Liu Ya had been silent for a while, sitting to the side with her eyes constantly roaming up and down Lin Han—like a mother-in-law sizing up a potential son-in-law.
Appearance, height, temperament, family background, manner of speech—on every front, he was flawless.
Even her own heart fluttered unexpectedly, leaving her strangely giddy.
If she had met someone like Lin Han twenty years earlier, she never would have ended up marrying someone like Wang Laojiu.
Now, of course, such thoughts were nothing but idle fantasies. What truly mattered was whether she could help bring Lin Han and Chuxue together.
If that happened, with the Lin family's tree to lean on, the Wang family's future would be secure beyond worry.
When Wang Chuxue brought out the pastries and heard Lin Han's compliments, her own heart swelled with joy.
For the first time, she felt that maybe all those things her parents had drilled into her weren't completely pointless. Take these traditional pastries, for instance—what wealthy young lady nowadays would personally make them by hand?
Her peach-blossom eyes flickered toward Lin Han every so often before darting away, feigning nonchalance.
No matter her feelings, she could always hide them well. It had been her lifelong habit.
But every glance only deepened her amazement.
He's so handsome! Not a single flaw in sight. His aura was magnetic, his outfit today clean, fresh, and sunlit. Every movement—every smile—radiated an effortless ease that made people want to draw closer.
And he knew so much. One moment he was discussing tea with her father, the next it was calligraphy. Whatever the topic, he could respond with ease, leaving no gaps, no awkward pauses. He even made her father laugh heartily, as though he'd found a long-lost soulmate.
Chuxue recalled a saying: If someone can speak with you on any topic and make the conversation effortless, it means their knowledge and perspective far exceed your own.
Which meant this young man was, in fact, more capable than even her father.
For reasons she couldn't quite explain, the rebellion and resistance that had been building in her heart suddenly glimpsed a sliver of light.
Before long, lunchtime arrived.
Wang Laojiu had gone all out today, hiring chefs with supposed imperial ancestry to prepare a full Manchu-Han Imperial Feast—eighty-one dishes in total, filling an entire table.
Lin Han showered the feast with praise, flattering Wang Laojiu until he was practically floating with joy, his head spinning with pride.
For Lin Han, there was no burden at all. Complimenting others was the easiest, most effortless way to win them over—and surprisingly effective.
A few casual words, no real cost, and yet they brought people more joy than the most expensive gifts.
So the wine flowed, the conversation sparkled, and the meal ended in laughter all around.
"Lin, my dear nephew," Wang Laojiu said, chuckling, "shall we take a walk in the garden pavilion and enjoy some tea?"
"Perfect timing—I was just thinking the same," Lin Han replied with a smile, rising to his feet.
The two of them headed to the Wang family's private garden, sprawling over a dozen acres. Along the way, Lin Han showered compliments on everything from the koi pond to the songbirds.
Although they walked side by side, he deliberately kept half a step behind—a subtle gesture of respect.
He knew Wang Laojiu well enough to understand: while the man lacked true expertise, he paid close attention to such small details.
Sure enough, Wang Laojiu silently nodded in approval, his impression of Lin Han rising yet again.
Back in the dining hall, Liu Ya wore a rare look of seriousness as she leaned toward her daughter."Chuxue, what do you think of your Brother Lin Han?"
With a soft, innocent voice, Chuxue feigned ignorance."What do you mean, what do I think? He's very kind. You and Father seem to like him a lot."
"Silly girl, I'm asking if you like him," Liu Ya pressed.
"I… I don't know," Chuxue murmured, still pretending not to understand, her expression all wide-eyed innocence.
Liu Ya sighed in frustration."Child, how am I supposed to teach you? Our family can't compare to his. If you don't take the initiative, how will this ever work out? I've already decided—he's the perfect son-in-law for us."
Her tone was filled with disappointment, yet her mind was made up. If her daughter wouldn't act, then she would step in herself.
Meanwhile, in the pavilion, Wang Laojiu now treated Lin Han almost like family. His words had grown warmer, his tone more familiar."Xiao Lin, tell me honestly—this visit, is it purely personal, or is there some business involved?"
Lin Han no longer bothered to conceal his intent."Uncle Tianxiang, to be frank, there is some business. In Beijing, no matter who starts a company, they can't compare with your experience. I came to learn from you."
"Ha ha ha!"
Wang Laojiu roared with laughter."Learn from me? You give me too much credit! Still, I do have some experience in business. If your company ever runs into difficulties, you're welcome to come to me. I have some connections too—I won't be stingy."
"With your support, Uncle, I feel much more confident," Lin Han said sincerely.
After a pause, Wang Laojiu leaned in and asked,"Xiao Lin, tell me the truth. Why not rely on your family's influence? Don't tell me you've quarreled with them?"
He wasn't a fool. In every way, the Lin family outclassed him. Why would Lin Han humble himself to seek ties with the Wangs?
Lin Han smiled."To be honest, there's no conflict. But I've decided not to depend on the family. I want to build something on my own.
People love to gossip—'Lin Han is nothing without the Lin family.' Well, I'll prove them wrong. I'll carve my own path and make them eat their words."
"Excellent! That's exactly how a young man should think!"
Wang Laojiu gave a hearty thumbs-up."So many heirs from great families waste their days in idleness. You, on the other hand, have true ambition! That's what makes a family strong for generations. You outshine them a hundred times over."
"Uncle, you flatter me. I hardly deserve such praise," Lin Han replied modestly.
Just then, Liu Ya appeared, carrying a platter of fresh fruit.
"What are you two talking about that's got you so happy?" she asked with a smile.
"Xiao Lin was just telling me about his plans to build a business from scratch," Wang Laojiu answered proudly.
"Ah, perfect timing," he added. "You're already handling most of the company matters these days. If there's ever a profitable project, we should bring Lin Han's Lingxiao Capital in as a partner."
"Really? That would be wonderful!" Liu Ya exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
She had been wracking her brain for ways to deepen their ties with Lin Han, ideally binding their families together. Now the opportunity had appeared on its own.
"Then I'll thank Auntie Ya in advance," Lin Han said warmly, lifting his teacup in a toast.
Liu Ya waved it off with a smile."Nonsense—we're all working hard and helping each other. What I admire most is that, despite your powerful background, you still have the courage to strike out on your own. Unlike our silly Chuxue, who's far too naïve. Xiao Lin, when you have the time, you must guide her more."
"Little Sister Chuxue is quite remarkable," Lin Han replied smoothly. "I've heard she manages the company's affairs with great skill."
"She's nothing compared to you," Liu Ya countered quickly. "She still has much to learn."
"In that case, when I have some free time, I'll take her out for a walk—we can learn from each other," Lin Han said with a grin.
"Then it's settled!" Liu Ya nearly burst with excitement, holding herself back only because Lin Han was present.
From his words, it was clear he felt at least some fondness for Chuxue. That alone meant the battle for this son-in-law was already half-won.
Lin Han's lips curved into a subtle smile. Truly, comparing people can drive you mad.
Back in the novel he'd once read, from Ye Fan's perspective, Liu Ya was nothing but a shallow snob—constantly belittling him and looking down on him.
But now, faced with him, she was warm, accommodating, almost motherly.
No doubt about it—being the protagonist really could feel unfair at times.
Still, Lin Han didn't care if Liu Ya was genuine or not. As long as she treated him well, that was all that mattered.