advantageous.

With these thoughts in mind, Yang Chen nodded. "Alright, but confidentiality must be ensured. I prefer to keep my involvement discreet, if possible, to avoid drawing attention."

Lin Zhiguo's face relaxed into a knowing smile. "Rest assured, I understand the importance of discretion. When the time comes for your participation, I'll make separate arrangements."

After concluding their discussion, Lin Zhiguo didn't linger. He exchanged a few words with Huilin about taking care of her health before quietly leaving the company with the servant in gray.

Shortly afterward, Huilin received a call from Lin Ruoxi, asking her to come downstairs and go home together.

Huilin appeared cheerful, seemingly eager to chat with Lin Ruoxi in the car. However, she made no mention of Lin Zhiguo's matter, not even half a word.

Checking the time, Yang Chen realized it was almost time to leave. He descended to his car and drove home.

During the drive, Yang Chen couldn't shake off thoughts about the person who had assisted him by pressuring the Zeng family. Though he couldn't pinpoint who it was exactly, the vague possibility stirred a string deep within him that he had buried for many years, causing a faint tremor in his heart.

Arriving home with a heavy heart, Yang Chen noticed Lin Ruoxi and Huilin had just arrived, stepping out of Lin Ruoxi's Bentley. They seemed to be having a good conversation, but upon seeing Yang Chen follow closely behind them, neither greeted him.

Yang Chen smiled bitterly. He could understand Lin Ruoxi's behavior, but seeing Huilin act the same way indicated she had learned her sister's cold indifference quite well. It seemed she picked up the art of ignoring people she didn't care for.

As he entered the house, Yang Chen couldn't help but address Lin Ruoxi, who seemed intent on ignoring him. "Ruoxi, could we talk? There are some things I'd like to discuss with you sooner rather than later."